What if myself or someone in my home is deaf or hard of hearing?

There are smoke alarms and alert devices that alert people who are deaf or hard of hearing. These devices include strobe lights that flash to alert people when the smoke alarm sounds. Pillow or bed shakers designed to work with your smoke alarm also can be purchased and installed. These work by shaking the pillow or bed when the smoke alarm sounds. These products can be found online and in stores that sell smoke and CO alarms.

Make sure to choose smoke alarms and accessories for people who are deaf or hard of hearing that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory. It’s also good practice to sleep with your mobile phone and your hearing aids or implants close to your bed.

What about my elderly parents living in my home, how can I help them?

Make sure your smoke and CO alarms meet the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
Some tips:

• Install a bedside alert device that responds to the sound of the smoke and CO alarms. Use of a low frequency alarm can also wake a sleeping person with mild to severe hearing loss.
• Sleep with your mobility device, glasses, and phone close to your bed.
• Keep pathways like hallways lit with night lights and free from clutter to make sure everyone can get out safely.

Here's more fire safety information you can use: Cover all the bases for your family with our fire escape checklist. Older adults are more likely to die in a fire. Help keep them safe with our fire safety checklist for caregivers of older adults. Download the home fire escape planning grid in English or Spanish. Are you a public educator? Sign up for NFPA Network, our monthly e-newsletter.