Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 02/05/2

Falmouth firefighters are asking local businesses to be aware of people with hearing impairments during Deaf Awareness Week: 2nd May – 8th May 2006.

Deaf Awareness Week promotes the positive aspects of deafness, social inclusion and raises awareness of the range of local organisations that support deaf people and their family and friends, it is important that safety is not overlooked.

One in four people in the County have a hearing impairment and everyone should be aware of how to assist them including how to remain fire safe.

Firefighters from White Watch, Falmouth have been working with Mervyn Thomas from the Cornwall Sensory Team to gain an understanding of the various issues which affect the hearing impaired.

Mervyn Thomas explained: “Being aware that a hearing impaired person is visiting your establishment is vitally important to ensure that everyone is evacuated should a fire occur. They may not be able to hear the fire alarm. However there are many other ways of alerting them including vibrating or flashing light alarms”
Sub Officer Martyn Addinall added: “We think it is extremely important that everyone in the community has an understanding of how they can help in the event of a fire. Simple ideas such as hotels should include in their welcome packs questions such as ‘do you have a hearing problem?’ alongside dietary requirements”

He cont: “All staff would then be aware that in the event of a fire that person needs to be alerted in a specific way”

For further information on how the Fire and Rescue Service can help, please contact the Community Fire Safety Section on 0800 3581 999.
Mervyn Thomas and Alan Chapman who are Technical Officers for deaf people can be contacted at the Hearing Resource Centre at Treliske Hospital on 01872 253746.