Fire Safety Advice
For the hearing impaired
Register for the SMS 999 service, it will link you automatically to the emergency services. To register text register to 999. You will get a reply – then follow the instructions.
Plan your escape route, get everyone in your household to practice with you and make sure you feel comfortable doing it feeling tired or in the middle of the night.
Make sure your front doorbell is working. If you live in a block of flats and the communal fire alarm goes off, one of your neighbours may be trying to alert you.
Smoke detectors
If you are deaf, a little hard of hearing or simply a heavy sleeper, you should consider a strobe light and vibrating-pad alarm system.
These alarm systems work in the same way as other smoke alarms
- if you have a vibrating pad, make sure it is properly linked to the fire alarm
- if you use a pager (which is linked to your fire alarm), remember to keep it charged and keep it with you
- If you are worried your equipment is not working properly, contact your social service team who supplied it
For the sight impaired
Place tactile indicators along your escape route and make sure you feel comfortable following them.
Smoke detectors
Place a bright coloured sticker on your smoke alarm.
More information about helpful indicators can be found on the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB) online shop.
Electrical safety
Faulty electrical items can give off a burning smell, if this happens turn off the appliance and unplug immediate.y
Place TactiMarks and bump-on stickers on to switches and electrical items.
For the mobility impaired
Make sure doorways, corridors and stairs are clear.
Keep door/window keys and your phone handy, away from the door itself, and tell members of your household where they are.
Smoke detectors
Can you ask a friend, family member of neighbour to test your smoke alarm?
Easy access alarms can be provided by the Disabled Living Foundation.