October 22, 2010
10/25/10 
The Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office purchased 1,200 Smoke Detectors for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for distribution throughout the state. The smoke detectors were purchased with the Assistance to Firefights Grant Program-Fire Prevention and Safety Grant funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Family Social Services Agency (FSSA), Division of Disability & Rehabilitative Services statistics show a population of over 500,000 Deaf and Hard of Hearing residence in Indiana. Nearly 4,000 citizens in Marshall County have been identified as qualified for the device. The State has partnered with FSSA to help assist in getting the message out to the deaf/hard of hearing population as well as help us with verifying their needs. The Plymouth Fire Department that services the City of Plymouth, West and Center Township residents that would quality for the device should contact them for application information. The Fire Department will also assist with the installation of the alarm if necessary.
The application process and instillation is very easy. To apply, each household must complete and submit the online application by going to www.in.gov/dhs, Application for Smoke Alarms. Once the applicant is assessed, on a case by case bases (income is a consideration). The local fire department will be trained for installation of the alarms. As for the instillation, an alarm will need attached to the wall or ceiling and the receiver requires a standard 110 electrical outlet with the bed vibrator and telephone line connected to the receiver. Each unit will come with an instruction booklet as well as an instructional DVD with caption. The State will provide a form that the resident must sign verifying they did receive a free smoke alarm.