Aug2015_SMOKE DETECTORS (ALARMS) FOR THE DEAF AND HEARING-IMPAIRED

Technology is improving at a rapid rate – and so it is with the advances in smoke detection in households.  

All smoke detectors, up until recently, have been designed and manufactured without consideration for those with hearing impairment.

Smoke detectors are now available for those people who are hearing-impaired (deaf) and they consist of a wireless 240 volt Vibralarm Warning Device and Photo-electric 9 volt Wireless Smoke Alarm with a 10 year Lithium battery, a vibration pad and a flashing light (see photo).  To purchase this type of smoke detector is not a cheap exercise.  However, since July 2014, there have been some significant changes to the eligibility of the Smoke Alarm Subsidy Scheme provided by Deaf Services Queensland, meaning more community members may be eligible to receive ‘deaf-friendly’ smoke detectors (alarms) at a fraction of the cost.

 

If you are deaf or experience significant hearing loss, Deaf Services Qld may be able to provide you with a subsidised smoke detector that meets the needs of you and your family, and keep you safe in your home.  By law, every Queensland home MUST be fitted with a working smoke alarm.  Standard smoke alarms are not effective at keeping deaf and hard-of-hearing people safe in their homes.

These new smoke alarms, through sight and feel, make you aware of a fire hazard and give you the time you need to evacuate to safety.

 

The Smoke Alarm Subsidy Scheme means that all eligible deaf and hard-of-hearing adults and children can afford to keep themselves and their families safe with the best specialised smoke alarms.  The scheme is now available to those deaf and hard-of-hearing people who do NOT have a Concession card, but you must be a resident of Queensland. For Concession card holders, you will have to contribute $20.00 towards the cost of the smoke alarm – for those of you in the deaf and hard-of-hearing community without a Concession card, it will cost you $50.00.  The smoke alarm available through this scheme normally retails at over $400.00, with most of the cost being covered by the Queensland Government.

To ascertain whether you are eligible or not, contact the Smoke Alarm Subsidy Scheme at Deaf Services Queensland on 3892 8500 (TTY) 3892 8501 or e-mail smokealarms@deafsq.org.au  then, once your eligibility has been confirmed, all you will have to do is complete and submit an application form.  The postal address is Smoke Alarm Subsidy Scheme, Deaf Services Queensland, 915 Ipswich Road (PO Box 465), MOOROOKA. QLD. 4105.

I hope this article has gone some way in assisting those in the community who are deaf or hearing-impaired, and making you feel you have not been forgotten.

Please remember:  All smoke detectors have a 9 volt battery within the detector.  If the detector is ‘hard-wired’ to your household electrical system, it will still have a 9 volt battery which kicks in as a back-up power source, when the power supply to your house is interrupted.  It is recommended that these 9 volt batteries be replaced every 12 months with a superior brand battery (eg. Duracell or Eveready).  The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services recommends 01 April (April Fool’s Day) as the date on which to change those batteries.

Glenn Bell

Senior Firefighter, ARANA HILLS Fire Station.