With the present onset of cold weather and the high use of heating appliances it is important for our deaf and hearing impaired veterans to have suitable smoke alarms for their well being and most of us are aware of recent changes requiring all homes and units throughout Queensland to be fitted with smoke alarms. Many of our elderly and infirmed are not aware of a Department of Community Safety Queensland Fire and Rescue Service Smoke Alarm Subsidy Rebate Scheme for the deaf and hearing impaired that will pay up to $400 to help pay for smoke alarms designed to meet their needs.

To qualify for this subsidy you must live in Queensland as a permanent resident and be the holder or a dependant of the holder of a DVA Gold Card or White Card (issued for conditions that include hearing loss) or a Centrelink Concession Card or Health Care Card. You must also be able to provide signed confirmation from a qualified GP or hearing practitioner (audiologist or audiometrist) recommending your suitability for the scheme based on their assessment that your level of hearing loss may prevent you from hearing a standard smoke alarm.

A list of authorised retailers where you can obtain a quote for a system of your choice that needs to include a flashing strobe and vibrating pad is included in the application form that may be obtained online at http://www.fire.qld.gov.au/communitysafety/smokealarms/legislation.asp.

For more information please call Fire and Rescue on 07 4190 4818 or 07 3635 1952 or call into your local fire station.