A mom’s voice works wonders to soothe a crying baby. It also works better than traditional fire alarms in rousing kids from a deep sleep. According to a recently released study, when moms recorded a message calling their kids by name and ordering them to get out of their bedrooms the kids were more likely to wake up than when they heard the traditional beeping sounds of a smoke alarm.
The study was conduced with 24 children ranging in age from 6 to 12. The mothers recorded a message saying, “Tyler, Tyler (child’s first name)! Wake up! Get out of bed! Leave the room!” In the study 23 of the kids awoke to the recorded message, 14 also woke to the traditional beeping alarm and one child didn’t wake up for either.
The kids woke up to the recorded message in about 20 seconds compared with 3 minutes for those who work up with the traditional alarm. This past summer I saw a demonstration of how these alarms work and heard from a fireman how much more effective they are.
The researchers in the study still aren’t sure why the mother’s voice works so well. What is known is that fires claim the lives of many young victims each year. In 2005, according to figures from the U.S. Fire Administration, 3,300 fatal fires killed 3,380 people with 14% of the victims being younger than 10. In 42 % of these fires, smoke alarms were not present and alarms didn’t work in 21% of the cases.
Here are a few fire safety tips to keep in mind:
(1) Every house should have at least one working smoke alarm. Test it monthly and keep it free of dust and replace the battery once a year. Replace after ten years of service.
(2) To prevent electrical fires, never overload circuits or extension cords. Immediately shut off and unplug any appliance that sputters, sparks or emits an unusual smell.
(3) Follow the manufacturer’s safety precautions when using appliances.
(4) Invest in a home fire sprinkler system. They are affordable and can improve your chance of surviving a fire.
(5) Plan and practice your escape route so that you are ready in case of a fire.
(6) Teach young kids that fire is not a toy. Children are naturally curious and unfortunately set over 20,000 house fires a year.
My father died as a result of injuries he received in a fire so this is an issue I take very serious.
See also:
Tis The Season For Lights and Fire Claims! Tips For Safe Lighting
Check Your Smoke Detectors and Fire Extinguishers