New smoke alarms available for deaf and hard of hearing Calgarians

A new program launched by the Calgary Fire Department is aiming to help hundreds of deaf and hard of hearing Calgarians. 

The program will provide specialized smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to be installed for free for eligible Calgarians. The $100,000 program cost is coming from the City of Calgary's fund for equity in service delivery.

The new alarms will provide bed or pillow shakers that vibrate to wake people during emergencies. The alarms also flash strobe lights and loud, low-pitched audio signals, intended to help individuals recognize emergencies no matter the time of day. 

"Every Calgarian deserves to feel safe at home regardless of their circumstances, and this initiative removes financial barriers to achieve that goal," said Chief Steve Dongworth of the Calgary Fire Department at a news conference. 

To qualify for the program, Calgarians must self-identify as deaf or hard of hearing, live within city limits and participate in support programs. 

Eileen Levie was the first Calgarian to receive the new device in December. 

Levie, who lives alone, said through sign language interpreters that the device was "life-changing." 

She said she used to rely on neighbours for help in case of emergency. She also had a flashing strobe doorbell to alert her.  

"I would just be guessing most of the time. I didn't know what was happening. I certainly didn't know what kind of emergency it was," Levie said. 

Dongworth said the fire department has had many instances where rooms were not evacuated due to residents not being able to hear alarms, which puts people at increased risk during a blaze. 

Door hangers and stickers will be provided to residents who are a part of the new program. It will help first responders make sure everyone is evacuated safely under the designed protocol.  

Alex Kwan, community safety officer with the department, said staff will visit residents to sync the specialized equipment, adding it is treated like any regular alarm. Officers will also check in to make sure all equipment is working properly.

Kwan said that better patient outcome is key when dealing with emergencies, adding it can be quite the scare when a first responder is standing over you trying to wake you up. 

The first of 12 units have been installed in the city, Kwan said, leaving remaining units available for anybody who qualifies. Registration can be done through the fire department's community safety email or by calling 311.