Maguire calls on Council to provide Smoke Alarms for Deaf/Hard of hearing in Social Housing

 Cllr. Sinéad Maguire has called on Sligo County Council to ensure that smoke alarms are tailored to meet the needs of those with hearing difficulties in all social housing under its control.   Where there hard of hearing apply for social housing, their needs should be recorded in the application process, according to Cllr. Maguire.

 

“The sooner that these needs are identified in the housing application process, the earlier they can be accommodated”, she said.  ‘Deaf Hear Sligo’ has highlighted the issues that those with hearing difficulty can face in their homes. Smoke alarms save lives, but those who are deaf or hard of hearing need specialised alarms which use Strobe (flashing lights) of a special high intensity which can wake a sleeping person.

 

“This is a very real issue for people with hearing issues and the importance and success of smoke alarms is well documented.   It is of the utmost importance that the same level of safety provision is provided to all social housing tenants, especially those deaf/hard of hearing.”

 

ENDS