Deaf people: Don’t you forget about me

The blaring sound of a fire alarm is one that we all associate with getting to safety as quickly as possible. For those who are Deaf, however, these sounds are obviously void. While everyone else is making their way away to safety, people who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing could easily be none-the-wiser.

Westfield Shopping Centre in Manukau recently had a fire alarm go off, and a subsequent evacuation. The South Auckland branch of Deaf Aotearoa office is located in the mall, and the five Deaf staff, working in the upstairs office, were unaware of the evacuation below.

Deaf Aotearoa Business and Services Manager Jill Dean, who is hearing, was out of the office at the time. Returning to find the mall being evacuated, she realised her Deaf colleagues were still in the office, and convinced security to go back inside and alert them.

While no one was harmed, this demonstrates to the need for more inclusive safety systems. Following the incident, Deaf Aotearoa contacted Westfield and explained the need to have specialised equipment installed. “They were fantastic!” says Jill. “The Westfield team understood our concerns and agreed to make the necessary changes.”

The New Zealand Fire Service was quick to support the cause, echoing the need for Deaf Aotearoa’s requests to be implemented. Having a long history working with Deaf Aotearoa, including helping Deaf people to assess and make their homes safer, they recognised the importance of more inclusive warning systems.

Counties Manukau Fire Risk Management Officer, Phil Faidley, has a dedicated crew that works with Deaf people, and was integral to inspiring change at Westfield Manukau. Passionate about Deaf culture, Phil has learned New Zealand sign language to further his role. “Westfield’s Management was fantastic,” he says. “They really came to the party and provided solutions with remarkable timing”.

Flashing lights, which act as an alarm for Deaf people, were soon installed in the office. Jill says this is a good first step, but notes there is “still work to be done”. “Westfield have been very helpful and receptive,” she says, but thinks that flashing light alarms should be a minimum standard everywhere.

She recalls finding two Deaf people in the food court, also unaware of the evacuation, assumed the crowds of people were part of the Christmas rush, and were left behind. “If you’re in any kind of public space, relying on one method of evacuation alone is dangerous,” she says.

“Certain people have particular needs, and wardens need to be able to identify people who need extra help,” says Phil. Many fire wardens have now had new training to ensure that Deaf Aotearoa offices are evacuated safely in any future scenarios.

There are a number of approaches that can help greatly in emergencies, such cards printed with words or symbols, than can be slipped under locked bathroom doors. Alternative safety systems can benefit others as well. “People with learning disabilities may get frightened by loud noise, and may not understand, and visual cues help,” says Jill.

“I’d like to see different methods of alerting in public places, especially in areas where lots of people gather, like cinemas, shopping centres and universities,” says Phil. “We need to recognise the diversity of the population. Don’t take it for granted that people can hear and see”.

Phil is pleased with Westfield Manukau’s actions, and noting that “the Fire Service is growing in its awareness of the Deaf community”, he plans to follow up with places in his area that could be similarly affected.

Jill would like to see more places being proactive, and stresses how important it is for people in positions of authority to really take the time to understand what people are trying to say. Ultimately, she says, “Deaf people need to be listened to”.

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