Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms save lives. Every home needs them. Most smoke and carbon monoxide alarms you can buy in stores anywhere use a high-pitched sound to warn of danger. Many people who are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing don’t hear those high-pitched sounds. That’s why accessible smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are essential. 

How are accessible smoke and carbon monoxide alarms different?

Accessible alarms use one or a combination of signals to alert you:

• Loud low-pitched sound 
• Flashing strobe lights 
• Vibration.

There are three options to fit your needs: bedside, hardwired and smart.

• Bedside alarms plug into a regular wall outlet and work with your existing smoke/CO detectors. When the standalone smoke/CO detector alerts, the bedside alarm will produce a loud audio alarm, display text, flash a bright strobe light and/or strongly shake the mattress or pillow. 
• Hard-wired accessible smoke and carbon monoxide alarms may use flashing lights, low-frequency sound, and/or louder alarm. They may need to be installed by an electrician and should be replaced every 10 years. 
• Smart alarms are not fully accessible on their own, they need to be paired with a bedside alarm. They can also send an alert to your phone and smart watch. 

What kind of alarms do you need and where do you need them? 

According to Minnesota’s State Fire Code, you must have a smoke alarm in each bedroom and the hallway outside the bedrooms. You must also have a smoke alarm on every level.

If your house has gas, fuel oil, propane or wood-burning appliances carbon monoxide detectors are required on every level and outside the bedrooms.

If your bedroom or attached bathroom has a fuel-burning heater, a carbon monoxide detector is also required in the bedroom.

It is a good idea to check with your local fire department to make sure you are following the code requirements in your area.

Information for renters 

Landlords are required to install smoke alarms, but accessibility requirements depend on where you live. Check your lease and local codes and ask your landlord about accessible options.

Where can you get accessible smoke and carbon monoxide alarms?

• American Red Cross Home Fire Safety Program installs bed shaker alarms on a first come, first served basis, while supplies last.
• The STAR Program loans alarms for short-term use so you can decide what will work best for you.
• To find where to buy accessible alarms, you can check State Services’ Vendor list.