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Houston FD awarded grant to install smoke alarms for those hard of hearing

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Published  February 18, 2023 12:17pm CST
Houston
FOX 26 Houston

HOUSTON - It's almost every person's nightmare to be woken up by smoke alarms, but it's imperative for residents to help them evacuate safely, but what about those who have trouble hearing?

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The Houston Fire Department, according to a press release, was awarded a grant allowing firefighters to install 500 visual smoke alarms and bed shakers. 

Every second counts when dealing with a house fire, and HFD cited a study by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) that in almost three of every five home fires, there were no smoke alarms or were not functioning. 

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Through this grant by FEMA in conjunction with the Fire Prevent and Safety Grant Program, HFD will be able to expand its "Get Alarmed Houston!" program. $173,328 provided by the grant will be matched by more than $8,000 by the HFD. 

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Going forward, HFD will identify those in need through community outreach partners who serve and work with those who are hard of hearing. The goal is to install 250/year hearing impaired smoke alarms through local contributions, however, this is the first time the alarms will include "bed shakers." 

"The Houston Fire Department aims to reduce fire-related deaths and injuries in homes and possibly eliminate these in our community through early warning provided by working smoke detectors," HFD Fire Chief Samuel Peña said in a press statement. "This grant will provide us the path needed as we work to make this goal a reality."