Miss-Delectable
New Member
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2004
- Messages
- 17,160
- Reaction score
- 7
Deaf people face alarming fire safety risk | 24dash.com - Health
Research shows a high proportion of deaf and hard of hearing people are at risk in their own homes because they cannot hear traditional smoke alarms.
During Deaf Awareness Week, (May 7-13) the Fire Kills campaign is teaming up with RNID, the charity representing the UK's 9 million deaf and hard of hearing people, to raise awareness of the need for people to have the correct smoke alarm for their needs.
People can contact their local fire and rescue service for a free home fire risk check where a fire officer will install a free working smoke alarm that will alert them in the event of a fire.
A third of people with a hearing loss say they would have difficulty waking up to a conventional alarm, especially considering most remove their hearing aids before they go to sleep each night.
Almost a quarter (23%) say they would even struggle to know if the alarm went off during the day.1
Angela Smith, Fire Minister, said: "This Deaf Awareness Week, we will be urging people who are deaf or hard of hearing to install a special smoke alarm. Your local fire and rescue service can visit your home and advise you on fire safety and install a free alarm. It couldn't be easier to stay safe."
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.
Brian Grover, Head of Technology and Research at RNID, said: "Fire can strike at anyone's home, but not everyone is equally protected because deaf people cannot rely on hearing an ordinary alarm. We encourage deaf and hard of hearing people to think about their personal fire safety and ensure they have the right alarm for their needs."
Deaf Awareness Week aims to raise awareness of many issues surrounding deafness and hearing loss, and it is important that safety is not overlooked.
British Standard BS5446-3: 2005 specifies smoke alarm kits for deaf and hard of hearing people.
Products made to this standard give assurance of quality smoke alarms designed to meet their needs.
For further information on fire safety or to get contact details of your local fire and rescue service, visit Fire kills you can prevent it | Homepage
For information on deafness and hearing loss please contact RNID on telephone 0808 808 0123 or textphone 0808 808 9000 or visit RNID.org.uk: RNID.org.uk
"Register for a FREE hearing test here: http://www.24dash.com/referrals/hearing"
Research shows a high proportion of deaf and hard of hearing people are at risk in their own homes because they cannot hear traditional smoke alarms.
During Deaf Awareness Week, (May 7-13) the Fire Kills campaign is teaming up with RNID, the charity representing the UK's 9 million deaf and hard of hearing people, to raise awareness of the need for people to have the correct smoke alarm for their needs.
People can contact their local fire and rescue service for a free home fire risk check where a fire officer will install a free working smoke alarm that will alert them in the event of a fire.
A third of people with a hearing loss say they would have difficulty waking up to a conventional alarm, especially considering most remove their hearing aids before they go to sleep each night.
Almost a quarter (23%) say they would even struggle to know if the alarm went off during the day.1
Angela Smith, Fire Minister, said: "This Deaf Awareness Week, we will be urging people who are deaf or hard of hearing to install a special smoke alarm. Your local fire and rescue service can visit your home and advise you on fire safety and install a free alarm. It couldn't be easier to stay safe."
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.
Brian Grover, Head of Technology and Research at RNID, said: "Fire can strike at anyone's home, but not everyone is equally protected because deaf people cannot rely on hearing an ordinary alarm. We encourage deaf and hard of hearing people to think about their personal fire safety and ensure they have the right alarm for their needs."
Deaf Awareness Week aims to raise awareness of many issues surrounding deafness and hearing loss, and it is important that safety is not overlooked.
British Standard BS5446-3: 2005 specifies smoke alarm kits for deaf and hard of hearing people.
Products made to this standard give assurance of quality smoke alarms designed to meet their needs.
For further information on fire safety or to get contact details of your local fire and rescue service, visit Fire kills you can prevent it | Homepage
For information on deafness and hearing loss please contact RNID on telephone 0808 808 0123 or textphone 0808 808 9000 or visit RNID.org.uk: RNID.org.uk
"Register for a FREE hearing test here: http://www.24dash.com/referrals/hearing"