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OSU Protects Oklahomans with Disabilities from Fires

Organizations on the campus of Oklahoma State University are providing smoke alarms and alert devices for people with disabilities.

Nancy Trench with Fire Protection Publications says the equipment is designed specifically for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, visually impaired or using a mobile device.

“We install special equipment by their bed that provides a low frequency, high volume alert sound and then also it shakes the bed. There’s actual science that a bed shaker is the best way to wake any of us up.”

She says the free service includes installation of the devices and training on how to use them by professionals and students with OSU.

“We have installed smoke alarms for people with disabilities in Oklahoma for almost 15 years. The really good news is we have 18 documented saves where the smoke alarm and alert device alerted people to a fire, and they were able to escape.”

The Oklahoma Assistive Technology, ABLE Tech and Fire Service Training at OSU are getting help to pay for the program through grants from Homeland Security and FEMA.

You can learn more by going to the Oklahoma ABLE Tech Website.

Michael Cross is the host of KOSU's Morning Edition.
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