Fire Protection Plan: New Smoke Detectors Set To Hit The Market (LIF: Safety

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

We all know the importance of having a functioning smoke alarm in our homes, but now new research suggests that sounding an “alarm” may not be enough to jolt (from their deep sleep) your family. In fact, what studies found was that smoke detectors featuring a recording of the mother’s voice were markedly better at waking children up than conventional residential tone alarms.

The bad news, according to experts, is that the new study confirms what some had already known, pointing out that children do not respond well to “traditional” smoke alarms. But, on the positive side, it does show that children “do,” respond (well) to the voice and instructions of their parents.

However, there were children who did not respond to either signal, despite an increase in decibel level.

And, they add, that since all the recordings were done by mom’s, it’s still unclear as to whether the child NEEDS to hear a mother’s voice or if dad’s voice (or any other familiar voice) will suffice. It also doesn’t tell the experts if the alarm must address the child/children by (first) name.

However, the recent study revealed that the voice alarms did not work quite as well for older adults and in fact were less effective. But, experts continue to encourage families to maintain working smoke alarms and to have an effective plan of action for escape.


And, just recently, in June, the National Fire Protection Association revised the National fire Alarm Code, and for the first time, voice notification smoke alarms will make their way to the market and into homes.

However, they caution that there is nothing (currently) on the market that compares to the alarms used in the study.

Long Island Safety Articles > Fire Protection Plan: New Smoke Detectors Set To Hit The Market (LIF: Safety