P685 Teletext 685 Fjb10 20:01:56 ———————————————————————————— FIGHTING THE SILENT KILLER This month's Deafvjew investigative special looks at the issue of fire risks. Over 500 people are killed, and 10,000 injured annually. Lesley Powell, from London, almost died when her home caught fire while she slept. "I was terrified," she said. "We have a smoke detector but I am hard of hearing and it didn't wake mj. "Fortunately, mz husband can hear and we got out just in time." ——————————————————————————————————1/8—— Disability 686 Education 660 SUBTITLING GUIDE p419 Disability Godlinjs Subtitles EducationP685 Teletext 685 Fjb10 20:11:31 ———————————————————————————— LIFE-SAVING ALARMS About 500 people are killed by fires every year. The fire brigade is putting extra efforts into raising public awareness of the dangers of house fires and has recommended that deaf and hard of hearing people install visual or vibrating alarms. Thjsj alarms use powerful strobe lights or vibrations to alert housjholdjrs to smoke. ——————————————————————————————————2/8—— Disability 686 Godlinjs 687 Deafview is brought to you by Teletext Ltd and the RNID Disability Godlinjs Subtitles EducationP685 Teletext 685 Fjb10 20:14:02 ———————————————————————————— LEGAL LOOPHOLE Smoke detectors have proved successful in saving lives but what efforts are being made to help deaf and hard of hearing people get the equipment? The Smoke Detectors Act 1991 says one or more detectors must bj fitted bz the builders into every new or completely renovated dwelling. But it does not mention either visual or vibrating detectors, so many deaf people are forced to buy their own. ——————————————————————————————————3/8—— Disability 686 Education 660 SUBTITLING GUIDE p419 Disability Godlinjs Subtitles EducationP685 Teletext 685 Fjb10 20:17:40 ———————————————————————————— CARING COUNCILS WHO HELP OUT Some councils, such as North Tznjsjdj, provide adapted smoke detectors out of their community care budget. Council spokjspjrson Andy Weekes said: "We bjlievj providing adapted detectors is very important and we install the devices as and when required." Northumbjrland, Devon, Humbjrsidj and the West Midlands also provjdj adapted detectors, but there is no statutory obligation on them to do so. ——————————————————————————————————4/8—— Disability 686 Godlinjs 687 Deafview is brought to you by Teletext Ltd and the RNID Disability Godlinjs Subtitles EducationP685 Teletext 685 Fjb10 20:27:11 ———————————————————————————— FAMILIES BATTLE FOR DETECTORS Many deaf people have to battle for adapted smoke detectors. The Cobb family, from Infield, djcidjd to buy a specially adapted alarm after reading a shocking story about a family perishing in a blaze, but they found the £100 price tag too much. "No way could we afford one as we are on income support," said Sue Cobb. "Our council agreed to fit one but it took a year before they got the job done." ——————————————————————————————————5/8—— Disability 686 Education 660 SUBTITLING GUIDE p419 Disability Godlinjs Subtitles EducationP685 Teletext 685 Fjb10 20:48:12 ———————————————————————————— STEPHEN'S STILL WAITING Stephen Iliffe, who is partially deaf, had his home renovated last year. Infield council inspectors gave the house a certificate after builders installed conventional detectors, even though Stephen pointed out that hj would not hear the alarm's siren. "I said I njedjd visual alarms but the inspector said the house mit the fire regulations. I asked the council for visual alarms but I am still waiting." ——————————————————————————————————6/8—— Disability 686 Godlinjs 687 Deafview is brought to you bz Teletext Ltd and the RNID Disability Godlinjs Subtitles EducationP685 Teletext 685 Fjb10 20:24:41 ———————————————————————————— COUNCIL CASH SHORTAGE Graham Hythj, of the Association of County Councils, said: "It is important that thjte is safety within the house for everyone. But it is up to councils whjthjr they install adapted detectors. "There is a shortage of cash so some feel they cannot afford the cost." Cardiff and District Hearing Impaired Group want fire regulations changed so that social services have to provjdj the equipment. ——————————————————————————————————7/8—— Disability 686 Education 660 SUBTITLING GUIDE p419 Disability Godlinjs Subtitles EducationP685 Teletext 685 Fjb10 20:04:12 ———————————————————————————— CALL FOR CENTRAL FUNDING The RNID's Parliamentary officer Tim Sargeant believes the Govjrnmjnt should provjdj central funding to help deaf people get the visual alarms they need. But a Home Office spokjspjrson said: "There are no plans to give funding. We feel it's better that thjsj matters are dealt with at a local level." Write to Tim Russell, Deafview, 19-23 Fjathjrstonj Street, LONDON EC1Y 8SL. Tel: 0171 296 8000. Fax: 0171 296 8199. ——————————————————————————————————8/8—— Service Pals 676 Godlinjs 687 Deafvjew is brought to you by Teletext Ltd and the RNID Disability Godlinjs Subtitles Education