In support of Deaf Awareness Week 2014 (19th - 25th May 2014), North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is reinforcing the message that it offers free home fire safety checks with specialist equipment for deaf and hard of hearing residents in the region.

An estimated one million adults in the UK are unable to hear an ordinary smoke alarm because of hearing difficulties or removal of their hearing aid at night (RNID estimate, 2006).

So as part of Deaf Awareness Week, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is reminding residents to make sure they fit and test the right smoke alarms for those who suffer from hearing loss in their homes.

A whole range of alarms have been designed specifically for the hard of hearing  - these specialist alarms can save lives, alerting people to a fire in their home even if they remove their hearing aid at night.

Gary Brandrick, Senior Fire Safety Manager, said: "It is vital that people who are deaf or hard of hearing ensure they have the right smoke alarm technology in their home to protect them - and they test them regularly, to make sure they work!

"Many people with hearing loss could be at serious risk if they don't have the right alarm in place.  A specialist alarm system provides valuable time to escape from a house fire.  Without it, lives could be lost.

"Anyone unsure about the alarm they need should contact North Wales Fire and Rescue Service for a free home fire safety check.  We are here to help make sure your home is as fire safe as possible.

"To request a check, phone our 24 hour hotline on 0800 169 1234 or contact us at www.freesmokealarm.co.uk ."