Specialist smoke alarms for the D/deaf and hard of hearing
You may wish to use a specialist sensory smoke alarm if you cannot rely on traditional audible alarms due to hearing loss. These alarms use flashing lights, vibrating pads, and low-frequency sounds to alert you in the event of a fire.
Types of systems available
- Strobe light alarms - provide bright visual alerts
- Vibrating pad systems - alert individuals during sleep
- Low-frequency alarms - easier for some users to detect
- Linked systems - you can connect some smoke detectors with an alerting system to a community alarm service. This is for cases where the person may not be able to call for help on their own.
Provision and support
Norfolk County Council may provide specialist sensory alarm equipment in some cases. These cases may include where:
- British Sign Language is your primary language
- You use hearing technology, such as a cochlear implant or bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA)
- You're profoundly D/deaf
- There is a known fire risk, such as previous fires, smoking, cooking risks
- There are concerns around hoarding, arson, or safety
If you live in rented accommodation, your landlord must provide suitable smoke and carbon monoxide alarms under the Equality Act 2010.
If you do not meet the criteria for provision, these alarms are available to buy from various retailers.
Where to buy alarms and access further information
- RNID - guidance and advice on choosing suitable alarms
- Connevans - they stock a range of D/deaf-friendly alarms
- Firehawk - they provide wireless systems with strobe lights and vibrating pads
Installation support
N-Able installation service (Norfolk): call 01603 894120 or email [email protected]
