Consumer Agency Emphasizes Importance of Interconnected Smoke Alarms

February 8, 2005, MEBANE, NC - Linking smoke alarms can save lives. A report released last month by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on the audibility of smoke alarms found that linking, or interconnecting, smoke alarms could provide an earlier warning to fire and smoke. The study also found that wireless technology could be a solution to better protecting American homes.

The two-year study concluded that the location of a home's smokes alarms, as well as variables like the home's layout and if children and/or older adults live there, impact how well and when a family will hear a smoke alarm. Interconnected smoke alarms link together so that when one alarm detects smoke, it will trigger all other alarms to sound. This immediate reaction provides more warning in more places, which can increase a family's available escape time.

The findings also refer to a 2002 CPSC-sponsored study by the Naval Research Laboratory, which reported that wireless technology could offer a lower cost alternative for installing interconnected smoke alarms in existing homes. Currently interconnected smoke alarm systems are wired into a home during its construction, and to retrofit a home involves significant rewiring and renovation. Nearly 100 million American homes either don't have interconnected alarms, or remain underprotected.

"Kidde commends the CPSC on this review of smoke alarms, and on its commitment to researching new ways to enhance smoke alarm effectiveness," said John Andres, vice-president of technology for Kidde, the world's largest manufacturer of fire safety products. "This study is the latest in a line of reports showing the importance of having interconnected smoke alarms. Families have on average only three minutes from when the first smoke alarm sounds to escape a house fire. The sooner they hear a smoke alarm, the sooner they can get out safely."

Kidde Incorporates Findings into Wireless Product Line
As the leader in fire safety technology, Kidde is heading the charge of providing families with the most advanced fire protection. The company has incorporated the findings of this CPSC study as well as information from the National Fire Protection Association, other non-profit agencies and researchers into the development of a new wireless alarm system. Available summer of 2005, this innovative product line will enable families to quickly and easily install interconnected smoke alarms, and will include features aimed at providing additional warnings to children and older adults.

For several years non-profit agencies have been researching the indications that children under age 16 sleep too soundly to wake to the sound of a traditional smoke alarm. In addition, America's population is aging rapidly - 13% of the US population is currently over age 65 and nearly 20% will be over age 65 by 2030 - bringing about questions regarding age-related hearing and mobility loss. Alternative devices, such as lower frequency alarms or a vocal warning, may be more effective at waking children and older adults, and also could be used to supplement a traditional alarm in caregivers' rooms.

Fire Escape Plan is Vital to Family's Safety
While installing smoke alarms is the first step, families must also know how to escape. Kidde urges families to create and frequently practice a fire escape plan. Make sure everyone, including children, knows what the smoke alarm sounds like. Practice the escape plan during the day and at night when family members are asleep to see if everyone responds. If an older child or adult doesn't wake up, assign an adult to wake and assist that individual in the event of a fire. Kidde recommends that parents always assist younger children.

For more information or to read the CPSC study "A Review of the Sound Effectiveness of Residential Smoke Alarms," please visit www.cpsc.gov.

About Kidde
Since 1917, Kidde has earned a trusted reputation as the world's largest manufacturer of fire safety products whose mission is to provide safety solutions that protect people and property from the effects of fire and its related hazards. Kidde offers a wide range of fire protection products including smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, escape ladders and other accessories. Kidde's products are sold commercially in industrial and electrical channels as well as in retail outlets such as home improvement, hardware, mass market and other stores. Headquartered in Mebane, NC, Kidde is a division of Kidde plc, a leading global supplier of fire and safety products, systems and services that serve the industrial, commercial, aerospace, combustion control and retail industries. For more information, visit www.kiddeus.com.

###