Beginning in January of this year with the help of FEMA’s Fire Prevention and Safety Grant, the Lafayette Fire Department (LFD) began offering smoke alarm systems designed to alert eligible deaf and hard of hearing City of Lafayette residents of a fire. The program is now eligible for all of Lafayette Parish citizens who are deaf or hard of hearing.
The “Fire Safety Solutions for Lafayette” program was created to distribute and install free smoke alarms, as well as provide fire safety messages, to Lafayette city residents with hearing impairments. When danger is detected, these devices alert homeowners using light, sound and movement – unlike traditional smoke detectors, which only use sound.
“We are very excited about this program and the positive impact it will have on the deaf and hard of hearing community,” stated Lafayette Fire Chief Robert Benoit. “Smoke alarms save lives. However, ordinary smoke alarms are not practical for our citizens with hearing disabilities. We are excited that this new opportunity allows all citizens of Lafayette Parish that qualify to participate.”
To be eligible for the program, one must be a Lafayette Parish resident with documented proof of a hearing impairment and complete the following steps:
1. Complete an application form-print application or online www.lafayettela.gov/firedepartment
2. Provide documentation of the hearing impairment (Proof of disability may include a letter from a doctor, therapist, case manager or another medical provider, or a copy of your driver’s license stating the disability.)
3. Mail, fax, email or hand deliver the application to Lafayette Fire Prevention Department
Distribution of the smoke alarm systems began in January and will continue as long as supplies and funding are available.
For more information, please contact:
Fire Prevention Division
2100 Jefferson St., Bldg. B
Lafayette, LA 70501
Phone (337)291-8704
Fax (337) 291-5531
Email: FireSafety@lafayettela.gov
www.lafayettela.gov/FireDepartment
