Free smoke alarms for hard of hearing

Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service (BLFRS) and Bedfordshire Pilgrims Housing Association (bpha) are joining forces to keep residents safer.

bpha's maintenance team has been given training by the Fire and Rescue Service in carrying out Home Fire Safety Checks and fitting free smoke alarms for the hard of hearing.

While all bpha properties are fitted with siren smoke detectors, this is the first time that special alarms specifically designed for people with hearing problems have been installed. Along with a flashing light, the alarms link to a vibrating pad placed under the pillow should a fire occur while a resident is asleep.

Mr Anthony Ayres of Sir William Harpur House in Bedford was the first resident to receive a visit from BLFRS Fire Safety Officer Thomas Warner and a trio of bpha maintenance men. As well as fitting the special smoke alarm, they also gave Mr Ayres advice on general safety - such as not overloading plugs and taking care in the kitchen where many home fires start.

Northern Area Commander Tony Rogers said: “We want to keep people safe in their homes and we are doing just that by training bpha staff to fit smoke alarms for deaf people in their properties.”

“If there are others in the community that would like a Home Fire Safety Check from the firefighters, please contact the Northern Area Community Safety Team on 01234 845 000.”

Former BLFRS fire officer Les Carmichael, who now works for bpha, brought the two organisations together in this simple but effective partnership.

Les said: “We take the safety of our residents very seriously and we recognise that anyone with hearing difficulties could be more vulnerable in the event of a fire as they may not hear the alarm, particularly at night. We will continue to offer this service and will be working closely with the BLFRS to help reduce the risks of a fire developing in the home.”

About bpha
Bedfordshire Pilgrims Housing Association - now known simply as bpha - manages more than 15,000 homes and employs more than 300 staff. Since 1992, it has helped more than 5,000 families into home ownership and currently