It is vital that people who are deaf or hard of hearing have the right smoke alarms in their home to protect them and give them that valuable time to escape from a house fire.
Conventional smoke alarms work by emitting a loud noise when smoke is detected, providing the vital early warning of fire, and therefore aiding escape. People who are deaf or hard of hearing need additional ways of making them aware the alarm has been activated, including vibrating pads and flashing strobe lights.
Deaf people need to place a vibrating pad under their mattress or pillow at night. If smoke is detected, the alarm will sound and set off the pad to assist in waking them.
Book a Safe and well visit
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service does not charge for safe and well visits or any of the detection equipment fitted.
During a safe and well visit we can advise you on planning an escape route, positioning alarms and, of course, ensure that the correct working smoke alarm is fitted. We are here to help make sure your home is as fire safe as possible.
Residents who are deaf or hard of hearing can book a home safety check by texting 'SAWV'' and your name and address to 07527 182861
Further information
British Standard BS5446-3:2005 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.
For further information about BSI standard smoke alarms for deaf and hard of hearing people, please contact Action on hearing loss Products on telephone 01733 361199, textphone 01733 238020, or visit the shop on the Action on hearing loss website (opens in new window)
For information on deafness and hearing loss please contact:
Action on hearing loss on 0333 0144525 or textphone 0333 0144530 or visit the Action on hearing loss website.
Specialist smoke alarms
Specialist smoke alarms can be fitted during a Safe and Well visit. These are mains powered units with a battery back up and consists of a smoke detector that, when activated, sounds as a normal detector with a wireless link to a strobe light situated by the bed and, from this, a vibrating pad which is placed under the pillow or mattress allowing the deaf person to awake and escape from the fire.