- April 26, 2024
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The first photoelectric smoke alarm for the hearing impaired in Flagler County was installed on Prairie Lane.
The first of its kind in Flagler County, a smoke detector for the hearing impaired was installed by Fire Marshal Robert Growick and the Flagler County Fire Department Tuesday, Sept. 6, at 12 Prairie Lane.
Growick, who has been in fire service for 30 years, said he’s never installed an alarm of this kind.
“This is the first time I’ve ever received a phone call from a hearing-impaired family for a smoke detector,” he said during a pre-installation demonstration. “I’m hoping this will start a trend.”
Growick said the fire inspector’s goal is to have at least one working smoke detector in every home. The county will install the alarms — as well as replace detector batteries — for free.
Donated by The Firefighters Charitable Foundation of New York, four Gentex Corp. photoelectric smoke alarms were installed at the Prairie Lane home, one for every sleeping area and one in the living room. The detectors work like traditional alarms, except instead of loud beeping, they react with 177-candella strobe lights — blasts of white, which Growick called “the brightest in the industry.”
“It will get their attention,” he said.
The house on Prairie Lane is home to Matthew Friedman and Richard Hammond, each hearing impaired. Hammond recently requested an alarm after being without one for almost 10 years.
Grace Bottone, interpreter from the tax collector’s office, signed for Hammond, who nodded and smiled when asked if he’ll sleep better tonight knowing alarms are installed.
Fire Rescue Chief Don Petito was also on the scene. He said the fire department visits homes for alarm installation and battery changes about two to three times per week.
To get a free fire alarm installation or battery replacement, call the fire marshal’s office at 313-4200.
