Community Safety Groups provide smoke alarms for the deaf

The Formartine Community Safety Group has received backing from its local authority in its initiative to provide specially-designed smoke detectors to householders with impaired hearing.

Aberdeenshire Council area manager for Formartine, Keith Newton, has taken delivery of three safety aids from group chairman Keith Hammerton.

The purpose-adapted alarms feature a strobe light and vibrating pad facility incorporated into a normal detector.

Mr Hammerton said the devices were earmarked for people with deafness, and would now be hardwired into domestic electrical systems by council staff.

"The council is delighted to be involved in such a worthwhile initiative," said Mr Newton, accepting the units at his Ellon office.

The detectors have been made available with cash help through the Aberdeenshire Safety Project. Similar units are being fitted in homes across the area through the half-dozen safety groups that cover the North-east. The Formartine team still has similar alarms available. Anyone interested in having one fitted to their home, or who knows of someone who could benefit from the equipment, should contact Mr Hammerton on 01651 806377.

The South Marr Community Safety Group have donated six smoke alarms for residents within the South Marr area. All the Community Safety Groups within Aberdeenshire have been allocated funding to purchase smoke alarms for the deaf. These alarms have a smoke detector which is connected to a plastic disc which fits under a pillow. During the night, the disc vibrates to warn the deaf person when smoke is detected. During the day, the smoke alarm sets off a bright strobe light in the living area to provide the warning. The detectors have been made available with cash help through the Aberdeenshire Safety Project.

The devices are earmarked for people who are deaf or hard of hearing and are hardwired into domestic electrical systems.

It's important that people with hearing difficulties know these items exist. A number of alarms have now been purchased by the Community Safety Groups. If you live in the South Marr area and want details of how to obtain one, or know of anyone who may benefit, call Mr Ed Bushnell on 013397 42293.