Fire alarm accessories and alerts for deaf people
Specialist fire alarm accessories are available for people who may not hear a standard alarm. These can include:
- flashing strobe lights
- vibrating pillow pads
- vibrating pagers
- mobile phone alerts
These devices provide an effective warning in the event of a fire and help ensure that deaf and hard of hearing people receive the same level of protection as other residents.
Following an assessment and confirmation of eligibility, the Sensory Support Service may be able to provide specialist fire alarm accessories and alerting equipment.
Important information
Homeowners who are deaf or hard of hearing remain responsible for purchasing and installing the standard interlinked fire alarm system required by law.
The Sensory Support Service does not install or maintain standard fire alarms. However, the service can provide advice on choosing a compliant alarm system that is compatible with specialist deaf alert equipment.
Recommended compatible alarm equipment
The following products are compatible with the specialist alerting equipment supplied by the Sensory Support Service.
Smoke alarm
Aico Ei650RF battery interlinked radioLINK+ smoke alarm
- typically, one smoke alarm is required on each level of the property and in the main living area.
Heat alarm
Aico Ei603RF battery interlinked radioLINK+ heat alarm
- one heat alarm should be installed in the kitchen.
Carbon monoxide detector
Aico Ei208WRF battery interlinked carbon monoxide alarm
- required in any room containing a carbon-fuelled appliance, such as a boiler, gas fire, oil-fired appliance, or solid fuel stove.
Existing specialist alert systems
If specialist smoke alert equipment has previously been issued by the Sensory Support Team, please note that many older systems no longer meet current legislative requirements.
These older systems will not be replaced, repaired, or maintained. The Sensory Support Team can arrange removal of obsolete equipment; however, this should only take place once:
- a compliant interlinked fire alarm system has been installed; and
- compatible specialist deaf alert equipment has been fitted and is working correctly.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service offers free Home Fire Safety Visits to help residents improve fire safety within their homes.
During the visit, staff can:
- assess fire risks within the property.
- help develop a home fire escape plan
- provide advice on smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms
- explain the current Scottish fire alarm requirements
For more information or to request a visit:
Website: Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Home Safety Visits
Phone: 0800 0731 999
Text service: Text FIRE to 80800
Online booking: Home Fire Safety Visit (HFSV) Self-Referral
Need advice?
If you are deaf or hard of hearing and would like advice about specialist fire alarm accessories, alerting equipment, or compatible fire alarm systems, please contact the Sensory Support Service for further guidance and assessment.