The Earth is struck by Lightning almost 8 million times per day, and each bolt carries up to 3 million volts- so why not? It could be the best power source by a long way.
Distillation of alcohol. You would need, at a minimum: 1) Round Bottom Flask 2) Condenser 3) Graduated Cylinder (for measuring) 4) Beaker (to catch distillate) 5) Heating device such as a Bunsen Burner (or, preferably an electric heater fit to a round bottom flask) 6) Rubber stoppers for the joints 7) Rubber hoses for the running water (to cool the condenser). Too bad I can't draw a picture for you.
Take the battery out - providing you are 100% sure it is bleeping because of a low battery and not because you have smoke in your home.
Is it a battery operated smoke detector or mains supplied? If it's mains in your fuse box you should have a switch which controls it, flick a few switches for a few seconds until you see all lights go out on the alarm. If it is purely battery, just remove the battery.
