Smoke alarm drive for the hard of hearing

A CAMPAIGN to ensure smoke alarms for the hard of hearing are fitted in more homes across the Lothians is being launched today.

Crews from Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue service will visit clubs and groups for the hard of hearing and elderly as part of Deaf Awareness Week.

They will also be giving out information at local supermarkets and hospitals in a bid to encourage those who are deaf or hard of hearing to have an appropriate smoke detector installed in their home.

Community safety manager for the service David Lockhart said: "We

are using deaf awareness week to encourage residents who are deaf or hard of hearing, or their family or friends, to contact us for advice. Obviously for someone who has difficulty hearing, a basic smoke alarm would be of very little use.

The special alarms for the deaf use a vibrating pad to alert the residents that their smoke alarm is sounding, and give them the same vital early warning that could save their life."

As with basic smoke alarms, Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service offer to visit a resident's home and fit a special smoke alarm system as part of a free home safety visit service.

Anyone wanting to arrange a fire home safety visit should call: 0800 169 0320.