Options for getting a Deaf and Hard of Hearing Smoke Alarm Installed

There are limited solutions for Deaf and Hard of Hearing smoke alarms. Contact one of the 3 following organisations and ascertain whether you qualify for funding for a system to be installed by Housing New Zealand or Ministry of Health.

If you do not qualify for funding above you will be advised by them as to the most appropriate options available to you

The following options are currently available: 

1. http://www.life.nzl.org/page/life_11.php
2. http://www.deaf.org.nz/for-you/our-services/equipment  
3. http://www.hnzc.co.nz/hnzc/web/rent-buy-or-own/other-ways-we-can-help/modified-housing.htm

The best type of Deaf and Hard of Hearing smoke alarm

The ideal would be to have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms fitted with bed-shakers / strobe lights / pagers or a combination of these but the costs may be prohibitive.

Links to Equipment Available to Deaf or Hard of Hearing people 

• Bellman Visit Wireless Alarm
• Fire Denyer System
• Vibralert Vibrating Smoke Alarm
• First Alert Smoke Alarm BRK Hard of Hearing Strobe
  This needs to be installed by an electrician. If you have to purchase the Harkness Young alarms yourself it will be necessary for them to be ordered in specially. Contact Peter Jackson 09 978 2231 or email peter.jackson@bunnings.co.nz. He can arrange for these alarms to be sent to the nearest Bunnings to you at a discounted price
• Low frequency smoke alarms
  Not currently available but can be ordered via the internet.
• Mid frequency smoke alarms
  Contact: jamie@harknessyoung.co.nz (regarding supply and cost)

Fire Service Support

Contact your local Fire Station if you wish to have assistance with regard to the best locations for smoke alarms. The staff at your nearest Fire Station will be able to assist free of charge.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing people who have difficulty using a phone can register with Police to join the 111 TXT service. This service is only to be used in an emergency.

This is a nationwide service available to registered users wherever there is cell phone coverage. Registered users can contact the Emergency Services (Police, Fire and Ambulance) via text messaging on their cell phones.