How to Install a Vocal Smoke Alarm Inside a Home

By Marissa Black

  • Overview

    A fire erupting while your family is sleeping soundly in their bedrooms is not an emergency you ever want to face. You want your children to hear the fire detector in time to react quickly and with the knowledge they need to get out of the house safely if you are unable to get to them first. KidSmart voice smoke detectors will help wake your children from a deep sleep. You can record a message providing your children with the information they need to exit the house safely.

    • Step 1

      Place the batteries inside the voice smoke detector. Most of the KidSmart detectors will include the batteries in the package. Test to ensure the batteries are installed properly by activating the record button or test feature on your smoke detector.

    • Step 2

      Turn the smoke detector over so that you can locate the record button on the back. Hold the record button down. An automated voice will instruct you to record a message after the beep. Record your children's name. The message should tell them how to get safely out of the house and where to meet the rest of the family once they are safely away from the fire.

    • Step 3

      Demonstrate to your child what they will hear if there is ever a fire in the home. Let them hear your message on the smoke detector. Ask your child if they have any further questions about fire safety. Following the manufacturer's instructions, you can also use the fire drill option to practice how to safely get out of the house in a fire.

    • Step 4

      Select a location in your children's bedroom for the smoke alarm. The smoke alarm will be most effective if it is placed on the ceiling, which is why the KidSmart smoke alarm includes a ceiling mount. Select a location that is at least 4 inches from any walls. The smoke detector should not be next to a window in the bedroom.

    • Step 5

      Measure the length between each of the two holes on the bracket used to mount the smoke detector on the ceiling. Drill two holes in your ceiling to match the number of inches between the holes for screws on the bracket. Place screws through the holes and turn them clockwise until the mounting bracket is held tightly against the ceiling. Snap the smoke detector onto the bracket.

    • Step 6

      Press the test button one final time. You can make sure the smoke detector is secured into place while you test the detector. This final test will ensure the batteries are properly installed and the smoke detector is fully operational and ready to do its job.

    • Step 7

      Turn the adjustable speaker toward your children's beds for added assurance that they will hear the fire detector. It is preferable to turn the speaker so that it is facing the head of their beds.
    • Skill: Moderate
    • Tip: If your smoke detector begins to let out single beeps periodically, you need to change the batteries. The battery warning sounds will be distinct from the fire alert beeping.
    • Warning:
    • Do not remove any of your regular smoke detectors, including those in your children's room. The voice smoke detectors do not respond as quickly to fast fires as most other detectors.

    © Demand Media 2011