Saving Lives Beyond Sound: Ohio Fire Marshal Highlights Life Saving Alarms for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Families

COLUMBUS, Ohio - In recognition of September being Deaf Awareness Month, the Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of State Fire Marshal (SFM) is highlighting the critical role that specialized home fire and smoke detection systems play in protecting people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

According to Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, approximately 300,000 Ohioans are deaf or hard of hearing. Nationwide, more than 50 million Americans are currently experiencing some level of hearing loss, or about one in seven people according to the Hearing Loss Association of America.

For those individuals, traditional smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that primarily utilize an audible alert may not be enough to awaken them while asleep.

Alternative devices, which feature additional means of alert in the event of a fire, are especially important for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. For example, these more accessible systems provide an audible alarm, spoken notification in both English and Spanish, a visual message displayed on a screen, a strobing light, and a device that, when placed beneath the mattress, vibrates when triggered. Together, these features help to ensure that everyone inside a home receives adequate warning of danger, even while sleeping.

These systems can be purchased from major online retailers or, in some select cases, are available free of charge from local fire departments through community safety partnerships.

"Every Ohioan deserves to be alerted to danger," said Ohio Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. "Accessible fire detection systems save lives, and we're committed to making sure families across Ohio know these tools are available to them. Unfortunately, many individuals are unaware that these devices exist - or even where to get them - and that's why this is a key message we make sure to share whenever we interact with the public."

An example of those interactions was seen this past summer at the Ohio State Fair when the Division's Fire Prevention Bureau engaged with a family who shared their challenges with relying on traditional alarms. The mother, who is deaf, visited the Ohio Department of Commerce's booth with her two daughters and her mother, who interpreted in sign language. Staff learned that the family had basic hearing-impaired alarms with visual alerts, but lacked the specialized bed-shaker component needed to awaken someone in the event they're asleep. The family also explained that another member of the family was hearing impaired, making nighttime alerts an even greater concern.

Division staff explained to the family how bed-shaker alarms function and that their local fire department may be able to provide and install them free of charge. Upon learning the family lived in the City of Delaware in Delaware County, they collected the family's contact information and connected them with the City of Delaware Fire Department who installed the hearing-impaired alarm unit at the family's home the following week free of charge.

This experience is an example of how accessible technology and community collaboration can make an immediate difference for families across Ohio.

The National Fire Protection Association provides additional resources on smoke and carbon monoxide alarms for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Pictures of the installation by the City of Delaware Fire Department are attached, and downloadable b-roll and soundbites from Chip Roberts, Service Coordinator with the City of Delaware Fire Department, are available via the below links.

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
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B-ROLL OF ACCESSIBLE FIRE ALARM INSTALLATION

CLICK HERE FOR DOWNLOADABLE SOTS
Chip Roberts, Service Coordinator, City of Delaware Fire Department
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About the Division of State Fire Marshal
The Division of State Fire Marshal is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. The department is Ohio's chief regulatory agency, focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at com.ohio.gov.