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Unmistakable Fire Alarm Sound Clears Buildings
By Arthur Sneddon

There are few sounds that raise the adrenaline level like a fire alarm sound, especially if it is coming from a building in which you are located. Typically, a bell, claxon, siren or a buzzer will be accompanied by a bright flashing strobe light and there is usually no doubt that a need exists for the building to be vacated in a hurry.

Two identical bells may make different sounding alerts even if in the same building. Due to acoustics in the building they can sound either more distinct or less vibration. However, the basic sound will be the same and carry the same message. A fire alarm sound is designed to be different as well as to be able to be heard above a cacophony of noise usually present in public spaces such as in shopping malls, college dormitories and public gathering places.

Being loud is only part of the criteria for making a fire alarm sound able to be heard. Having it different from any other possible environmental sound will insure it stands out from the rest of the ambient noises. There are some alerts that combine a repetition of various fire alarm sounds to insure they have the attention of those immediately affected by possible danger.

Purpose Is To Increase Urgency

While the primary purpose of a fire alarm sound is to get everyone's attention that a possible danger exists, they are also designed to increase the sense of urgency to get out of the building immediately. While this urgency is important it may, unwittingly, also increase the sense of panic in some people. This is usually why some fire officials advocate lessening the fire alarm sound once all occupants of a building have left.

In all commercial fire alert systems the fire alarm sound is required to be accompanied by flashing strobe lights in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act passed in 1990. This is for the benefit of those with a hearing deficiency. Additionally, maps showing the most efficient means of exiting a building are to be made available in conspicuous locations throughout a structure. It will not help having a fire alarm sound to alert you to leave if you do not know how to get out of a building.

The distinctive sounds designed to be used as a fire alarm sound may vary from building-to-building as well as from company-to-company but the sounds are sure to be unique and easily identifiable as alerts to the presence of possible danger.

Author Details:
Arthur Sneddon, writes for various web sites, such as The A to Z of Home Improvement, about home security, fire alarms etc.

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