Creating safe environments: optimal acoustic alarming of laypeople in fire prevention [Sichere Umgebungen schaffen: optimale akustische Alarmierung von Laien in der Brandprävention]

von der Linde, Mira; Herbster, Chiara; Dobel, Christian; Festag, Sebastian; Thielsch, Meinald T.

Abstract

Hazards like fires occur regularly and can cost people’s lives. Optimal auditory alarm signals enable laypeople to recognise dangers and to protect themselves. Existing fire alarm sound research focuses on alarm sounds and voice alerts presented singularly. We explored a combination of both and aimed to identify alarm signals that work optimally in everyday life. Thus, we conducted two online experiments: In Study 1 (N = 379), we tested eight alarm sounds regarding their typicality, their familiarity, their arousal, their valence, and their dominance. Siren-like alarm sounds were the most effective. In Study 2 (N = 206), we combined the four most effective alarm sounds with a voice alert. The voice alert reinforced ambiguity reduction, action motivation, and action intention. Hence, we suggest using alarm sounds with siren-like patterns. They should be combined with a voice alert to foster a quick and specific (target task-oriented) reaction.