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Fire Safety Top of Mind as Holidays Approach

Specialized smoke alarms available to protect Deaf and hard of hearing individuals

Last December, the Phoenix Fire Department responded to 60 calls for house and apartment fires. Smoke alarms help save lives by alerting individuals to a life-threatening situation. Individuals who are Deaf and hard of hearing rely on specialized smoke alarms to meet their safety needs. The specialized alarms activate a strobe light and a vibrating piece to notify of a possible fire. These unique alarms break down barriers for individuals who cannot hear the warning signals of a traditional audible smoke alarm.

This holiday season, specialized smoke alarms are available to help protect individuals who are Deaf and hard of hearing from house fires.  Valley of the Sun United Way, with partial funding from the Arizona Community Foundation, will provide specialized smoke alarms to keep more people safe.  A total of 75 smoke alarms will be donated to qualifying individuals and will be granted on a first-come first-served basis. To qualify individuals must:

  • Have a documented hearing loss
  • Reside in the Phoenix metro area
  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Live in a single family dwelling

If you or someone you know qualifies for a specialized smoke alarm, contact Valley of the Sun United Way at 602-631-4843 or download an online application. English | Spanish

Smoke alarms provide vital protection from house fires and Valley residents are reminded to have a fire safety plan. Smoke alarm tips and fire safety plan recommendations are available courtesy of the Phoenix Fire Department. Top tips include:

  • Where to install smoke alarms in the home
  • How to keep smoke alarms working properly
  • How to prepare a fire safety plan

Valley of the Sun United Way is committed to improving the health and safety of Valley neighborhoods and encourages residents to keep fire safety a top priority as the holiday season nears.  This reminder is an extension of Valley of the Sun United Way’s partnership with the Phoenix Fire Department which installs donated smoke alarms in high-need at-risk neighborhoods throughout the year.