Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
October 5, 2015

Investing in the Safety of People in Our Communities

Project Provides $60,000 for Visual Fire Alarms for Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing

The Provincial Government is investing close to $60,000 for a pilot project designed to increase awareness around the need for visual/tactile fire safety alerts in the homes of people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, and to begin the process of providing systems to households in greatest need. The announcement was made today in Gander in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week, October 4-10.

"Many people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, particularly those who lose their hearing over time, may not be aware of the importance of having a visual fire alert system in their home to protect themselves in the event of smoke or fire. This project is designed to raise awareness about the different kinds of systems available, but also to begin placing visual or tactile fire detection systems in homes where the cost of installing such devices is a barrier for individuals and families."
- The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

A needs-based application process will be developed and administered by the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association - Newfoundland and Labrador (CHHA-NL). Applications will be available online as of Monday, October 12, at www.chha-nl.ca .

"Fire safety can be a matter of life and death. Today, traditional fire detectors are considered a minimum safety requirement in households and are readily available at an affordable cost of about $20-$30 - but not for people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Visual and tactile fire alert systems cost in the range of $500-$1,000, which can place a significant financial burden on persons with disabilities. This project is an excellent way to begin addressing this issue and we thank the Provincial Government for its commitment to this project."
- Art Norris, Chair, Canadian Hard of Hearing Association - Newfoundland and Labrador

The goal of the pilot project is to place 68 visual/tactile alarm systems in the homes of individuals who meet the eligibility criteria. In addition, the CHHA-NL will work with government, business, professional and community partners to develop promotional materials to increase awareness among people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing of the need for fire safety alarm systems.

For more information, contact the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association - Newfoundland and Labrador at 753-3224.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government is investing close to $60,000 for a pilot project that will place visual/tactile fire safety alerts in the homes of close to 70 people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.
• The announcement was made today in Gander in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week, October 4-10.
• The pilot project will be administered by the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association - Newfoundland and Labrador (CHHA-NL). It is specifically targeted at individuals and families for whom the cost of installing a visual/tactile alert system would present a financial barrier.
• A needs-based application process will be developed and administered by the CHHA-NL. Applications will be available online as of Monday, October 12, at www.chha-nl.ca .

- 30 -

Media contacts:

Heather May Director of Communications Seniors, Wellness and Social Development 709-729-0928, 697-5061 heathermay@gov.nl.ca

Leon Mills Executive Director Canadian Hard of Hearing Association – NL 709-753-3224 (ext. 223) lmills@chha-nl.ca

2015 10 05                              10:20 a.m.