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Free Smoke Alarms for NSW Deaf
Information provided by Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care - Published: 2011-02-22
Free smoke alarms for deaf people in NSW - The NSW Government has committed $2 million to provide free smoke alarms for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
The Minister for Disability Services, Peter Primrose, said that the scheme would provide financial support to purchase specialised smoke alarms which use flashing lights or vibrating under pillow pads to supplement the standard sound of an alarm.
Mr Primrose said that specialised smoke alarms for people who are deaf or hard of hearing would usually cost between $400 and $650.
“Many deaf people currently live without the protection of effective fire alarms in the home,” Mr Primrose said.
“This announcement will mean anyone who qualifies can ask for and receive a free visual smoke alarm.”
“It will mean safer homes for deaf people and could save lives in the event of a fire.”
Mr Primrose said that the scheme was in response to a joint proposal developed by the Deaf Society of NSW and Fire and Rescue NSW and was part of a series of cost-of-living initiatives recently announced by the Premier, Kristina Keneally.
“The $2 million cost of the scheme will be spread over three years and will enable an estimated 3,500 households to benefit from the scheme,” he said.
“The free smoke alarms scheme will be administered by the Deaf Society of NSW.”
The Deaf Society’s administration will be assisted by an Implementation Steering Committee with representatives from NSW Government agencies and stakeholders from the deaf community.
“The Committee will help to ensure that the scheme will be sustainable over the longer term so that eligible people will continue to have access.”
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- This web page is from the Disabled World New South Wales section which provides: Disability news stories and articles from NSW Australia includes medical press releases and coming events in the state of NSW.
- Safety Tips For Caregivers
- What you Can't Hear can Hurt You
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