London Fire Brigade has joined forces with RNID – the national charity for deaf and hard of hearing people – to urge Londoners to protect themselves from fire.
Over one million Londoners have some form of hearing loss (see London borough figures below) and this puts them at risk from fires in the home. With most domestic fires happening during the night it’s all too easy for people to sleep through a normal smoke alarm.
There are estimated to be about 9 million deaf and hard of hearing people living in the UK. This figure is rising all the time as the number of people over 60 increases.
During Deaf Awareness Week (7 – 13 May 2007), London Fire Brigade and RNID are aiming to raise awareness of special smoke alarm systems, which could save the life of a person with hearing loss.
Smoke alarms can give life saving minutes to escape a property before a fire takes hold, but a third of people with a hearing loss say they would have difficulty waking up to a conventional alarm, especially considering many 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.
In the lead up to Deaf Awareness Week this year, Val Shawcross, Chair of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority, said: "It’s really important that all Londoners have a working smoke alarm in their home but we also want people who are deaf to ensure they have the best alarm for their circumstances.
“This is particularly important for deaf or hard of hearing people living in rented accommodation, which may have a standard smoke alarm that is unsuitable for them. Contact London Fire Brigade on 08000 28 44 28, smokealarms@london-fire.gov.uk or 020 7587 4227 (minicom) and we will visit your home to give fire safety advice.”
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 alarms and flashing strobe lights.
"Deaf people can 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” said Val Shawcross.
“We all have a part to play in creating safer communities. Deaf Awareness Week is an ideal opportunity for those who know anyone who is deaf or hard of hearing, to make sure they have alarms that meet their needs.”
Brian Grover, Head of Technology and Research at RNID, the UK’s leading charity for deaf and hard of hearing people, 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.
For statistics showing estimated population with hearing loss in each London Borough, call 020 7586 4063.
Note to editors:
• Deaf Awareness Week promotes the positive aspects of 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.
• For further information about BSI standard smoke alarms for deaf and hard of hearing people, please contact RNID Products on telephone 0870 789 8855, textphone 01733 238020 or visit www.rnidshop.com
• For information on deafness and hearing loss please contact RNID on 0808 808 0123 or textphone 0808 808 9000 or visit www.rnid.org.uk
Members of the media can obtain further information from the press office on:
telephone number: 020 8536 5922
email: press@london-fire.gov.uk
