FENZ - Hearing assistive technology (HAT)

We all know working smoke alarms save lives, however conventional smoke alarms may not work for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

Fire and Emergency Risk Reduction Advisor Nick Linton, says there are specialised smoke alarm systems available for these people.

“These alarms have extra features such as extra loud and/or lower pitch alarm sounds, flashing strobe lights, or vibrating mechanisms.

“Ideally, someone who is deaf or hard of hearing will have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms fitted with bed-shakers, strobe lights and pagers, or a combination of these,” Nick says.

“Everything is designed to make responding to a smoke alarm as fast and safe as possible.”

If you, or someone you know, have had hearing loss it is worthwhile checking if you can hear your conventional smoke alarm, especially during the night.

Nick says deaf or hard of hearing people should contact their audiologist, hearing therapist or support organisation, such as Life Unlimited or Deaf Aotearoa, to have their needs assessed and the appropriate equipment assigned to them.

He says there is also a nationwide service available where deaf or hard of hearing people who have difficulty using a phone can contact the emergency services (Police, Fire and Ambulance) in an emergency via text messaging on their cell phones. People register with Police to use this service.

The Hearing Assistive Technology process has supported hundreds of Deaf and hard of hearing people so far and is keen to support more.

Please head to our website for further information: www.fireandemergency.nz/home-and-