Deaf Awareness Week: Fire Safety for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

When it comes to fire safety, the standard high frequency smoke alarm is usually enough to wake those who are mildly or moderately hard of hearing. This becomes simply ineffective for those who have severe difficulty hearing or are unable to hear at all.

Innovative home safety solutions that have deaf-friendly features are available on the market and differ in how they alert the resident. One type of alerting system may be just as effective as another to a person, however, they simply may prefer a particular method. Luckily, there are choices available.

Interconnected Systems: Home safety alarms can be wirelessly interconnected to simultaneously trigger when one alarm detects danger.  This means that if a smoke alarm detects a sign of fire downstairs, it will trigger the interconnected alarms in the rest of the house, alerting the occupants wherever they are in the house as quickly as possible. FireAngel’s Pro Connected range features interconnectable alarms for protection across the entire home. In addition, residents are able to remotely access alarm data via the Connected app. The app sends notifications of alarm triggers to your mobile so that if you’re out of the home or if you are a carer, you have the peace of mind that you will be notified at the first sign of danger.

Specialist Alarms: Specialist alarms that utilise strobe lights offer an alternative solution for deaf or hard of hearing individuals. Instead of sounding an alert, the alarm will flash a bright pulsing light. Often combined with a mobile vibrating pad that can be kept on the person or under a pillow, these alarms are designed to provide an alert to those with hearing loss. FireAngel’s Specification Combined Strobe and Pad features Smart RF wireless technology and wirelessly works with all Specification devices including our for ultimate protection.

Home Safety Visits: Fire & Rescue Services across the UK offer free visits to the home that go beyond general fire safety advice. These visits will provide homeowners with advice and provision of the specialist equipment above, tailored to the needs of those with hearing loss.

Fire safety solutions should be accessible to all. This Deaf Awareness Week is the perfect time to educate yourself on the unique options available for the hard of hearing in your life and how you can best support them. Don’t let hearing loss put you at risk; take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones by installing a smoke alarm system that meets your needs.

For more information, check your local Fire & Rescue Service’s website or visit: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/62f249d7e90e077f7fb81e66/Sight__Hearing_Mobility_-_Web_accessible__Updated_.pdf