Why Do Some Alarms Flash a Light as Well as Make a Sound?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do some alarms flash a light as well as make a sound?

The Big Idea

Some alarms flash a light as well as make a sound because light is another way to share a warning! A flashing light can warn people who are Deaf or hard of hearing. It can also help people who are sleeping or in very noisy places.

Not Everyone Hears

Step one: not everyone hears. People who are Deaf or hard of hearing may not hear an alarm. People who are sleeping or in very noisy places might miss it too.

Add A Light

Step two: add a light. A bright flashing light is easy to notice from across a room. So the alarm shares the warning in two ways, with sound and with sight.

More Than One Way

Step three: more than one way. Most homes also have smoke alarms with loud sounds, and some people use special strobe or bed-shaker alarms. Using more than one kind of alert makes everyone safer.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! A sound warns people who can hear it. A flashing light warns people who can see it. A bed shaker warns people while they sleep. Together they keep everyone safer. Smoke alarms save lives.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Quick facts about alarms. Having more than one kind of alert is safer. Alarms must be tested by a grown-up. Every family should plan two ways out of each room. If an alarm sounds, leave and tell a grown-up.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Talk with a grown-up about where the smoke alarms are in your home. Plan two ways out of every room. A grown-up tests the alarms. Can you spot a flashing alarm anywhere? Share what you discover with a grown-up.

Outro

Lights and sounds together keep people safe. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!