An group that helps deaf and hearing impaired people is helping fit special fire alarms for people who cannot hear.

The Deaf Area Forum has raised awareness of how deaf people can be alerted to a fire in their homes.

Since hosting a presentation last November with London Fire Brigade, it has had 12 new referrals for special fire alarms.

The alarms use signals other than sound and will be fitted by a fire officers who has been trained in signing.

Councillor Achilleas Georgiou, deputy leader of Enfield Borough Council, said: “The Deaf Area Forum was a huge success, and shows a real appetite for special meetings which cater for the deaf community.

“The presentation by the London Fire Brigade on fire safety for those who are deaf or hearing impaired was particularly useful, and I am delighted to see that it has resulted in so many people getting a free bespoke fire alarm fitted to their home.

“We are looking into doing more of these special area forums in the future as we are always looking into new ways to get more people involved in the democratic process.”