Smoke alarm detection, broadcast notifications and social implications

Abstract

Changes in population demographics and lifestyle choices have led to an increased risk of higher mortality from house fires. The current average of 27 house fire related deaths per year is likely to be exceeded in the following years. The aging population with its natural increase in age related hearing loss and the younger demographic only having mobile phones and no land-lines means there is a need for alternative warning methods of smoke alarm activation. This project develops a proof of concept application that runs on a smart phone and detects an activated smoke alarm. If there is no response by the occupants automatically trigger an alarm to a predefined contact group. This application can reduce the possibility of death or injury by persons unable to respond to an activated alarm.