SPECIALIST smoke alarms can now be fitted in the homes of deaf and hard of hearing people in Wyre Forest.
Funding totalling £5,000 has been obtained from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service to provide the alarms.
They are fitted to ceilings like normal smoke alarms but have an extension which fits under the householder's pillow.
When smoke is detected the pillow vibrates.
A white light connected to a bedside table can also flash to alert passers-by.
The fire service's Ian Prust said: "We immediately wanted to assist in making this service available for more people by providing social services with this funding.
"Saving lives is our business and so proactively safeguarding people's homes against fire is one of our main priorities.''
Jennie Clayton, a social worker for the deaf and hard of hearing, said: "I am delighted that the fire and rescue service has agreed to secure this funding to help us provide specialist smoke alarms for some of Worcestershire's most vulnerable people."
A home fire safety check service is available to all residents of Worcestershire and people can contact the fire and rescue service on freefone 0800 032 1155 to arrange a visit.
Anyone with a sensory impairment who wants to know more about the specialist smoke alarms can contact the county council's sensory impairment team on 01905 772288.
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