Published Thursday, 12 February, 2009 at 11:01 AM
Minister for Emergency Services
The Honourable Neil Roberts
SMOKE ALARM RINGING FOR HEARING IMPAIRED
A new voucher system will give deaf and hearing impaired Queenslanders easier access to the State Government’s smoke alarm subsidy scheme, Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts announced today.
Mr Roberts said the new system demonstrated the Bligh Government’s commitment to fire safety.
“Research shows the risk of death from fire in a home is up to three times higher in homes without smoke alarms when compared to homes with smoke alarms,” Mr Roberts said.
“On July 1, 2007 it became mandatory for all residential properties in Queensland to have a working smoke alarm, and since then we have seen the number of homes with a smoke alarm increase to around 96%,” Mr Roberts said.
“However, the Bligh Government recognises the difficulty for hearing impaired Queenslanders to obtain reliable fire safety and warning devices.
“In December 2007, the government introduced an interim rebate system whereby deaf and hearing impaired residents could buy the smoke alarms, then apply for a rebate. This meant some people were out of pocket for a certain period of time.
“But now, all applicants need to do is apply for a voucher, which can then be used to complete a purchase of smoke alarms from an approved Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) supplier.”
Mr Roberts said eligible applicants could receive up to $800 for appropriate smoke alarms.
Applicants must produce a signed confirmation from a medical specialist confirming they are hearing impaired, plus a copy of a Centrelink Pension Concession Card or a Department of Veterans Affairs White or Gold Repatriation Card, and a quote from an approved QFRS supplier.
The application must be received within one month of obtaining a quote from the approved supplier.
“The former smoke alarm rebate system provided around $22,000 in assistance to financially disadvantaged people who are hearing impaired, since its introduction in December 2007,” Mr Roberts said.
“The Bligh Government is serious about protecting lives, and this new, easy voucher system will go a long way towards that,” he said.
Applications submitted through the former rebate system will still continue to be processed.
People can apply for vouchers online at www.fire.qld.gov.au.
As of July 2007, it is a legal requirement for owners of all houses and units to install at least one, nine volt battery powered smoke alarm for each level of the dwelling.
Media contact: (07) 3247 8996
Mr Roberts said the new system demonstrated the Bligh Government’s commitment to fire safety.
“Research shows the risk of death from fire in a home is up to three times higher in homes without smoke alarms when compared to homes with smoke alarms,” Mr Roberts said.
“On July 1, 2007 it became mandatory for all residential properties in Queensland to have a working smoke alarm, and since then we have seen the number of homes with a smoke alarm increase to around 96%,” Mr Roberts said.
“However, the Bligh Government recognises the difficulty for hearing impaired Queenslanders to obtain reliable fire safety and warning devices.
“In December 2007, the government introduced an interim rebate system whereby deaf and hearing impaired residents could buy the smoke alarms, then apply for a rebate. This meant some people were out of pocket for a certain period of time.
“But now, all applicants need to do is apply for a voucher, which can then be used to complete a purchase of smoke alarms from an approved Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) supplier.”
Mr Roberts said eligible applicants could receive up to $800 for appropriate smoke alarms.
Applicants must produce a signed confirmation from a medical specialist confirming they are hearing impaired, plus a copy of a Centrelink Pension Concession Card or a Department of Veterans Affairs White or Gold Repatriation Card, and a quote from an approved QFRS supplier.
The application must be received within one month of obtaining a quote from the approved supplier.
“The former smoke alarm rebate system provided around $22,000 in assistance to financially disadvantaged people who are hearing impaired, since its introduction in December 2007,” Mr Roberts said.
“The Bligh Government is serious about protecting lives, and this new, easy voucher system will go a long way towards that,” he said.
Applications submitted through the former rebate system will still continue to be processed.
People can apply for vouchers online at www.fire.qld.gov.au.
As of July 2007, it is a legal requirement for owners of all houses and units to install at least one, nine volt battery powered smoke alarm for each level of the dwelling.
Media contact: (07) 3247 8996