Protection: Special Needs and Talking Alarms

For people with special needs, such as sight loss or hearing loss, alarms can feature strobe lights or heat alarms for situation where smoke detection may not be the best solution.

Some people cannot or do not always recognize and respond to the sound of a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm.  Talking smoke and carbon monoxide alarms have been developed to provide loud verbal warnings instead of a traditional smoke alarm siren tone.  People are alerted or awakened by a voice saying, “Fire, fire!” or “Carbon monoxide!” This voice alert has been found very effective at waking children.

Talking alarms also notify homeowners that batteries need replacement by saying, “Low battery” until a fresh battery is installed.

Talking alarms, like all other fire safety equipment, must be maintained.  Inspect and test alarms regularly and remember to replace the batteries in spring and fall.

Where To Install

The first step in ensuring effective warning and protection by fire safety equipment is to ensure that it is installed properly. Follow the tips below when installing talking or special needs smoke and carbon monoxide alarms:

• Install at least one smoke alarm on every floor of your home (including the basement) and outside each sleeping area. If you sleep with the doors closed, put a smoke alarm inside each bedroom.
  
  
• Mount smoke alarms on ceilings or high on walls – never low on a wall or on the floor, because smoke rises. On the ceiling, place the alarm at least four inches away from the nearest wall. On the wall, place the alarm at least four inches but no more than 12 inches from the ceiling.
  
  
• NEVER install a smoke alarm near a window, outside a door or near a duct where drafts might interfere with the alarm’s detection of smoke.
  
  
• Install a carbon monoxide alarm on each level of your home and outside the main sleeping area or master bedroom. Do NOT install CO alarms in garages.