South Somerset Homes residents receive free hard of hearing smoke alarms
11 November 2005

Six residents of a South Somerset Homes’ owned sheltered housing scheme in Queen Camel have recently benefited from the installation of free smoke alarms designed specifically for people who suffer with hearing difficulties.

The residents of Cleaveside Close sheltered housing scheme in Queen Camel who have received the smoke alarms have also benefited from a Home Fire Safety check carried out by members of the Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

The free fire checks were given to the residents after the scheme invited the Fire Brigade to a coffee morning for a talk on home safety. The members of the Somerset Fire and Rescue Service discuss issues such as having a working smoke alarm, having a fire escape plan and identifying any hazards there may be.

The alarms are professionally installed at no cost at all to the occupier and consist of a smoke detector, which is then linked to a vibrating pad placed under the resident’s pillow. The alarm also incorporates a flashing strobe light attracting the attention of the resident of a problem. The equipment is mains powered and has a backup power supply in the event of a power failure.

Marjoire Brooks, one of the residents who has benefited from a smoke alarm is very pleased with the service she got from the Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. “The Fire Service were very helpful and quick installing my new smoke alarm equipment and it gives me peace of mind at night when I go to bed and take my hearing aid out.”

Pictured here left to right are Mike Toop (Community Safety Officer for Somerset Fire and Rescue Service), Marjoire Brooks (resident) and Sue Wright (Scheme Manager)

Mike Toop, Community Safety Officer for Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said, “I would like to remind everyone of the importance of having a working smoke alarm.

Fires can happen at any time, but it’s normally at night when we are all asleep that we require the benefits of the early warning the alarm gives. These new alarms are designed for people who have hearing difficulties.”

If you or anyone you know would like to receive a free Home Fire Safety Check carried out by members of Somerset Fire and Rescue Service please contact 0845 345 9188.

South Somerset Homes installs smoke alarm detectors in all its properties, which are wired up to the main electricity supply. All smoke alarm detectors are serviced every year by SEC.

Pictured here left to right are Marjoire Brooks (resident) and Sue Wright
(Scheme Manager)