Sometimes our team are called upon to install alert systems to support tenants with a disability. This can include the safety concerns for individuals with hearing impairments in the event of smoke or carbon monoxide (CO) emergencies.

Traditional smoke and CO alarms rely primarily on audible alerts to notify occupants of potential dangers. However, these alerts are ineffective for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, posing a significant safety risk.

In April 2024 a tenant in Leigh Park was identified as needing an effective alert system for her smoke and CO detectors. Mrs Rowe was unable to hear the smoke or carbon monoxide alarms at night when her hearing aid is removed.

The alert system needed to consist of the following components:

1.    Smoke and CO Detectors: utilise advanced sensor technology to detect smoke and carbon monoxide emissions accurately.

2.    Visual alerts: incorporate bright flashing lights strategically positioned throughout the premises to alert occupants of an emergency.

3.    Tactile alerts: integrate vibrating modules into wearable devices or bed shakers to provide tactile notifications to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

4.    Connectivity: enable wireless connectivity to synchronize the alert system with mobile devices or smart home systems for enhanced monitoring and control

Our electrical team installed a new alert system which included both visual and vibrating smoke alarm systems for alerting at night time. These visual and vibrating alerts were also linked to a new CO detector for the gas boiler.

Flash bases were installed in both the bedroom and lounge which give out a strobe light when activated. A vibrating bed shaker was also installed under the mattress, and a vibrating pad under the chair that Mrs Rowe sits in during the day in her lounge.

In addition to these a normal smoke alarm was fitted in the hallway outside the kitchen and a carbon monoxide alarm in the boiler cupboard (to alert neighbours). A door transmitter was also fitted next to the handset in the hallway with an extension mic fitted to the doorbell chime.

Mrs Rowe’s family were present for the installation and testing of the new alarms. Her nephew said:

“We were very impressed with the whole installation from start to finish. In particular, the care and dedication of the Comserv Electricians shown to our family needs. Thank you”

Mrs Rowe said:

“The vibrating pad under my seat works well when the doorbell goes, and the new system has given me peace of mind at night when I take my hearing aids out.”

The integration of a deaf alert system like the one Comserv installed for Mrs Rowe ensures the safety and well-being of individuals with hearing impairments. This ultimately contributes to a safer environment for all.