Fire danger remains even with smoke alarms. Standard US smoke alarms do not have the most effective signal to awaken older adults. Because many people aged 65 and older have problems hearing high-pitched sounds, they are more likely to awaken to a mixed-frequency signal (500 to 2500 Hz), such as those found in some smoke alarms for the hearing impaired, rather than the more common high-pitched alarms.
Smart: Use an interconnected system that includes an alarm in each bedroom to increase the chance of being awakened in case of fire.
Want to Keep Reading?
Continue reading with a Health Confidential membership.
