08/06/2026
Visual smoke alarms and vibrating pillow pads can be lifesavers in Deaf homes.
Fire alarms and emergency alerts should have flashing lights or vibrating pagers, not only sound.
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. Ask your local fire brigade or sensory team if they can provide these for you.
DID YOU KNOW...
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.
Also if you stay at a hotel you can ask for the Fire Angel a deaf vibration alarm
