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Fire safety for people with hearing impairments

If you, a family member, or someone you care for is deaf or hard of hearing - here’s some practical fire safety advice to consider.
 

 

Specialist equipment

  • If you are deaf or hard of hearing and live alone or with others who are also deaf or hard of hearing, you can get a smoke alarm that uses a strobe light and vibrating pads that are placed under your pillow at night.
  • If you are concerned that you will not hear your smoke alarm because you live in a large house, or one with more than one floor, you could ask a qualified electrician to fit linked alarms. This means that when one detects a fire they will all sound.
A smoke alarm on a dark ceiling, with a cloud of smoke rising towards it.

In an emergency

  • In an emergency, if it is difficult for you to call 999 yourself, ask someone else to do it for you.
  • Textphone or minicom users can call the emergency services on 18000.

Contact 999 by SMS text

  • If you cannot make voice calls, you can contact the 999 emergency services by SMS text from your mobile phone.
  • Emergency SMS is part of the standard 999 service and is specifically for deaf people or people with a speech impediment.
  • To register, text ‘register’ to 999. You will get a reply – then follow the instructions you are sent.

Contact 999 using the 999 BSL app

The 999 BSL app connects you with a BSL interpreter and control room call handlers. BSL users should download this app onto their phone ready for use in an emergency.

  • Download the 999 BSL app from your app store.
  • Open the app and allow access to take pictures, record video and to discover device location.
  • In an emergency, press the red button to call 999 and connect to a BSL translator and the emergency services.

Plan an escape route

  • Think about all possible escape routes in case there is a fire.
  • It is a good idea to practise an escape so that you feel confident you could do it day or night.
  • Keep a phone in the bedroom in case you need to make an emergency call. If it’s a mobile, keep it charged.
  • Make sure all exits and escape routes are kept clear taking into consideration any mobility aids that you use.
  • Keep keys where you can find them in case you need them in a hurry, preferably near to your door.
  • The best route is the normal way in and out of your home.
  • Make sure you know how your house or personal alarm works, including any passwords or codes.
  • If you have a key safe outside your property or an access code to the property, it is a good idea to tell the emergency services when calling us in an emergency.

What to do if there is a fire

  • Don’t tackle the fire yourself.
  • If you can, get out, stay out and call 999.
  • If you can’t dial 999 tell someone else to do it for you.
  • If you can’t get out, go into a room that has a window and a phone and shut the door.
  • Put blankets or towels around the bottom of the door to block out the smoke, then open the window and shout ‘Help Fire’.
  • Keep a whistle handy if it’s hard to shout.

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