NSW Minister of Disability Services, Andrew Constance has announced the Smoke Alarm Subsidy Scheme (SASS) to protect the lives of people who are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing. The NSW Government has invested $2 Million for the scheme, which aims to give people who are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing the same protections as smoke alarms do for others.

A standard smoke alarm costs around $50, but a smoke alarm with a strobe light, pillow shaker and beeper can cost around $500, which is cost excessive for many people. This is why the NSW Government established the scheme to cover the costs of the alarm; however, you must pay a $50 fee with your application.

“It is mandatory to have a smoke alarm in every household where people sleep, but those who are deaf or hard of hearing cannot hear a standard smoke alarm. For those eligible, fire fighters from your local fire station can come out and help install them”

Applications for the subsidy can be made to the Deaf Society of NSW, which provides information and services for people who are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing and their families. For information and application forms visit this website: www.deafsocietynsw.org.au/smokealarms