Abstract: A two-stage alarm (10) includes a clock generator (36). A memory device (28 and 30) for storing data is connected to the clock generator (36). A data display device (22) is connected to the memory device (28 and 30) for displaying stored data. An alarm is connected to the memory device (28 and 30) with a first stage and a second attenuated stage. An alarm control device (24) is connected to the alarm for controlling the alarm in the absence of an alarm event and for selecting the second attenuated stage during an alarm event. As a result, the user of the two-stage alarm (10) can acknowledge an alarm event only by selecting an attenuated, reduced, alarm stage for a period of time and then manipulate the alarm only in the absence of an alarm event.