15 April 2008

Advice For Deaf Awareness Week 5th-11th May 2008

Deaf Awareness Week promotes positive aspects relating to deafness and social inclusion and raises awareness of the huge range of local organisations that support deaf people and their family and friends, it is important that safety is not overlooked.

In the lead up to Deaf Awareness Week this year, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service would like to take the opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of having a working smoke alarm in their home and more specifically, for those people who are deaf or hard of hearing to ensure that they have the most suitable alarm for their particular circumstances.

This is especially important for deaf people living in rented accommodation, although the landlord may have installed smoke alarms they may not be aware that residents who are deaf or hard of hearing have different requirements.

Smoke alarms work by emitting a loud noise when smoke is detected. Residents who are deaf of hard of hearing may need different ways of making them aware the alarm has been activated. Alarms can be fitted with vibrating pads and/or flashing strobe lights.

For further information on how the Fire and Rescue Service can help, please contact East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service Community Fire Safety on 0800 1777069.