What does ADA require regarding fire alarm notification?

• A. Only audible signaling is required.
• B. No special requirements.
• C. Only visual signals.
• D. Visual notification devices for hearing impairments and clear audible signaling for other occupants.

Answer: (D)

Fire alarm notification under the ADA must be accessible to people with hearing impairments, so systems include visual notification devices like synchronized strobe lights in addition to the standard audible alarms. This ensures that occupants who cannot hear the alarm still receive a clear alert, while others hear the audible signal clearly. Some options imagine only audible signals or only visual signals, or no special requirements; those miss the requirement for a combination to accommodate all occupants. The correct approach is to provide both visual notification for those who need it and clear audible signaling for everyone else.