Palaszczuk Government and Deaf Services Qld partner to sign the importance of fire safety

The Palaszczuk Government has joined forces with Deaf Services Queensland (DSQ) to ensure hearing-impaired Queenslanders have better access to fire safety information.

Fire Minister Jo-Ann Miller said today marked an extension of the important relationship between Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and DSQ following the popularity of social media sensation ‘sign guy Mark’ during Cyclone Marcia.

“DSQ’s Mark Cave had Queenslanders captivated with his very expressive hand signing during Premier Palaszczuk’s Cyclone Marcia media conferences,” Minister Miller said.

“Not only did it draw attention to the important information the Premier was sharing, but also the fantastic work DSQ does to keep members of the hearing-impaired community up-to-date during disasters.

“Those videos went viral and I’m pleased to say Mr Cave has now agreed to come on board to assist QFES in a social media campaign about the importance of changing smoke alarm batteries.”

Minister Miller said the Palaszczuk Government was encouraging all Queenslanders to do all they can to mitigate the risk of fire in the home.

“Smoke alarms are vital in keeping Queensland families, homes and businesses safe.

“Don’t be an April fool – take time today to change your smoke alarm batteries.

“It’s such a simple thing, takes just a few minutes and it really could save your life and the lives of your family and friends.”

QFES Acting Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the new campaign was a great opportunity to share important safety messages to the entire community in an engaging and educational way.

“Our partnership with DSQ will further reinforce the importance of fire safety for hearing-impaired and hearing-able Queenslanders alike,” Acting Commissioner Carroll said.

“In the past 12 months, QFES has attended approximately 1,890 residential fires across Queensland.

“Sadly, during this same period, there have been 12 fatalities as a result of residential fires.

“The message is simple - working smoking alarms save lives.

“They alert or wake you to allow you time to get out of your home during a fire.

“As the Minister said, don’t be an April fool – change your smoke alarm batteries today.

“It takes less than five minutes to change the batteries on these devices and it could mean the difference between life and death.

“Deaf and hearing impaired Queenslanders should also take the time to check and test their specialised smoke alarms to ensure they are working correctly.”

Deaf Services Queensland CEO Brett Casey said his organisation was in a prime position to work closely with QFES to ensure hearing-impaired Queenslanders can access safety information in their own language.

“Having interpreters available at emergency announcements and broadcast not only informs deaf Queenslanders about severe weather, but it also allows them to make swift and important decisions about their own situation and circumstances.

“The positive partnership and working relationship between DSQ and the Government is one that has led to some important social impacts for the deaf community in Queensland and indeed the global deaf community.

“We have established a benchmark for information provision for deaf people at these events which has set a precedence for other states in Australia and countries across the globe.

“We look forward to continuing this work over the coming years to ensure that deaf people receive access to information in real time and in their language.”

Minister Miller said the Palaszczuk Government looks forward to working closely with DSQ well into the future.

“I certainly hope this is just the first of many community safety campaigns we can roll out with the help of Mr Cave and DSQ,” Minister Miller said.

QFES recommends the use of photoelectric smoke alarms and replacing smoke alarm batteries annually with long lasting 9 volt alkaline batteries.

To view the social media video visit: https://www.facebook.com/QldFireandRescueService

Media contacts:

Brent Davidson (Minister Miller’s Office): 0438 696 185

QFES Media: 3635 3310