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As temperatures begin to drop across Australia, heaters, electric blankets and increased indoor power usage become part of everyday winter life. For many households, winter is associated with comfort and warmth. But it is also one of the periods where the risk of house fires can increase, particularly as heating appliances are used more frequently, and homes remain closed-up for longer periods.
For Australians who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or living with hearing loss, smoke alarm accessibility can become a critical part of winter safety planning. Traditional smoke alarms rely heavily on audible alerts. But for many people across the hearing loss community, sound alone may not provide enough warning, particularly during sleep.
Specialised Emergency Alerts
Specialised smoke alarm systems combine visual and tactile alerts, including flashing strobe lights and vibrating pads placed under pillows. Many systems can also be interconnected throughout the home, meaning if one alarm detects smoke, all alarms activate simultaneously.
Fire and Rescue NSW Disability and Engagement Officer Leyla Craig emphasizes that Deaf and hard of hearing smoke alarms are not a luxury—they are essential, life-saving equipment.
“If you can’t rely on hearing a smoke alarm, you need one you can see, feel, and trust to alert you in time to act. Everyone has the right to equal access to life-saving information in an emergency. Only working smoke alarms save lives.”
Importantly, a number of Australian states and territories offer subsidy schemes or assistance programs to help eligible individuals access these systems. As winter approaches, Deafness Forum Australia is encouraging people to not only test existing smoke alarms but also investigate whether their current setup is genuinely accessible for everyone in the household.
Across Australia, regulations and support programs vary by state and territory:
New South Wales
Residents may be eligible for specialised smoke alarm assistance through NDIS, My Aged Care, or Fire and Rescue NSW programs for Deaf and hard of hearing residents.
If any member of the public doesn’t qualify for either NDIS or My Aged Care, please fill out request a smoke alarm for the deaf and hard of hearing form here.
If you have any questions, please contact the Fire and Rescue NSW Community Safety Coordinator, Ageing & Disabilities for more information via email: CRR@fire.nsw.gov.au
Queensland
Queensland legislation requires interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms in all homes, with full compliance required by January 2027.
Queensland Fire Department provides funding through the Deaf Connect Smoke Alarm Subsidy Scheme (SASS) to help Queenslanders who are deaf or hard of hearing to purchase specialty smoke alarms.
To find out if you are eligible contact:
Deaf Connect
Email: smoke.alarms@deafconnect.org.au
Phone: 07 3892 8500
Victoria & Tasmania
The Victorian Smoke Alarm Scheme and the Tasmanian Specialised Smoke Alarm Program are Government funded subsidies providing specialised smoke alarms to Deaf and hard of hearing people living in Victoria and Tasmania helping eligible residents access smoke alarms that use strobe lighting and vibrating pads.
To find out if you are eligible:
Smoke Alarm Subsidy | Expression AustraliaAustralian Capital Territory
ACT Fire & Rescue can assist eligible Deaf and hard of hearing residents and their families with smoke alarm supply and installation support.
Hard of Hearing Smoke Alarm Application
Hard of Hearing Smoke Alarm ApplicationFor the below states and territory DFA shares the avenues they have been able to unearth information but encourages residents in these states to consider contacting their local Fire and Rescue authority for further information on potential programs in their states.
Northern Territory
Northern Territory residents with an NDIS plan can purchase Brooks or other Deaf friendly smoke alarms through their plan and arrange installation through a handyman, or yourself. They can be purchased through Word of Mouth or Deaf Connect.
Deaf Connect has an Engagement Officer in NT who may be able to provide guidance. You can purchase a smoke alarm via their e-shop Shop – Deaf Connect.
The Territory Equipment Program (TEP) may offer support, but information is not easily accessible online and requires direct contact.
Territory Equipment Program | NT HealthSouth Australia
SA residents with a NDIS plan can order flashing smoke alarms (including Brooks systems) and arrange installation through a handyman.
Providers such as Deaf Connect and Word of Mouth can supply alarms and ship to SA.
There is a state equipment program like NT’s TEP (Territory Equipment Program), but details are not clearly published online and requires direct contact:
Equipment Program – About UsWestern Australia
Residents aged 65 and under can access smoke alarm hardware using their NDIS plan funding under the Consumables category.
If you do not have a NDIS plan and you are 25 or under, WAFDC (West Australian Foundation for Deaf Children (Inc) can assist you with the process of applying and getting everything set up.
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