Deaf News: Deaf couple shaken awake in bungalow blast

BBC News this week report on a deaf couple who owe their lives to their new vibrating smoke alarms after their home was almost totally destroyed by an explosion. The unnamed couple from Leicestershire are profoundly deaf and escaped unharmed although had to find another way out because fire was blocking their normal exit.

Extract:

The couple, who have not been named, are profoundly deaf and escaped unharmed after being alerted by a recently fitted vibrating alarm system. Police said investigations were continuing but the cause was believed to be accidental. Mark Speight, from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We fitted this alarm not too long ago so its good to know it worked. 

“The couple were woken by the vibrating pads under their pillows and a strobe confirmed the situation. However the fire meant they could not get out of the door and they had to be rescued by the first policeman on the scene.”

Neighbour Lynn Parker said: “We were woken by three loud bangs, but at first we couldn’t see anything. “The next thing we know the police were telling us to evacuate because there had been an explosion.”

It could have so easily been a different story. If the lucky couple involved would like to get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.

Full story here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-23674984

Hat-tip Emily Howlett

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