Information Line (Freephone)
Telephone 0808 808 0123
Textphone 0808 808 9000
informationline@rnid.org.uk
Telephone 0808 808 0123
Textphone 0808 808 9000
informationline@rnid.org.uk
RNID: For deaf and hard of hearing people.
One million people in the UK may be unable to hear their smoke alarm
With an estimated one million adults within the UK unable to hear an ordinary smoke alarm on account of deafness or removal of a hearing aid at night (RNID estimate, 2006) it is important to take some simple steps to stay safe from fire.
Specialist smoke alarms
Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home and tested regularly. Most fires in the home happen at night, so people who sleep with their bedroom door closed or without their hearing aid should ensure that a smoke alarm is fitted somewhere that it will wake them up, such as in the bedroom.
Specialist smoke alarms with strobe lights, vibrating pads and wearable radio linked pagers are available for people with hearing difficulties. Visit the RNID online shop to get a specialist smoke alarm.
People who are unsure about what smoke alarm will suit their needs should contact their local fire and rescue service for advice. Their number can be found in the phone book (not 999).
Free home fire risk checks are available throughout England. They offer people the opportunity to gain invaluable help from their local fire and rescue services about planning escape routes, positioning alarms and ensuring that the correct, working smoke alarm is fitted in the home.
More practical advice on staying safe from fire. (external link, opens new browser window)
Support
Register with your local fire and rescue service so that in an emergency the fire crew will be able to provide support tailored to your needs. They may also be able to provide smoke alarms and other safety equipment.
In the event of a fire
Having an escape route planned can save valuable time in the event of a fire. All exits should be kept clear and keys should be kept where everyone in the house can find them. It is a good idea to keep a phone in the bedroom in case of emergency.
In the event of a fire, it is important to get out of the house as quickly as possible and call 999 or ask a neighbour to do it. People with a textphone can dial 18000 to contact the emergency services. Local fire services may also have an emergency text number.
For further information about smoke alarms for deaf or hard of hearing people, visit www.rnid.org.uk/shop or contact RNID Products by telephone on 01733 361199 or textphone on 01733 238020.