Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms meet the needs of everyone in your home, including those with sensory or physical disabilities. Reporter Hilary Sloane will tell you how…
Install a bedside alert device that responds to the sound of the smoke and CO alarms. The use of a low-frequency alarm can also wake a sleeping person with mild to severe hearing loss. Sleep with your mobility device, glasses, and phone close to your bed. Keep pathways as hallways lit with night lights and free from clutter to ensure everyone can get out safely.
Understanding the sounds of your smoke alarms and CO alarms is equally important. A continued set of three loud beeps—beep, beep, beep—means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out. A single “chirp” every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed. Replace all smoke alarms after ten years. A Chirping sound continuing after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life. Replace the unit. CO alarms also have “end of life” sounds that vary by manufacturer. Read the instructions.
