Smoke detectors are essential in preventing fire deaths, but for families with young children, they may not be enough.
Research has shown that because children younger than 10 spend a significant amount of time in "slow-wave" sleep -- periods characterized by slow brain activity -- they don't always wake to an alarm. A familiar voice often will rouse them, however.
That's why KidSmart Corp. has introduced the Vocal Smoke Detector, an alarm that uses a recording of a voice such as a parent's to wake the child and guide him out of the house without panic. The message alternates with a siren.
A fire-drill button lets parents use the detector to simulate an emergency so children can be even better prepared in the event of a fire.
