| The Springfield Fire Department has received an $8,500 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to purchase 100 smoke alarms for the hearing-impaired.
"Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults," Cara Restelli Erwin, fire and life safety educator, reminded everyone. "For many of these individuals, a hearing-impaired smoke alarm is needed to properly warn them of a fire in their home. The smoke alarms are louder than traditional alarms and are equipped with a strobe light to awaken hearing-impaired residents."
Since the beginning of 2010, the Springfield Fire Department has installed a total of 83 hearing-impaired smoke alarms in homes in our community. However, the demand has far exceeded the supply of alarms and the cost of the alarms has prohibited the department from purchasing the necessary number to meet the demand. This grant allows the fire department to purchase 100 hearing-impaired smoke alarms that will be installed in homes throughout Springfield by fire department personnel.
The smoke alarms are available and ready for installation, but only for eligible recipients who live in the city limits of Springfield. Those qualifying should call the Springfield Fire Department at (417) 864-1515.
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