Fire Safety: Specialized Assistive Devices
October is Fire Safety Month.
Fires are very scary and have been known to take many lives. Last year in Ohio, there were 126 fire fatalaties, according to data from the State Fire Marshal's Office. In order to survive a house fire, an immediate warning system and a plan for how to get out and stay away safely are critical. Many of us expect to hear the high-pitched sound of a smoke alarm when a fire has broken out. But what about individuals who are unable to hear this potentially life-saving noise?
A report shared by the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), revealed that 300,000 Ohioans were deaf or hard-of-hearing. As a result, the State Fire Marshall, Ohio Department of Commerce Division, and OOD decided to collaborate to make sure this unique community is effectively alerted when there is the potential danger of fire.
Thankfully, assistive technologies have been developed for exactly this purpose. Some modified smoke alarms for the deaf or hard-of-hearing include special features, like a display screen that provides a visual message or a strobing light. There’s even a version that will shake the person’s bed!
- The National Fire Protection Association provides additional resources on smoke and carbon monoxide alarms for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- The City of Delaware Fire Department has two helpful videos that demonstrate how to install these adapted alarms and why they are useful. Check them out here:
o Installation & Demonstration Video
Some of these specialized fire alarms are free, but others do have a cost. It’s unfortunate, but often people in the disability community don’t know there are helpful inventions like these adapted alarms that could make their lives better by improving their safety. It’s up to local community service providers to share this type of information. I’m glad I’m able to do so as a blogger!
As we move forward to include all in every aspect of life, it’s great to see things like assistive safety alarms becoming available to protect more people in our community. I can’t wait to see what’s next!