HEREFORD & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service reached out to those who are deaf or who have a hearing impairment during Deaf Awareness Week to ensure they have effective smoke alarms.

As part of Deaf Awareness Week, the fire and rescue service is reminding Herefordshire and Worcestershire’s residents to make sure they fit and test the right smoke alarms for those with hearing loss in their homes.

A whole range of alarms has been designed specifically for those with a hearing impairment, with features ranging from strobe lighting and vibrating alarms to small wearable radio linked pagers. These specialist alarms can save lives, alerting people to a fire in their home even if they remove their hearing aid at night.

“It is vital that people who are deaf or have a hearing impairment ensure they have the right smoke alarm technology in their home to protect them, and that they test them weekly, to make sure they work," said Emma Roberts, prevention manager.