KidSmart 10012VSD User manual

Vocal Smoke Detector
Your Child, Your VoiceTM
Instruction Manual
Battery Operated
Model Number 10012VSD
For questions concerning your
KidSmartTM Vocal Smoke Detector
call our customer hotline at
877- KIDSMART.
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Table of Contents
1. Quick Reference Guide 1
About the KidSmartTM Vocal Smoke Detector 1
Features and Benefits 2
Important Safety Operation 3
General Limitations 4
The Dangers of Fire 4
Different Types of Smoke Alarms 5
2. Programming Your Vocal Smoke Detector 6
Quick Programming Guide 6
What to Record in Your Vocal Smoke Detector 7
(How to awaken, calm and instruct with your personal message)
3. Installing the KidSmartTM Vocal Smoke Detector 12
Where to Install This Alarm 12
How to Install Your Vocal Smoke Detector 15
4. Fire Drills and Practicing Your Escape Plan 17
Practice Fire Safety 17
Initiating a Fire Drill 17
Recommended Fire Drill Usage 18
Escape Plan 18
5. What To Do If The Alarm Sounds 19
6. Understanding the Indicator Lights & Horn Pattern 20
7. Maintaining Your Vocal Smoke Detector 21
8. Troubleshooting 24
9. Other Safety information 26
10. Warranty and Service Information 27
Product Registration
To register your five year warranty please complete and detach the
Product Registration card, enclose it in an envelope and mail it to:
KidSmart Corporation
8351 Roswell Road, Suite 382
Atlanta, GA 30350, USA
You can also register online at www.kidsmartcorp.com.
This manual and the products described herein are copyrighted,
with all rights reserved. Under these copyright laws, no part of
this manual may be copied for use without the written consent
of KidSmart Corporation. If you require further information,
please contact our consumer hotline at 877-KIDSMART or write
us at the above address. Our email address can be found
at www.kidsmartcorp.com.
KidSmartTM Vocal Smoke Detector
Product Registration
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone Number
Alarm Model Number (located on back of unit)
Date of Manufacture (located on back of unit)
Date of Purchase
Where Purchased
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or distributers be liable for loss of use of this product or for any
indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages or costs or
expenses incurred by the purchaser, consumer or any other user of
this product whether due to a breach of contract, negligence, strict
liability in tort or otherwise, whether or not such damages, costs or
expenses were foreseeable. KidSmart and its suppliers shall have
no liability for any personal injury, property damage or any special,
incidental, contingent or consequential damage of any kind result-
ing from gas leakage, fire or explosion.
KidSmart will not repair or replace any unit that has been damaged
from neglect, abuse or failure to comply with any of the enclosed
instructions.
Some states do not allow limitations of the duration of an implied
warranty, additionally some states do not allow the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential damages. Therefore,
the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.
While this warranty gives you specific legal rights, you may
also have other rights depending upon your place of residence.
Unless alterations to the above warranty are in writing and signed
by both parties, no changes to the warranty will be recognized.
The warranty may not be altered except in writing signed by both
parties hereto.
Your KidSmartTM Vocal Smoke Detector is not a substitute for
property, fire, disability, life or other insurance of any kind.
Appropriate insurance coverage is your responsibility.
Consult your insurance agent. Removal of the front cover
will void warranty.
This alarm is not intended to alert the hearing impaired individual.
1. Quick Reference Guide
WARNING! These quick instructions and recommendations provide
you with an overview of how to use your Vocal Smoke Detector.
Read the user manual in its entirety before installing and using
the KidSmartTM Vocal Smoke Detector.
About the Vocal Smoke Detector
The KidSmartTM Vocal Smoke Detector is a new smoke alarm system
based on children’s sleep and auditory patterns. Our system detects
smoke, but uses an innovative method to inform the child of the fire.
The KidSmartTM Vocal Smoke Detector supplements the high-pitched
beeps of conventional detectors with spoken instructions recorded
by parents or other caregivers.
Conventional smoke alarms have two serious limitations. First,
although extremely loud, these alarms do not reliably awaken children;
many children sleep right through the beeping. Second, if the child
does wake up, these meaningless sounds give no instruction about
what to do to escape the fire. Children do not naturally know what to
do in these emergencies. Sometimes they attempt to hide under
beds or in closets, which can have tragic consequences.
The KidSmartTM Vocal Smoke Detector’s method of recording a
parent’s voice addresses both of these problems. Of course parents’
rescue their children whenever possible, but when they can’t get
there, KidSmartTM provides the next best thing. The KidSmartTM
Vocal Smoke Detector brings your voice to your child when
he or she needs it the most.
There are over 400,000 home fires each year in the United States.
Young children are at particularly high risk in home fires. In fact,
each year more than 40,000 children under age 14 are seriously
injured or killed in these residential fires. Fortunately, there is
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something parents can do to help: Teach children what to do if a
fire occurs in the home. Nothing is more effective at preventing
injury in home fires than preparation and practice.
Features and Benefits
Familiar Voice
The KidSmartTM Vocal Smoke Detector is the only smoke detector
that enables you to record a message using your own voice.
Research studies from different independent testing authorities
have shown that using a familiar voice dramatically increases the
chances of awakening a child, compared to traditional smoke
alarms. The child hears the familiar voice message and is less
afraid and disoriented and is able to follow the recorded
instructions to exit the household.
Drill Function
Rehearsing escape plans is a critical part of being able to
effectively react in the event of a fire. Practice is vital to fire safety.
Recorded messages are most effective when they remind children
of instructions that have already been learned and practiced.
Therefore, it is important to hold fire drills in which your children
practice their evacuation procedure. The Vocal Smoke Detector is
the only smoke detector on the market with a specific and
conveniently located “Fire Drill” button that lets you practice fire
drills with your children safely and easily.
Vocal Smoke Detector Horn and High Quality Speaker
The device alternates the standard smoke alarm horn and your
familiar voice message. The high quality speaker plays back
your recorded message at approximately 85dbs at 8 feet or more
depending upon the recording level of your original message.
The horn meets all UL and ULC standards for audible horn
(US and Canada.)
11. Warranty and Service Information
Limited Warranty
KidSmart warrants to the consumer that purchases the product that
the enclosed alarm (excluding the batteries) will be free of defects
in material or workmanship, if used as directed for a period of five
years from the date of purchase. The obligation of KidSmart under
this warranty is limited to repairing or replacing the alarm or any
part which we find to be defective in material or workmanship, free
of charge. Send the alarm with proof of date of purchase, postage
and prepaid return postage to:
Warranty Service Department
KidSmart Corporation
8351 Roswell Road, Suite 382
Atlanta, GA 30350, USA
Please include your name, address, and phone number
along with a brief description of what is wrong with the unit.
For further assistance please call our toll free Consumer
Hotline at 877-KIDSMART.
KidSmart makes no warranty, express, implied, written or oral,
including that of merchantability of fitness for any particular
purpose, with respect to the batteries.
This warranty is void if the alarm has been damaged, modified,
abused or altered after the date of purchase or if it fails to operate
due to improper installation, maintenance or inadequate DC power,
or used in any way other than pursuit to the enclosed instructions.
Any implied warranties arising out of this sale, including but not
limited to the implied warranties of description, merchantability
and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited in duration to the
above warranty period. In no event shall KidSmart and its suppliers
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3
Indicator Lights
The Vocal Smoke Detector is equipped with a bright light ring that
illuminates during drills and in case of an alarm.
Low Battery Warning
The device checks its battery level automatically on a regular
basis. If the battery level falls below a critical level, the device will
emit a chirping sound once every minute to indicate a low battery
status. Batteries should be replaced as soon as the chirping
begins.
Self-Testing Function
The device checks to make sure the batteries and smoke sensor
are fully functional by performing a self-test. The self-test is
indicated by a brief red flash of the light ring around the “drill”
button. The self-test occurs once every forty seconds.
Weekly Test Function
The device should be checked weekly for proper operation.
By pressing the fire drill button briefly once, the device will
run a self test. Upon successful completion of this self testing
procedure, the device will beep three times and playback your
recorded message.
Important Safety Information
Because smoke in one area may not reach a smoke alarm in
another, smoke alarms are recommended in every room and on
every level of the home. Interconnected alarms can provide better
whole-home protection than stand-alone alarms. This alarm is
designed to be used in ordinary indoor locations of single-family
households only. The sensitivity of the smoke sensors, the horn
patterns and the speaker sound level comply with UL/ULC
standards.
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10. Additional Safety Information
Fire Prevention
Never smoke in bed, or leave cooking food unattended.
Warn children of the danger in playing with matches or lighters.
Everyone in the home should recognize the voice message
warnings and know to leave the home using the previously
determined escape plan.
Learn how to Stop, Drop and Roll if clothes catch on fire,
and how to crawl low under smoke.
You should teach everybody in the household to touch the door
before opening it. If the door is hot teach them NOT TO OPEN the
door and consider an alternate escape route. If the door is not hot,
they should exit the house through the door with caution,
and utilize hallways and staircases if possible. You should
also teach them to crawl along the floor to stay below dangerous
smoke, fumes and gases.
Install and maintain fire extinguishers on every level of the home
including the basement. Additionally, extinguishers should be
installed in the kitchen, and garage. Learn how to use a fire
extinguisher prior to an emergency. Second levels and higher
occupied rooms with windows should have escape ladders.
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4
General Limitations
This alarm, like ALL alarms has limitations. It is not foolproof
and is intended to contribute to but not warranted to protect lives
or property. This alarm should not be considered as a substitute
for insurance.
Smoke alarms do not sense heat, flame, or gas; they only activate
when smoke reaches their sensors. In some cases, smoke may not
activate the sensors QUICKLY ENOUGH to ensure safe escape.
Smoke alarms do not prevent or extinguish fires.
If the alarm is poorly positioned, obstructed, and/or competing
with ambient noise, the probability of successfully alerting every
household member decreases. The condition of the residents may
also affect the effectiveness of the alarm; it is not intended to alert
residents who are hard of hearing.
It is possible for the alarm to fail at any time. You must test the
alarm weekly and replace it every 5 years.
The Dangers of Fire
Fire is unpredictable and dangerous. It can elevate air temperatures
at eye-level to over 1200°F (650°C), and completely destroy a
multi-level home in minutes! A fire can rapidly engulf a house
in flames or smolder slowly for hours depending on the source,
environmental conditions, and objects within the home.
A typical fire allows residents only minutes to get to safety,
so it is important to have adequate alarms within the home.
Each level should have at least one alarm, with additional
alarms in each bedroom.
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The Vocal Smoke Detector does not attach back onto the
mounting plate.
* Check that all batteries are present in the battery compartment.
The device is designed so that it cannot be attached to the
mounting plate in the absence of batteries. Replace batteries.
The Vocal Smoke Detector chirps once every minute.
* This indicates a low battery condition. Replace all batteries
with recommended batteries. (Duracell MN1500, MX1500 or
Energizer E91.)
Alarm sounds but no hazard is present.
* Take Emergency Safety Actions in all alarm situations!
If no hazard proves to be present, test the alarm to check for
proper functioning by pushing the drill function button once.
Clean the alarm. (See Chapter 7 - CLEANING.)
Check that the alarm is placed properly.
(See Chapter 3 - WHERE TO INSTALL THIS ALARM.)
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Different Types of Smoke Alarms
Photoelectric smoke alarms, such as this alarm, excel in detecting
slow, smoldering fires which produce a substantial amount of
smoke before bursting into flame. These fires are often the result
of burning cigarettes left unattended near flammable objects.
Ionization smoke alarms generally detect high combustion,
flaming fires which spread quickly. Paper burning within a trash
can, and grease fires in kitchens are potential sources of such
high intensity fires.
NOTE
- This alarm uses only a photoelectric type detector
for sensing smoke. You may wish to consider installing other
ionization alarms or combination ionization/photoelectric dual
sensor alarms in your home for increased protection.
9. Troubleshooting
Alarm does not sound and lights do not flash when unit(s)
is tested.
* Make sure the yellow pull out battery tab has been removed
prior to installation. If it is still in place, pull this tab out and
record your own personalized message.
* If the problem still persists, replace all 4 batteries at once
with brand new batteries. Make sure you insert the batteries
as recommended on the diagram shown at the bottom of the
battery compartment. Test the unit again by pushing the
drill button once.
* If the problem still persists, contact the appropriate source for
service or replacement.
The alarm horn works but you can not hear the message
playback during the drill function.
* Detach the unit from its mounting plate by twisting it counter
clockwise.
* Push the Record/Play button once. If you don’t hear anything
but the light turns on around the drill function button, re-record
your own personal message and test the unit again. If the
problem persists contact the appropriate source for service or
replacement.
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2. Programming Your Vocal Smoke Detector
Quick Programming Guide
The Vocal Smoke Detector must be programmed PRIOR to
mounting. Failure to comply with this recommendation will
transform your Vocal Smoke Detector into a regular smoke alarm
with a loud horn alarm and no customized message.
Engaging the Batteries
1. Remove the mounting bracket from the unit.
2. Remove the yellow Battery Pull Tab from the back of the unit.
Removing the tab will engage the batteries to power the unit.
3. Turn the unit over and make sure a red light is briefly flashing
once every 40 seconds. The red light indicates your unit is
now battery powered and you are ready to record your
personal message.
Recording Your Message
(refer to next section for effective message examples)
1. Turn over the unit.
You will see a MIC at the top of the unit and a button on the
bottom that says Record/Play.
2. To record your message, press and hold the “RECORD/Play”
button and speak very loudly and seriously into MIC after
the beep.
3. To end recording, release the “RECORD/Play” button.
623
Repair
CAUTION!
Do not attempt to repair this alarm. Doing so will void
your warranty.
If the alarm is not operating properly, see “Troubleshooting.”
If necessary and if still under warranty, return the alarm to
KidSmart Corporation as described in the Warranty and Service
Information section of this instruction manual.
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4. The unit will automatically play back your message to check
its sound level. A flashing green light indicates that the
message has been saved. A flashing red light indicates
that the message needs to be recorded again.
5. To listen to your message again, press “RECORD/Play”
button once.
What to Record in the KidSmartTM Vocal Smoke Detector
Recorded messages in Vocal Smoke Detectors have three goals:
1. Awakening the child
2. Calming the child
3. Instructing the child
The strength of the KidSmartTM system is that it allows parents to
customize their messages for each individual child. This manual
will explain how to create an effective script, as well as offer
examples. Because the optimal script depends on the layout of
the home and the capabilities of each child, the developers of the
KidSmartTM Vocal Smoke Detector hope to collaborate with parents
using their familiar voice message to create the best possible
instructions for each family.
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Battery Replacement
Replace the batteries at least once a year or immediately when the
low battery chirp sounds. This unit uses only alkaline AA batteries.
Duracell MN1500, MX1500 or Energizer E91.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT USE ANY OTHER TYPE OF BATTERIES,
EXCEPT THOSE SPECIFIED IN THIS MANUAL.
DO NOT USE RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES.
TO REPLACE THE BATTERIES:
1. Remove unit from mounting bracket by turning it
counterclockwise.
2. Turn unit over to expose battery door.
3. Push tab to release battery door and remove drained batteries
from compartment and discard.
4. Install fresh alkaline AA batteries from the list of correct
batteries listed in this manual.
5. Close battery door.
6. Turn over unit and check to see the unit is functioning.
The red ring will briefly flash once every forty seconds.
IMPORTANT: If red light does not blink, check batteries and
connection. If problem persists, check “Trouble Shooting” chapter.
CAUTION: Never leave the battery door open to silence a Low
Battery Warning. Replace the batteries and close the battery door
after the batteries are replaced.
7
MICROPHONE
BATTERY DOOR
RECORD/Play
BUTTON
MOUNTING
PLATE TABS
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8
Awakening the Child
This first step sounds simple, but it can be more difficult than it
seems. Children are very sound sleepers and can sleep through
extremely loud sounds, as evidenced by the frequent failure of
conventional smoke alarms in awakening children. Fortunately,
research has discovered one type of sound that is more effective
than any other at awakening people: the sound of the person’s own
name. (Psychological research on the “cocktail party effect” has
demonstrated this special responsiveness of the human hearing
system to the sound of one’s own name.)
The KidSmartTM system capitalizes on this responsiveness by
enabling parents to record a message that includes their child’s
name. (Generic recordings do not have this capability and are less
effective.) Parents should begin their message with the child’s
name and say the name at least twice in the message.
Calming the Child
The possibility of panic is a significant danger in fire emergencies,
because children who are overwhelmed by fear might fail to take
effective action for escape. The KidSmartTM system has significant
calming capability, because the sound of a parent’s voice is reas-
suring to most children. In addition, it is helpful for the recorded
message to include a brief statement designed to encourage the
child and reduce the danger of panic. This part of the message
should simply state that the child will be okay, and he or she
should listen to the instructions and do what they say.
Instructing the Child
Evacuation instructions are the part of the recorded message
requiring the most thought and planning from parents. Usually, this
will be the longest part of the recording. We want to provide
children with an optimal amount of information – not too little and
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8. Maintaining Your Vocal Smoke Detector
To keep your Vocal Smoke Detector in good working order,
please follow the simple steps below:
Testing
Verify the unit is functioning properly by pushing the “Hold to
Drill” button once a week or upon returning from vacation or when
no one has been in the household for several days. The unit will
run through the alarm sequence ONCE. The alarm sequence is
as follows: The red ring will flash and the unit will emit the tonal
alarm message at 85dbs for four seconds, followed by the
personal message.
Cleaning
To ensure proper functionality, remove dust, dirt, or debris
build-up at least once a month. Remove the unit from the
mounting bracket and using the soft brush or wand attachment to
a vacuum cleaner, vacuum all sides and cover of the alarm.
Be sure all the vents are free of debris before reinstalling the unit.
REINSTALL
IMMEDIATELY AND THEN TEST THE UNIT BY
PRESSING
THE “HOLD TO DRILL BUTTON.”
IMPORTANT: Do not remove the cover or clean inside the smoke
alarm. Do not use abrasive cleansers or spray the alarm with
cleaning agents or waxes, especially those cleaners containing
ammonia. These liquids may impair the performance of sensors,
and prevent the alarm from alerting you to a fire. Do not submerge
the alarm in water. Avoid using air fresheners, hair spray or other
aerosols near the unit. Do not paint the unit. Paint will seal the
vents and interfere with the sensor’s ability to detect smoke.
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9
not too much. Parents should be careful not to include excessive
information in the message, because this type of overload can
confuse children and prevent them from understanding any
information at all. It is important to remember the conditions
under which your child will hear the message: He or she will be
awakened in the middle of the night and will need to respond
quickly to an emergency. Given the effects of sleep and the
importance of quick action, it is best to make your message as
simple and clear as possible, so your child will be able to make
use of the instructions you record.
The complexity of recorded instructions should be appropriate to
the child’s cognitive level, which usually corresponds to the child’s
age. Young children should receive very simple messages. Older
children and adolescents should receive more complex instructions.
One issue related to complexity is whether or not the instructions
should include contingency plans. In fire emergencies,contingency
planning means stating more than one possible response to the fire
and identifying which option to use in different situations.
Parents should decide whether or not to include contingency
planning in their message based on their assessment of the
child’s ability to make use of this complex type of information.
Contingency planning is appropriate for most children above age
seven years. However, young children are not generally capable
of responding competently to complex instructions of this type.
Therefore, instructions for children below age seven generally
should not include contingency planning. (Children aged
6-7 years are in the gray area, and parents of these children
should decide whether to include contingency planning based
on their assessment of the child’s abilities.)
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6. Understanding the Indicator Lights
& Horn Patterns
Indicator Lights
Red LED flashes every 40 seconds - Unit is functioning
properly and is checking for hazardous smoke and battery life.
With an AC/DC model, the unit is also monitoring the interconnect
for signals from other smoke and heat alarms.
Red LED flashing constantly - Device senses smoke.
Alarm and personal message will sound.
Green LED (back of unit)- Indicates user is recording message
or playing back a successfully recorded message.
Red LED (back of unit)- Personal message has been incorrectly
recorded.
Horn Patterns
Unit chirps once a minute - Low Battery Warning. Batteries need
to be changed. The unit will still be fully functioning for seven days.
After seven days, the unit will chirp until the batteries die .
Alarm Function - Unit flashes red light, emits 85dbs alarm for 4
seconds followed by personal wake-up message. This sequence
will run continuously until the alarm condition returns to normal.
There is no way of disengaging the alarm, once the unit has sensed
smoke, unless the unit is moved to fresh air or batteries are removed.
Drill Function - After the drill button is depressed, unit will delay
five seconds before going into the alarm sequence for 3 minutes.
User can disengage the drill function by pressing the “Hold to Drill”
button once.
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5. What To Do In Case The Alarm Sounds
WARNING: THE SOUND OF THE ALARM HORN OR VOICE PLAYBACK
REQUIRES YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION AND ACTION. DO NOT IGNORE
THE ALARM! TAKE EMERGENCY ACTION IMMEDIATELY!
DO
NOT disconnect battery to silence the alarm as this
may
seriously compromise your safety.
Assess
the situation around you and take appropriate action.
Check
first for fire.
In Case of Fire
Exit the household immediately by following the safest of your
escape plans depending on the area of danger. Do not stop to pick
up anything along the way. You can tell if a door is safe to open by
touching it with the back of your hand. If it is hot, consider an
alternate escape route. If it isn’t hot, open the door slowly and be
prepared to close it if you sense heat or smoke.
* Crawl low if you have to go through areas with heavy smoke.
* Stop, Drop and Roll if any of your clothes catch on fire.
* Meet other members of the household in the predefined
location outside.
* Make certain all persons are accounted for.
* Call 911 from outside the house as soon as possible.
* Never consider re-entering the household without proper
authorization from the fire department representative.
Low Battery Alarm
If the battery level runs low, the unit will chirp once every minute.
Replace all 4 AA batteries immediately. Follow instructions at the
bottom of the battery compartment for sequence of installation.
The unit will not work and cannot be placed back on its mounting
plate without batteries. If you do not replace the batteries, this low
battery warning will continue for at least 7 days, while still fully
functioning. After 7 days, the unit will chirp until the batteries die.
10
Instructions for young children.Recorded directions for young
children should state only the basics of what the child should do
in the event of a fire emergency. There should be three basic
directions: (1) wake up, (2) leave the home, and (3) meet at a
specified place (do not re-enter the home.)
Parents should use a tone of voice that communicates a sense
of seriousness and urgency. This tone should strike a balance:
You do not want to panic your children by sounding hysterical,
but it is important to convey that you mean business in these
recorded messages.
The KidSmartTM system provides 15 seconds of recording time
for your familiar voice message. This is not a long time; therefore,
it is important to choose your words carefully.
The device will repeat the message a number of times.
With these points in mind, here is an example of a script
appropriate for young children:
“_______ (child’s name) wake up! Its Mommy, there is a fire in
the house. You’ll be okay, remember what we practiced _______
(child’s name.) Get out of your room, down the stairs and out the
door; meet me by the tree in the front yard.”
Instructions for older children. These directions can be more
complicated and can involve contingency planning; the recordings
can tell children different things to do in different situations.
For example, messages can remind the child of two possible
escape routes from the home, so that if the first route is blocked
by the fire, the child has an alternate way to go.
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18
The delay should last about 5 seconds before the Vocal Smoke
Detector starts the fire drill. The fire drill will run for about 3
minutes. If you wish to end the fire drill sooner, just push the fire
drill button once and the device will terminate the drill exercise.
Recommended Fire Drill Usage
There should be a fire drill soon after the initial evacuation
training and then again about one month later, so the new learning
is established in the child’s memory. After that, home fire drills
should be held about once every six months. One way to
remember the timing of these drills is to do them whenever
you change your clocks, whether moving them forward in the
spring or setting clocks back in the fall. These fire drills take
a little bit of time, but they will greatly increase your children’s
safety in the event of a fire – and your children are worth it!
Escape Plan
It is important to carefully prepare an escape plan prior to needing
it. Plans should include at least two different ways out of every
room, door, and window; as mentioned before fire is unpredictable
and could prevent the use of one or more exit strategies. Identify a
meeting place outside of the house so you know when everyone is
safe. Call the fire department from OUTSIDE the building and wait
for them to arrive. Never go back into a burning building.
11
One important contingency in a fire involves a choice between
three options: (1) leaving the home by walking or crawling out,
(2) leaving by climbing out a window, and (3) staying in place and
waiting for rescue, rather than attempting to leave. Most of the
time, the best thing to do is option #1, walking or crawling out of
the home. However, sometimes the fire outside the child’s room is
so severe that escape routes are blocked. The way to tell whether
this is the case is to touch the door; if it is hot to the touch, the
door should not be opened, and the child should not leave the
room. If the door is not hot, the child should walk or crawl out of
the home.
If the option of walking out is not possible, there are two other
options. Sometimes children can escape through a window,
perhaps by going down a fire escape or using a ladder. If this
cannot be done, the remaining option is to stay in place and wait
for rescue by firefighters or parents. If possible, children should
seal openings around the door and open the window to let air in.
Fires sometimes produce thick, hazardous smoke that can be
difficult or even impossible to walk through. The most effective
response to this problem is to get close to the floor, where the
air is better (because smoke rises), and to move by crawling,
not walking. The example below, which is appropriate for older
children, takes the above possibilities into consideration:
“_______ (child’s name) wake up! It’s Daddy.
There is a fire in the house. You’ll be okay, remember what we
practiced_______ (child’s name.) Touch the door. If it’s not hot,
open it, and meet us in the front yard. Remember to crawl if it’s
smoky. If the door is hot, don’t open it. Climb out the window.”
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17
4. Fire Drills and Practicing Your Escape Plan
Practice Fire Safety
Practice is vital to fire safety. Recorded messages are most
effective when they remind children of instructions that have
already been learned and practiced. Therefore, it is important to
hold fire drills in which your children practice their evacuation
procedure. To prevent these drills from frightening the children,
explain that your safety measures will keep everyone safe
if a fire occurs.
There are three steps to training your children to respond to a
home fire. First, let them listen to the recorded instructions you
make with the KidSmartTM Vocal Smoke Detector, so they will not
be confused by hearing your voice without your physical presence.
Then, have your children perform the evacuation instructions
several times, so they know exactly what to do and can do it
quickly and automatically. Finally, hold occasional fire drills at
night. You should tell your children about the drills in advance,
so they are not frightened when awakened by the smoke detector.
Initiating a Fire Drill
Initiating a fire drill is easy. When the Vocal Smoke Detector is
mounted on the ceiling you will be able to access the fire drill
button.
In order to initiate the fire drill you should push and hold the
button down for about 2 seconds until the light ring lights up red.
The light ring will flash several times at regular intervals indicating
that a delayed initiation of the fire drill has been activated.
If you used a chair or a step ladder be careful and don’t rush
coming down as you might risk serious injuries if you fall.
3. Installing the KidSmartTM
Vocal Smoke Detector
Where to Install This Alarm
Optimally, Vocal Smoke Detectors should be installed in each
child’s bedroom. With this arrangement, the alarm signal should
be loud enough to awaken the child, and parents will be able to
tailor their recorded messages for the location of each room and
the personality of each child.
If it is not possible to have a detector in each room, one should be
installed on each floor of the home. This is a minimum require-
ment for fire safety. The detector should be placed just inside each
bedroom’s door with the speaker aimed directly at the child’s bed.
IMPORTANT! The following are general guidelines to assist you
in optimizing the location(s) of your alarm installation.
Recommended Number of Alarms
Fire safety professionals recommend that each room of your house
be equipped with a smoke alarm. For minimum protection, you
should have a smoke alarm centrally located on each level of your
home AND a smoke alarm in each bedroom and sleeping area.
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This alarm, like all alarms, sounds only after smoke reaches its
sensors. Environmental obstructions can prevent the alarm from
activating, and alerting you to danger. Install the alarm where it will
be free of special barriers and ambient noise. Experiment with your
installation choice to assure the alert can be heard in various
rooms within the house.
Avoid Installing Smoke Alarms in the Following Locations:
- Near areas or appliances with high humidity. (i.e. bathrooms,
dishwashers, or washing machines.) Install at least 10 feet
(3 meters) away from these areas.
- Near areas or appliances where normal combustion regularly
occurs (i.e. kitchens, furnaces, or hot water heaters.)
- Within 3 feet (1 meter) of heating and cooling vents, or air
returns. The air could blow smoke away from the detector’s
sensor and prevent an alarm from sounding.
- In extremely dusty, dirty, or insect infested areas.
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BEST IF UNIT IS LOCATED
NEAR DOOR AND SPEAKER IS
DIRECTED AT CHILD’S BED.
NEVER HERE
2. Use a 3/16” (5mm) drill bit to drill through the center of the
outlines you made in Step 1.
3. Insert screw anchors into the drilled holes. The anchors
should be flush with the mounting surface.
4. Attach the mounting plate to the desired surface with the
mounting screws provided. Before tightening down the
screws verify that the molded-in arrows are pointing in the
right direction, if not adjust the direction and tighten down
the screws.
5. Position the Vocal Smoke Detector on the mounting plate and
turn clockwise until the unit locks into place.
6. Press the “Hold to Drill” button once briefly to test the
Vocal Smoke Detector to ensure the unit operates properly.
The device will beep three times and play your personal
message back to you.
16
BEST IF UNIT IS
MOUNTED NEAR DOOR
AND SPEAKER IS
DIRECTED AT
CHILD’S BED.
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15
How to Install Your KidSmartTM Vocal Smoke Detector
IMPORTANT - Prior to installation, you should remove the
mounting bracket and battery pull tab and record your message.
Make sure your unit is working by turning it over and making sure
the red ring around the “Hold to Drill” button flashes red once
every 40 seconds. Press the “Record/Play” button on the back
once to check your recorded message.
1. Hold the mounting plate against the ceiling (flat side against
the surface) in the desired position and use a pencil to
trace the inside of the mounting slots. See Diagram.
The mounting plate has graphics arrows molded in; you should
orient the mounting plate so that the arrows are pointing toward
the head of the child’s bed. See Diagram. If you are installing
one Vocal Smoke Detector in a room with multiple beds,
the arrows should be pointing in a direction that will provide
all beds with the best sound output possible.
MAKE SURE ARROWS
AND “SPEAKER”
ARE DIRECTED AT
YOUR CHILD’S BED
MOUNTING HOLES
TO ATTACH PLATE
TO CEILING
SLOTS TO ATTACH
UNIT TO PLATE
14
- In rooms that experience temperatures below 40°F (4°C)
or above 100°F (38°C.)
- Within 3 feet (1 meter) of fluorescent lighting.
Electrical noise can unnecessarily activate an alarm.
Check Your Local Building Codes
This smoke alarm is intended to be used in single-family homes.
It may not meet requirements for multiple-resident dwellings
such as apartment buildings, boarding homes, hotels, or motels.
Some codes require that smoke alarms be interconnected in
new construction.
The National Fire Protection Association
The minimum NFPA residential requirement states that each level
of the house be equipped with a smoke detector and that detectors
should be installed directly outside of each separate sleeping area.
NFPA recommends that for new installations a smoke detector
should be installed in each sleeping room as well as the
basement, dining room, hallways, attics, furnace room, closets,
utility and storage rooms and garages.
California State Fire Marshal
The California State Fire Marshal recommends installing smoke
detectors in all rooms and areas of the household, especially in
each sleeping area. Smoke or heat detectors should be installed
in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, hallways,
attics, furnace rooms, closets, utility and storage rooms, base-
ments and attached garages. KidSmart Corporation recommends
that you place one KidSmartTM Vocal Smoke Detector in each of
your children’s bedrooms for best response in case of a fire.
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