Abstract: A home alarm system for mounting on a retractable window shade includes a display for summoning outside help in an emergency situation. The system includes a sound sensor, such as a microphone, for detecting audible noises in a room of the home and for generating electrical signals in response thereto. A driver circuit is responsive to the electrical signals generated by the microphone for actuating a visual display only when a predetermined sound, such as the alarm signal from a conventional fire, smoke, or intruder alarm, is detected. The visual display is attached to the outwardly facing surface of the window shade such that it can be viewed from outside the home. The display can be formed with any small or flexible device capable of being rolled up with the window shade during periods of nonuse. Types of display disclosed include light emitting diodes, liquid crystal displays, and electro-luminescent strips.