Deaf, hard of hearing Calgarians can get assistive alerting devices through fire department program

The Calgary Fire Department (CFD) has launched a new program to ensure deaf and hard-of-hearing Calgarians can get out of their homes safely in the case of fire.

Funded by The City of Calgary’s Equity in Service Delivery Fund, the program will give free specialized smoke and carbon monoxide alerting devices to Calgarians who qualify.

Traditional smoke and carbon monoxide alarms rely on high-pitched sounds, which can be ineffective for those with hearing loss. Assistive alerting devices address this issue by incorporating flashing strobe lights that give a visual warning of smoke or carbon monoxide detection.

Other assistive alerting devices include bed or pillow shakers that vibrate to wake someone up during an emergency, and loud, low-pitched audio signals specifically designed for those with hearing loss.

Since 1996, CFD’s Home Safety Program has visited over 500,000 homes and installed nearly 35,000 traditional smoke alarms. This new program builds on that legacy, the CFD says, with $100,000 allocated to the overall program.

“Every Calgarian deserves to feel safe in their home, regardless of their circumstances,” said Fire Chief Steve Dongworth. “The goal of our fire prevention programs is that no one ever has to use these devices, but we know how critical they are in emergencies. By addressing the specific needs of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, we’re helping to save lives and ensuring our fire safety services are inclusive and accessible to everyone.”

To qualify for these devices, applicants must self-identify as deaf or hard of hearing, live in Calgary city limits, and participate in financial support programs like Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) or Fair Entry.

Calgarians interested in the program can visit calgary.ca/fire or contact Community Safety Team at communitysafety@calgary.ca for more information or to start the application process.

In addition to assistive alerting devices, CFD also offers door hangers and stickers that alert emergency responders that someone in the home may be deaf or hard of hearing. These resources are available to every one in the community and can be requested through 311.