The Apple Watch and iPhone often make headlines for saving lives, but a recent incident in Colorado Springs showcased how an Apple HomePod played a crucial role in preventing a potentially fatal house fire caused by a curious dog.
Early in the morning on June 26, the Colorado Springs Fire Department received a report of a house fire, but by the time they arrived, the homeowners had already put out the fire that originated in the kitchen.
Footage shared on Facebook by the fire department revealed that the family’s dog accidentally started the fire while investigating boxes on the stovetop. The dog turned on a heating element, igniting one of the boxes and causing flames to spread.
Fortunately, the family was able to extinguish the fire quickly, with only one adult being treated for smoke inhalation. The HomePod, however, played a crucial role in alerting the occupants of the high heat levels in the kitchen.
The HomePod’s Sound Recognition feature likely detected the sound of the smoke alarm, prompting alerts to connected Apple devices and potentially saving lives.
The family’s quick response was credited to the HomePod’s alert, which notified them of the potential danger. By recognizing the sound of the smoke alarm, the HomePod acted as an early warning system, alerting the family to the fire before it escalated further.
To enable the Sound Recognition feature on your HomePods, follow these steps:
- Open the Home app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Select the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
- Choose Home Settings.
- Tap on Safety and Security.
- Select Sound Recognition.
- Toggle on Smoke and CO Alarm.
- Toggle on the switch next to the HomePods for sound recognition.
Remember to have working smoke alarms in every room and hallway of your home and keep flammable materials away from heat sources to prevent incidents like this one.
