Deaf and hard-of-hearing Calgarians can get free specialized smoke, CO alarms

Calgary Fire Department has a program to help keep those who are deaf or hard of hearing safe from fire and carbon monoxide.

The Calgary Fire Department has launched a new program to help keep those who are deaf or hard of hearing safe from potential fires and carbon monoxide poisonings.

The Assistive Alerting Device Program, funded by the City of Calgary’s Equity in Service Delivery Fund, will see specialized smoke and carbon monoxide alarms provided to those who need them free of cost.

“Every Calgarian deserves to feel safe in their home,” said fire chief Steve Dongworth.

“By addressing the specific needs of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, we’re helping to save lives and ensuring our fire safety services are inclusive and accessible to everyone.”

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While traditional smoke and CO alarms rely on audio to alert people to danger, the specialized alarms incorporate flashing strobe lights, bed or pillow shakers and loud, low-pitched audio signals specifically designed for people with hearing loss.

“I’m certainly aware of times in the past where unfortunately – we’ve had injuries and even fatalities – where it’s impacted people who are vulnerable in some way,” Dongworth said.

Community safety officer Alex Kwan said the specialized alarms work in conjunction with a regular working smoke alarm.

“We’ll go in and test all the alarms in the home, make sure those are properly working, then set up the device for them and make sure that it syncs up and alerts them as well,” he said.

“Some of the events we’ve attended, some of the consultation we’ve done with people from the community has indicated one of their fears is if there’s an emergency, they don’t hear it,” said Kwan. “And then everyone else evacuates, they’re the only person that’s still there.”

Eileen Levie is the first Calgarian to receive the device.

“I have the safety equipment now in my home,” she said through a sign language interpreter.

“I live alone, so it makes me feel very confident that I’m more safe having this equipment.”

Levie says she has not yet faced any close calls, but she’s happy to be one of 233 people receiving the device.

“I feel so much safer and I’m very grateful,” she said.

“I rely on neighbours to come and get me if something was happening. They would ring my doorbell, which does flash, but I would need to rely on someone else.”

To qualify for one of the free devices, applicants must:

- Self-identify as Deaf or hard of hearing;

- Reside within Calgary city limits; and,

- Participate in financial support programs such as Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) or Fair Entry.

Those interested in applying can visit calgary.ca/fire or contact the Community Safety Team at [e-mail] for more information.