Fire service supports Deaf Awareness Week

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service is reaching out to deaf and hard of hearing communities during Deaf Awareness Week (4-10 May) to ensure they have effective smoke alarms.

An estimated one million adults in the UK are unable to hear an ordinary smoke alarm because of hearing difficulties or removal of their hearing aid at night1. So as part of Deaf Awareness Week, Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service is reminding residents within Devon and Somerset to make sure they fit and test the right smoke alarms for those who suffer from hearing loss in their homes.

A whole range of alarms have been designed specifically for the hard of hearing, with features ranging from strobe lighting and vibrating alarms to small wearable radio linked pagers. These specialist alarms can save lives, alerting people to a fire in their home even if they remove their hearing aid at night.

British Standard BS5446-3:2005, which was amended in 2007, specifies smoke alarm kits for deaf and hard of hearing people. Products made to this standard give deaf people assurance of quality smoke alarms designed to meet their needs.

Marc House, Community Safety Prevention Manager says, “It is vital that people who are deaf or hard of hearing ensure they have the right smoke alarm technology in their home to protect them – and that they test them regularly, to make sure they work!

“Many people with hearing loss could be at serious risk if they don’t have the right alarm in place. A specialist alarm system provides valuable time to escape from a house blaze. Without it, lives could be lost.

“Anyone unsure about the alarm they need should contact the fire service for free Home Fire Safety Advice. We are here to help make sure your home is as fire safe as possible.”

Home Fire Safety staff offer people the opportunity to get invaluable guidance from their local fire and rescue service about planning escape routes, positioning alarms and ensuring that the correct, working smoke alarm is fitted in your home.

To request free Home Safety advice call free on: now 0800 0502999. For any other fire safety advice, contact the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue helpline on: 01392 872288 or visit our website