VibeAlert Works for Kids Too
Most parents assume their children would wake up if a smoke alarm went off. Research shows otherwise.
The Surprising Truth About Children and Smoke Alarms
A study found that more than 80 percent of children between the ages of 2 and 13 did not wake up when a standard smoke alarm sounded. This isn’t because children sleep more deeply than adults in general — it’s because children’s brains during deep sleep are less responsive to auditory signals than adults.
The American Red Cross warns that home fires are one of the biggest disaster threats in the United States, with an average of seven people dying and 36 people suffering injuries every single day as a result of home fires. Children are among the most vulnerable.
What the Numbers Tell Us
The risk to children during nighttime fires is significant and well documented.
of children ages 2–13 did not wake up when a standard smoke alarm was sounding in initial research findings
of all residential fire deaths occur between 11pm and 7am — when children are most deeply asleep
(FEMA)
people die every day in the US from home fires on average
(American Red Cross)
people are injured every day in the US from home fires on average
(American Red Cross)
A Real Family Put It to the Test
Good Morning America tested whether a regular smoke alarm would wake up two sleeping children with the McBride family from Connecticut.
Lauren McBride told ABC News that she was curious to see what would happen — “because our son sleeps through everything.”
She and her husband Pat had already taught their children, Landon age 3 and Noelle age 1, what a smoke detector sounds like and had a fire escape plan in place. “He knows the sound,” she said of her son. “We have a fire ladder in our bedroom and our plan is to get them, get the ladder, and get out.”
Despite being aware of the alarm sound, despite having a plan, and despite their parents’ best efforts — the children did not wake up when the alarm sounded.
This isn’t a failure of parenting or preparation. It’s simply how children’s brains work during deep sleep. The auditory alarm signal doesn’t reliably trigger waking in young children — no matter how loud it is.
How VibeAlert Protects Your Children
VibeAlert’s physical vibration signal bypasses the auditory system entirely. Rather than relying on a child hearing and processing a sound during deep sleep, the bed shaker creates direct physical sensation that is far more effective at waking sleeping children.
Place a Receiver in Their Room
The VibeAlert RX receiver can be placed in your child’s bedroom. When the smoke alarm triggers, the receiver activates immediately — vibrating, flashing, and sounding right where your child is sleeping.
Works Through Closed Doors
Children often sleep with their bedroom doors closed. VibeAlert’s wireless signal travels up to 650 feet through walls and closed doors even multiple levels — so distance and barriers are never a problem.
No WiFi Needed
VibeAlert doesn’t rely on WiFi or a phone connection to work. It connects directly to your smoke detector and sends a direct wireless signal.
Works for the Whole Family
One VibeAlert system protects everyone. Whether you have hearing impairment, elderly family members, or young children — every bedroom can have a receiver connected to the same transmitter.
See It for Yourself
This video covers important fire safety information for families with young children.
Don’t Leave Your Children’s Safety to Chance
VibeAlert gives every member of your household — including your sleeping children — the alert they need when it matters most.