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Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) is marking Deaf Awareness Week (4–11 May 2026) highlighting the simple, free ways Deaf and hard-of-hearing residents can stay safe at home and access emergency support.
If you are Deaf or hard of hearing, the Service can offer free Home Fire Safety Visits to help identify risks in the home and provide specialist equipment and tailored fire safety advice. This includes the installation of smoke alarms with strobe lighting and vibrating pads, designed specifically for people who may not hear a standard alarm. Residents can also request a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, ensuring advice and safety guidance is fully accessible.
The Service is also reminding people about alternative ways to contact emergency services, including Emergency SMS, which allows 999 to be contacted by text, and 999 BSL, a video relay service connecting BSL users directly to trained emergency call handlers.
“Deaf Awareness Week is an important opportunity to make sure people know that fire safety support is accessible to everyone. Completing a Home Fire Safety Check is the first step in helping us understand what support someone may need, from specialist alarms to tailored advice.”
Nikki Rice, Prevention Manager at Avon Fire & Rescue Service.
“We are committed to removing barriers and making our services as inclusive as possible. As someone who is Deaf, I understand first-hand how important it is to have clear, accessible ways to contact emergency services and the right support in place at home. By offering tailored support, accessible communication options, and working closely with our communities, we want those who are Deaf and hard-of-hearing to feel confident in their safety and know how to reach us in an emergency.”
Zoe Coombs, Monitoring Officer at Avon Fire & Rescue Service.
AF&RS delivers this support year-round, but Deaf Awareness Week provides an opportunity to raise awareness and encourage more people to access the services available.
Activities during Deaf Awareness Week and beyond
AF&RS is supporting Deaf Awareness Week through a series of activities that highlight its ongoing commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and community engagement.
A video message from Chief Fire Officer Matt Cook, featuring staff from across the Service, will be shared to reinforce key messages around accessible fire safety support and how someone who is deaf or hard of hearing can complete a home fire safety visit.
On 23rd May the Service will also take part in a community football match against Bristol Robins Deaf FC to promote our Home Fire Safety Visits, showcase our specialist equipment, and strengthen community connections and inclusion.
The Service’s Children and Young People team, and firefighters, will also be visiting a local school for deaf children to give safety advice and support the community.
Additionally, the Service, is delivering internal Deaf Awareness training, supporting staff to better understand communication barriers.