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News Release

Issued: 27 April 2009

At: 9am

For immediate release

Fire and Rescue Service Give Out Safety Advice During Deaf Awareness Week

As part of national Deaf Awareness Week, a deaf festival is being held on Saturday 9 May 2009 between 1pm and 5pm at Action Deafness, Leicester. Through this event, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service will be aiming to raise awareness of special smoke alarms that could help save the life of a person who is hard of hearing, in the event of fire.

Community Safety Support Officer, Paul Speight, said:

“It is important that people have correctly fitted and maintained smoke alarms. For people who are hard of hearing, they need to have a more suitable alarm in their home; this is particularly important in rented accommodation as the landlord may not know the full circumstances of their tenants and it is vital that smoke alarms meet individuals’ needs.”

“Most domestic fires occur whilst the occupants are asleep and it would be hard for people with hearing loss to wake up through the means of conventional smoke alarms. There are specialist alarms available that have a vibrating pad that fits under the mattress or pillow of the occupant’s bed, and sometimes a strobe light as well.”

“We believe that Deaf Awareness Week is a good opportunity for those who are deaf or hard of hearing, those who care for someone with a hearing disability or, those who know of someone who is living alone and could be vulnerable, to make sure they have an appropriate alarm for their needs.”

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Notes to News Desk

Interview Requests

Paul Speight, Community Safety Support Officer, is available for interview on request.

Please contact Corporate Communications on the number below.

Contact Information

For more information please contact:

Corporate Communications
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service
Tel 0116 287 2241