ADAPTED A SCHEME has been launched to keep disabled people safer in their homes, with specially adapted smoke alarms.
The pilot scheme, being run in Middlesbrough, is designed to help people who are unable to check their smoke alarm themselves, by fitting ones that have a wire fixed at a suitable height to enable easy access.
Cleveland Fire Brigade fitted the first alarm in the home of wheelchair-bound Steven Kelly.
Margaret Yull, disabled person's advocate, said: "Smoke alarms should be fitted in every home to give people an early warning of a fire, so they can get to safety, but they need to be regularly checked to ensure they are working, and, for some, due to their disability, this is something they cannot do by themselves.
"By fitting these smoke alarms it will help give disabled people more independence and reduce the risk of fire in their home."
To determine if someone would benefit from one of these smoke alarms, a home fire safety visit will first be carried out. People can arrange a visit by calling 01429-874063.
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