We all know that working smoke alarms can mean the difference between a safe exit and potential harm in an emergency. However, typical smoke alarms don’t always protect anyone who is deaf or hard of hearing. If they can’t hear the alarm or people yelling for them to evacuate, how can they stay safe? Here are some options to keep in mind:
Strobe Lights
One option is to install a fire alarm that has a strobe light system. The flashing lights are there to help keep the deaf and hard of hearing safe. As with traditional smoke alarms, the lights on these systems should be tested on a regular basis to ensure continued safety.
Vibrations
Another suggestion is using a device that notifies the person via vibrations. This can include vibrators for pillows, a shaker for the bed, or something the person can wear throughout their day. The device activates to the sound of a traditional fire alarm. The person may not be able to hear the fire alarm, but the device can and then sends an alert via vibrations to alert that person.
Mixed Pitch
Another example is to have a mixed pitch alarm installed. This option is good for people with hearing loss or who might be heavier sleepers. Basically, the alarm makes a lower-pitched sound, with mixed tones at 520 Hz. This sound can be heard by a wider portion of the population and, importantly, can wake you from a deep sleep so you can get to safety.