SHREVEPORT, La. - The Deaf Action Center in Shreveport is launching a new effort to ensure vulnerable residents have the necessary tools to escape a fire.
Supported by a grant from Caddo Parish, the center is installing specialized flashing fire alarms for deaf and hard-of-hearing residents throughout the parish. These devices are essential for those who cannot hear traditional audible alarms.
Wendi Coker with the Deaf Action Center said that specialized equipment often comes with a much higher price tag than standard alarms found in retail stores.
"For us, we can go to Home Depot and buy a $25 fire alarm and go install it and be happy," Coker said. "Well, it's not that easy for them, and anytime you try to do something that's to accommodate, the price is three or four times more."
Coker noted that because these residents cannot hear a siren, the flashing lights are often the only way to be alerted to danger before they smell smoke.
The grant money will be used to purchase and install as many as 70 of these specialized alarms for the hearing-impaired community.