Coat of Arms Media Release Minister for Police and Community Safety The Honourable Jack Dempsey Government and Deaf Services Qld join forces for smoke alarm scheme Eligible deaf and hearing impaired Queenslanders will continue to benefit from the Smoke Alarm Subsidy Scheme. The Scheme is a joint initiative between the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) and Deaf Services Queensland (DSQ), made possible with funding from the Queensland Government. Police and Community Safety Minister Jack Dempsey said the scheme was important for people who couldn’t afford a specialised smoke alarm. “The Queensland Government and QFRS have been assisting hearing impaired people since 2007 with this scheme, providing assistance to more than 6,200 people,” Mr Dempsey said. “We will continue this assistance through a new partnership with DSQ, which already provides a huge range of services for the deaf community. “Queensland smoke alarm laws require all homes and caravans, owned or rented, throughout the State to be fitted with a working smoke alarm.” QFRS Commissioner Lee Johnson said the specialised smoke alarms had a vibrating pad that is placed under a pillow and activates when smoke alarms sound. “A standard smoke alarm can cost up to $50, however, a smoke alarm with a vibrating pad can cost around $400,” Mr Johnson said. “This cost is often prohibitive, which is why the Queensland Government and QFRS established the Smoke Alarm Subsidy Scheme in 2007 and this assistance will continue through DSQ.” Deaf Services Queensland Chief Executive Officer Brett Casey said deaf or hearing impaired people who had a current Pensioner Concession Card and were a resident of Queensland were eligible to apply. “This scheme means all eligible deaf and hearing impaired people will pay only $50, with the rest of the cost covered by funding from the State Government,” Mr Casey said. “It is simply too risky not to be equipped with the right smoke alarm. “We believe this subsidy ensures the safety of our community, particularly during the winter months when the risk of fire events occurring is higher.” To purchase a smoke alarm suitable for deaf or hard of hearing people, or to find out more about the Smoke Alarm Subsidy Scheme, phone DSQ on 3892 8500 or TTY 3892 8501 or visit deafservicesqld.org [ENDS] 6 August 2013 Media Contact: Alexandra Foley 0418 256 910 or Danny Donald 0439 719 116
Posted on: Tue, 06 Aug 2013 02:12:55 +0000
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