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
Video Doorbell Privacy Issues
Video Doorbells In the News Video doorbells are one of the hottest home security tools on the market today. We agree. Once you have a video doorbell, you’ll probably wonder how you ever lived without it. Check out our blog on How a Video Doorbell Works to learn more. However, like any technology on the…
The Risky Business of Ring’s Vulnerable Security
If you are like the rest of Americans, you have noticed that the Ring Security company has been in the news lately— and not for anything useful. Between security hacks and lawsuits, the company has landed itself in hot water. Surveillance Camera Hacks Homeowners have security cameras installed in their homes to give them peace…
What Is CCTV Footage?
CCTV stands for closed-circuit television, in which video cameras transmit a signal to a specific, limited set of monitors. Wired and wireless cameras in a CCTV system are usually used for surveillance and security purposes. The footage can help prevent crime, aid in the capture of a suspect if an offense occurs, or serve as…
Smart Homes: How Automation Helps
Home automation solutions are no longer the ideas of science fiction. These intelligent home systems can save you hundreds of dollars through energy conservation, and they can provide state-of-the-art security to protect your home and the loved ones inside of it. What is A Smart Home? A smart home is equipped with lighting, heating, and…
What Causes False Alarms on Home Security Systems
False alarms on home security systems are not only an annoyance for homeowners, but they take up the valuable time and resources of our local law enforcement officials. In fact, many cities and towns now charge homeowners a fee for false alarms. In order to save you the frustration and potential financial hit, let’s look…
Professional Security Camera Installation Benefits
Why You Should Hire a Professional Security Camera Installer If you are not an audiovisual professional, installing quality, capable home security equipment can be a much bigger ordeal than you anticipated. The DIY home security systems advertised on television look easy to set up and install. The truth is that we’ve received many calls from…
Are All Home Security Systems the Same?
Home security used to be synonymous with burglar alarms, but this is no longer the case. Home security today is not only about protection, but also comfort, convenience, communication, and information. All home security systems never were the same—there were different manufacturers, different types of equipment, and various providers. Today, there are entirely new categories…
Fire Safety for Multistory Buildings
While it can seem similar to homes or businesses, multistory properties have unique demands for fire safety. Whether your property includes a mid-rise condo and business building or multiple low-rise apartment locations, it requires additional care and consideration when evaluating the protection of inhabitants from fire hazards. If a fire breaks out in one…
Security Integrations with Avigilon Alta
Security systems and integrations For business owners and managers, security systems are a key tool in protecting your customers, property, and commercial operations. There are several components to consider when working to create the best security system for your business, and there’s never a one-size-fits-all solution. A helpful approach to finding the best fit for…
Business Security Camera Placement Guide
Security camera placement in a business needs to be strategically decided based on several important factors. Areas that store valuables, have high foot traffic, and enable access to your building should be some of the essential locations. Learn more about what kinds of security cameras you can use and where they should be installed in…