Worcester’s fire service is reminding residents to make sure they fit and test the right smoke alarms in their homes for those who suffer from hearing loss as part of Deaf Awareness Week.
Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) want to make people aware of a range of specially designed smoke alarms for the hard of hearing with features ranging from strobe lighting and vibrating pads to small wearable radio-linked pagers.
These specialist alarms have been commended with saving lives, by alerting people to a fire in their home even if they remove their hearing aid at night.
The fire service hopes that reaching out to deaf and hard of hearing communities to ensure they have effective smoke alarms can help protect lives, properties and pets as was the case at a rural house fire in Charlton, near Evesham recently.
Emma Roberts, HWFRS Head of Prevention, said: “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 alarms in place.
“Specialist alarm systems provide valuable time to escape from a blaze in the home. Without it, lives could be lost.
“Anyone unsure about the alarms they need should contact us for a free Home Fire Safety Visit. We are here to help make sure your home is as fire safe as possible.”
Anyone who thinks they might qualify for a free Home Fire Safety Visit can call the HWFRS Prevention team on 0800 032 1155.
Home Fire Safety Checks offer people the opportunity to get invaluable advice from HWFRS about planning escape routes, positioning alarms and ensuring that appropriate working smoke alarms are fitted in their homes.
Visit: www.safelincs.co.uk/hfsc/ to complete a free home fire safety check.
