Smoke Detectors

OSCIL’s Adaptive Smoke Detector Program For Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

The Smoke Detector Program administered by the Ocean State Center for Independent Living (OSCIL) has been in existence since 1992. This special program allows for the purchase and installation of special early warning adaptive smoke detector systems for individuals who are Deaf and/or hard of hearing. The Shake-Up Smoke Detector (manufactured by Silent Call) works off a high frequency smoke alarm, triggering a receiver unit which then sets a vibrator (that has been placed under the person’s mattress or pillow) in motion. Should there be a fire during the night, the person is “shaken” awake.

Through the generosity of past support from the Rhode Island Foundation, the RI Rehabilitation Association, Allstate Insurance Company, the Ida Ballou Littlefield Memorial Trust, Warwick and Smithfield Fire Departments and the Warwick, Providence and Cranston Rotaries, OSCIL has been able to keep this program active. To date we have placed nearly 400 adaptive smoke detector units in homes statewide.

OSCIL staff schedule a visit to the consumer’s home to complete a short intake. With the assistance of Stan Davies, retired RI State Fire Marshal, and working in tandem with local fire departments, we are able to ensure correct placement of the devices.

On-going maintenance and batteries are the responsibility of the person who receives these special devices.

Criteria
Any individual who is Deaf (or Deaf once their hearing aid(s) are taken out at bedtime), who lives alone, with an elderly person or very small children, can apply for these specialized detectors. There are Income Eligibility guidelines and individuals may be responsible for a portion of the total cost of the detector system. No one is denied because of finances.

Anyone interested in one of these special devices is encouraged to contact us for further information at:

(401) 738-1013 (Voice) (401) 738-1015 (TTY)
(401) 738-1083 (FAX) (866) 857-1161 (Toll-free Voice #)
INFO@OSCIL.org (Email)

Note: This is a wireless device not designed to be connected to a centralized alarm system such as those used in large housing or apartment complexes. In addition, this device will only alert the person during night hours. These detectors are “shake awake” only, and are not a flashing device.