Staying Safe at Home: Emergency Preparedness with Hearing Loss

Dear Atlas,

I am starting to have hearing loss and worry that I might not hear alarms or alerts during an emergency. What steps can I take to stay safe at home?

Home emergencies can happen at any time, and preparing for them is especially important for people living with hearing loss. Traditional alarms and alerts may not always be effective, but with the right tools and planning, you can stay safe and confident.

One easy step to start is installing specialized smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These alarms use strobe lights or bed shakers to provide strong visual or vibrating warnings in addition to sound. Many modern systems can also connect to smartphones or smart home devices, sending instant alerts if an emergency occurs.

Other visual systems such as flashing doorbells, vibrating alarm clocks, and video door cameras help ensure you don’t miss important signals. Pairing these tools with captioned phones or text-to-speech apps can keep you connected in urgent situations.

Equally important is creating a clear emergency plan. Share your communication needs with family, neighbors, or caregivers so they can respond quickly if help is needed. Keep written instructions and emergency contacts in an easy-to-find place.

Preparedness calms worry and creates independence. With the right mix of technology and planning, households with hearing loss can remain safe, secure, and ready for the unexpected.

Warmly,