Special hearing loss smoke alarms should be fitted, warn services

May 08, 2013 in Hearing Protection

Special hearing loss smoke alarms should be fitted, warn services

Firefighters across the UK are warning homeowners to fit in special smoke alarms if they suffer from loss of hearing.

In conjunction with National Deaf Awareness Week (May 6th to May 12th), emergency services have advised that those who are deaf or cannot hear properly may be at risk if a fire hits their home.

Special alarms are available that have been designed for those who cannot hear well, including ones that will vibrate under a pillow if a smoke detector is activated. Furthermore, there are smoke alarms that are radio-linked so that they can send signals to an operator centre which runs 24 hours a day. When this centre is alerted from a smoke alarm going off, an emergency call is made to the Fire Service straight away.

According to West Sussex Today, community fire safety officer for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service Jackie Boyle said: “We know there are a number of people who can’t hear or respond to an ordinary smoke alarm. It is vital that those people have the right smoke alarm technology in their home to protect them and give them that valuable time to escape from a house fire."

Ms Boyle went on to state that much of this technology is not even expensive, whilst the Fire Service in West Sussex will not even charge individuals for experts to come in and either carry out a Home Fire Safety Check or fit in the appropriate technology. This is especially the case and prioritised for those who may not be able to hear well and be at greater risk of injury or death from a house fire.

A Home Fire Safety Check will allow homeowners to know where to escape from if a fire occurs, where to place smoke alarms and to make sure that all alarms are working correctly.