2/13/14 - Many in the community are probably aware that smoke alarms help save lives, but what if you're hearing impaired? There are a number of devices available for those who are unable to rely on the life-saving warning sound of a working smoke alarm to alert them of fire. Thanks to a federal grant, the Brighton Area Fire Authority is able to not only provide typical smoke alarms to residents but special units for those who are deaf or have hearing impairments. The Life Tone unit looks like an alarm clock and re-transmits the alarm in a different tone and includes a device to physically shake the bed. Itâs paired to a smoke alarm in the home and activates when the smoke alarm senses smoke. Fire Authority Chief Mike OâBrian says itâs a unique group to try and figure out what the true demand is so theyâve been working with local schools and determine higher risk populations, which are children with hearing loss. He tells WHMI they're looking to install around $95,000 worth of smoke alarms in homes but they want to hear from residents in Livingston County who could benefit from one of the Life Tone units. More details and contact information for those looking to request a unit can be found in the press release below. (JM)
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