It’s not uncommon for elderly people to lose their hearing. Even if they have a hearing aid, many people take those devices out while they sleep. What happens if a fire breaks out in the middle of the night?
Fortunately, there are fire alarm solutions for the hearing impaired and deaf. If you or a loved one has a hearing issue, it’s important to install equipment in your home or residence that can grab their attention and wake them up, despite their not being able to hear traditional sirens.
Alarm Equipment for the Hearing Impaired
Depending on the level of hearing loss, there are a variety of solutions designed to help the deaf and hard of hearing. Extra loud sirens, flashing lights, and shaking devices are the three most common fire alarm solutions for the hearing impaired on the market today.
Three Types of Fire Detection Devices for Those with Hearing Problems:
Extra Loud Sirens: For those that aren’t completely deaf, it’s possible to install sirens that are louder than the usual sirens installed inside a home. Extra loud sirens can also help to alert nearby neighbors, who might be able to provide some assistance for elderly residents.
Color Coded Flashing Lights: Flashing lights can be strategically placed throughout a home to give occupants a signal to the type of danger at hand. One color can be set to signal the detection of a fire and another can be used to indicate a potential burglary, because it’s vital to react appropriately to the type of danger at hand.
Shaking Devices: For those with extreme hearing loss, sirens and flashing light might not be enough to wake them from a deep slumber. Shaking devices attached to the bed and a favorite chair can help jolt occupants from a sleep, and help ensure they’ll be able to get to safety in time.
Signaling for Non-Emergency Alerts
Similar equipment can be used to alert people to other, non-emergency situations, like a vibrating phone system or flashing light doorbell signal. It’s very important to differentiate these signals to make sure occupants know when a real emergency is at hand.
Here’s a brief video that shows the importance of fire alarms for the deaf and hearing impaired:
Alarm Systems in Nursing Homes and Elderly Care Centers
Alarm systems for the hearing impaired should be installed throughout nursing homes and elderly care center. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides some good information for those concerned about nursing home safety. It’s not uncommon for fire to cause a power outage in the building, which leaves occupants confused and in the dark. Backup batteries should be included in all alarm equipment used to alert people to the dangers of fire.
Fire detection and alerting equipment in commercial, government, and educational facilities is generally required to include flashing lights and extra loud sirens to help alert those with hearing impairments.
Installing Alarm Equipment for the Hearing Impaired
Fortunately, it’s not uncommon for people to be able to feel a siren blasting throughout a house or facility. The vibrations help alert people to potential danger. However, this may not be enough to wake someone with hearing issues from a deep sleep, so consider shaking devices as well.
Contact Butler Durrell Security to learn more about installing fire alarm equipment that is specifically designed to help those with hearing impairments or complete hearing loss.
