Smoke alarms and safety tips

A working smoke alarm is the best way to protect your family and home. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service offer more safety tips for your home, and provide a free Safe and Well home visit.

If you have hearing loss

• you can get a smoke alarm which uses a strobe light and vibrating pads
• in the event of a fire, if it is difficult for you to call 999 yourself, ask a neighbour to do it for you
• if you have specialist equipment, such as a text phone or minicom, you can contact the emergency services on 18000

If you have sight problems

• put a coloured sticker on your smoke alarm if you have trouble seeing to test it, or ask your local fire and rescue service if they can provide a coloured cover
• consider fitting bump-ons (also known as plastic blisters) to appliances as a way of making sure they are switched off properly
• unplug and then check electrical leads regularly by touch - if they are frayed or faulty don't use the appliance
• you may also want to consider placing a tactile indicator along your escape route to make it easier to find the exit

If you have mobility problems

• if it is difficult to test your alarms ask someone to do it for you
• remote controlled or easy access alarms are available from electrical retailers
• Lifeline telecare equipment will allow you to alert someone in the event of an emergency
• make sure you have easy access to any mobility aids you may need, such as a walking stick