Occupant notification must include which forms of signaling?

• A. Audible only
• B. Visual only
• C. Audible and visual
• D. None

Answer: (C)

Accessible and effective occupant notification requires signaling that reaches everyone, including people with hearing or visual impairments and those in noisy or distant areas. The best answer is that both audible and visual signaling must be used. Audible signals (like horns or sirens) grab attention and wake occupants, while visual signals (such as strobes or flashing lights) provide a clear notification for those who may not hear the alarm or who are in environments where sound is less noticeable. Together, they ensure prompt and universal awareness during an alarm, meeting accessibility requirements and common life-safety standards. Relying on only one form can leave some occupants unalerted—for example, audible-only may miss hearing-impaired individuals, and visual-only may fail for occupants who can hear but cannot see the signaling clearly.