In support of Deaf Awareness Week 2015 (4^th - 8^th May 2015), 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).

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has recently been shortlisted for an Action on Hearing Loss Award for their efforts in ensuring that their services are accessible to all, and go the extra mile for the one-in-six people who are deaf or have hearing loss. The winners will be announced on the 15^th May.

As part of Deaf Awareness Week, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is reminding residents to make sure they install 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, including features such as vibrating pads and flashing strobe light - these specialist alarms can save lives, alerting people to a fire in their home even if they remove their hearing aid at night.

Stuart Millington, 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, text 88365, prefixing the message with the word HFSC or contact us at www.freesmokealarm.co.uk ."