El Paso Fire Department targets deaf community with new alarm system

The El Paso Fire Department is working to make sure people who are deaf or hard of hearing can evacuate their homes in case of a fire.

Members of the El Paso deaf community can now request a smoke alarm system with visual and physical alerts be installed in their home.

Usually these alarm systems cost about $400 and EPFD is installing them for El Pasoans for free.

“The deaf community smoke alarm system consists of 3 items, a strobe smoke alarm, an audible smoke alarm, and then we have what is called a bed shaker,” said Wyatt Schmidt, EPFD Paramedic Inspector.

The alarms work in conjunction. The bed shaker listens for the strobe and audible alarm and within seconds will begin vibrating and shaking the users bed, alerting them that there’s a fire.

EPFD said with these alarms, they’re hoping to save more lives in the Borderland.

“We’re hoping that in the next three years we can get a good amount of the deaf community coverage in their homes,” said Schmidt.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing and would like to request a free alarm, click here.