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.
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.
More resources
- Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID). Call 0808 808 0123. Textphone 0808 808 9000.
- Sense's website supports people who are deafblind. Call 0300 330 9250.
- If you live in rented accommodation see our safety advice for tenants.