'We've been crying out for this for a very long time': MFD to give out free alarms for deaf, hard-of-hearing residents

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- While most people associate smoke alarms with loud beeping, not everyone hears the sound they make, and because of this, the Milwaukee Fire Department (MFD) is taking steps to smoke detection an accessible safety measure.

On Wednesday, the department introduced what they call "bed-shaking fire alarms." The alarms go in between the mattress and box spring to alert deaf and hard-of-hearing people to danger while they are asleep.

"I am concerned about sleeping and having a fire happen overnight," Leah Simmons told CBS 58.

According to the American Red Cross, home fires are the most frequent disaster in the United States, claiming 7 lives every day, often in homes without working smoke alarms. To reduce fire fatalities, the Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin donated 100 of the bed shaking alarms to the city of Milwaukee.

"With modern furnishing and building materials, occupants only have three to five minutes to escape a fire. That's why early detection is key," Executive Director of Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin Charitable Foundation Michael Wos said.

MFD will install these doctors and the traditional detectors at no charge. For the bed shaking alarm to function properly, the home must have a working smoke alarm.

"We can actually come to your home within the next few days and make sure you have both a working smoke alarm and make sure that everything is set up for you with the bed shaker," MFD Community Relations Director Carlos Velazquez Sanchez said.

During the announcement, held at Independence First on 540 S 1st St., many deaf and hard-of-hearing residents shared their concerns and asked questions. While some feel it is a step in the right direction, they also acknowledge there is much to do still.

"It's a start and we've been crying out for this for a very long time," Simmons said.

"Technology has done wonders for the world, and somehow [the deaf and hard-of-hearing] are behind, and we should be much further along."

Fire Chief Aaron Lipski said his department will not leave these community members behind.

"We're sorry this took us so long. We should be much further along. It's 2024, and we should be further along with technology in this country," Lipski said. "We stand with you to advocate for these things."

The fire department will be installing these detectors by appointment. To schedule one, call the MFD Smoke Alarm Hotline at (414)-286-8980. For Spanish speakers, please choose option 2.