Smoke Detectors for the Hearing Impaired
What are Visual Fire Alarms?
If a fire breaks out, occupants of a building may have as little as two minutes to get out before the fire becomes life-threatening.
Fire alarms provide an early warning notification and alert people to evacuate, but what if you are deaf or hearing impaired? How do you know there is an emergency?
Visual fire alarms allow those who are hearing impaired to receive notification of an emergency through a visual or motion-based cue, rather than an auditory signal. Visual fire alarms usually include flashing strobe lights to alert those with hearing difficulties to an emergency.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a global nonprofit organization that sets the standards for eliminating losses due to fire, electrical, and related hazards like:
- Death
- Injury
- Property
- Economic loss
Building codes in your area are most likely based on NFPA codes.
The NFPA has specific requirements for fire alarm systems that are installed, upgraded, or replaced. New construction, as well as existing facilities, must have both visual and audible notification devices. There are specifications required for the decibel level of the sound, the strobe intensity of the visual cue, the flash rate, the color of the light, and the placement of devices based on room size and configuration.
In a building where someone with a hearing disability may be sleeping, the NFPA provides this important tip sheet, which includes recommendations for things such as:
- Strobe lights that are of such high intensity that they can wake a sleeping person
- Vibrating pillows or bed shakers that can be activated by the sound of a smoke alarm
- Use of a loud, mixed, low-pitched smoke alarm for those who may be older and can no longer hear higher-pitched sounds
If you plan to install a fire alarm system in a commercial building, it is essential to work with a company that has a proven track record of cooperating well with local authorities to ensure the system meets code.
Servicing of your fire alarm systems will be necessary after installation as well, with mandatory testing and maintenance required by a certified firm. At FSS Technologies, our technicians are NICET-certified fire alarm technicians, so we can continue to help you before, during, and after installation of your fire alarm system.
Want to learn more, contact us today for more information or a free quote.
Explore Our Other Blogs
How is a Fire Sprinkler System Designed?
While fire sprinkler systems seem the same at first glance, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for all commercial properties. Depending on a structure’s needs and circumstances, fire sprinkler systems use different combinations of various components. The ideal design should accommodate the unique features of each industry, layout, and operation. Whether you’re looking to install a fire…
The Safest Neighborhoods in Detroit
Low-Crime Neighborhoods of Detroit SafeWise released its rankings of Michigan’s 20 Safest Cities of 2021. On the 2021 list, 9 of the 20 cities are considered suburbs of Detroit. They include: Gross Ile Township #3 Oakland Township #4 Huntington Woods #9 South Lyon #13 Addison Township #16 Highland Township #17 Rochester #18 Berkley #19 Brandon Township…
Cost of Home Security Systems
Getting a security system for your home is a wise investment. While the obvious benefit is protection for your family, home, and belongings, it’s hard to put a price on the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you and your family will have professional help in case of an emergency. Still, you must…
Renter’s Insurance Discounts and Security Systems
Home invasions or burglaries are a threat to any household, regardless of where they are located. One of the biggest deterrents for burglars is a home security system that could record evidence of their actions or could notify the authorities at the time of a break-in. This is a huge motivator for homeowners when deciding…
How Security Monitoring Benefits Businesses
Instating work from home policies to protect your employees and help to stop the potential spread of COVID-19 is one step that organizations are taking to keep their company safe. But, with all your employees at home, how can you protect the other assets that make up your business? Regardless of the type of company…
What are BDA Systems?
As technology continues to evolve and building codes grow more stringent, bi-directional amplifier (BDA) systems are no longer just a luxury—they’re a critical component in ensuring your building’s safety and compliance. Whether you’re a property owner, facilities manager, or contractor, understanding BDA systems is essential, and choosing the right partner for installation makes all the difference….
Kidde: Innovations in Fire Safety
Your fire alarm system can protect your family, home, and belongings from fires, gas leaks, and other hazards. FSS Technologies is committed to providing its customers with top-of-the-line fire safety and emergency prevention technology, which is why we are a proud provider of products from Kidde, North America’s most installed fire safety brand. Learn about…
Where Should Window and Motion Sensors be Placed?
Motion and window sensors are basic parts of a security system in both residential and business applications. The expert security team at FSS Technologies has helped thousands of business and property owners stay safe with these tools. Sensors A motion sensor allows a system to detect movement, using waves or light to determine if someone or…
7 Tips For Small Business Security
We hope it never happens to you, but workplace crime is something that all business owners should be prepared to encounter. With one-third of our life spent at work, it is an important place to secure and monitor for your safety, and that of your employees. Luckily, there are many simple, proactive steps you can…
What to Do After a Break In
No one ever wants to be victimized by a burglar, but the fact is that many will encounter a theft or break-in at some point in their lifetime. A recent study by Bankrate shows that there are over 1 million burglaries in the United States each year, with a new burglary happening approximately every 26…