Fire safety resources and information for the Deaf or hard of hearing community and those who care for someone who is Deaf or hard of hearing.
Key Advice:
Emergency calls using the National Relay Service (NRS)
In an emergency, you can call the National Relay Service (NRS). Watch the video below to learn more about making an emergency call using the NRS.
Priority is given to emergency calls made using NRS Chat, SMS Relay, NRS Captions, Voice Relay and TTY.
The NRS is available 24 hours a day, except for Video Relay calls.
To report a fire or emergency using TTY, access TTY 106. TTY 106 is a dedicated text-based emergency relay service with direct access to fire, police and ambulance services. It can only be contacted through a TTY machine, not from a mobile phone or ordinary phone.
Find out more about how to make emergency call using the NRS.
VicEmergency Hotline via the NRS
CFA encourages everyone to download the VicEmergency app to stay up to date with fires and official warnings in your areas.
Alternatively, you can contact the VicEmergency Hotline via the NRS. The Hotline provides emergency information during and after major fires in Victoria. It can also provide information about planning for bushfire and recovering from bushfire.
If you are Deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment, you can contact VicEmergency Hotline through the National Relay Service (NRS) chat function. Press the "Call 000" button.
Smoke alarms for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing
Specialised smoke alarms are available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Smoke alarms for the Deaf or hard of hearing alert users to the presence of smoke with flashing lights and a vibrating pad. They can be linked with conventional audible alarms around the home and others can be linked with some personal alarms.
Learn more about types of smoke alarms, smoke alarm installation and maintenance.
Smoke alarm subsidy for Deaf and hard of hearing
A Smoke Alarm Subsidy is available from the Victorian Government for Deaf and hard of hearing people.
To be eligible you must be:
- Deaf or hard of hearing with a severe to profound loss, or a severe high frequency hearing loss ≥ 70dB (2, 3 and 4kHz)
- A resident of Victoria
- Not eligible to other funding services that provide this package, eg NDIS, My Aged Care
Apply for a Smoke Alarm Subsidy via Expression Australia.
Download Expression Australia smoke alarm subsidy flyer (PDF 64kb) (PDF 62.1KB)
CFA resources translated into Auslan
CFA has translated a range of videos into Auslan for the Deaf and hard of hearing community. Explore these resources below.
Ember Attack - Auslan
Ember attacks are the most common way houses catch fire. Learn what they are and how they can start fires well ahead of the fire front, without warning.
Learn more about ember attack.
Radiant Heat - Auslan
Radiant heat is the biggest killer in bushfires. Learn what it is, why it's so dangerous and how to protect yourself from it in the video below.
Learn more about radiant heat.
Fire Danger Ratings - Auslan
Fire Danger Ratings tell you how dangerous a fire could be if one started. Learn about each of the Fire Danger Ratings and what you should do in response in the video below.
Learn more about fire danger ratings.
CFA's online learning modules
Bushfire planning - you and the person you care for
CFA has developed this free, online learning module. It's designed for carers to learn how to help the person they care for develop a bushfire plan. It has been created by CFA and Carers Victoria for carers of people at higher risk from bushfire.
Learn more about Bushfire Planning - you and the person you care for
Prevent, Detect, Escape: Home Fire Safety for People at Higher Risk
People who are older, frail, or who have a disability are at higher risk of death or injury in a fire in the home. This is because they could take longer to respond to fire and may need support to escape a house fire.
This free online learning module is designed to help individuals, and the people who support them, improve fire safety in their homes.
Learn more about Prevent, Detect, Escape: Home Fire Safety for People at Higher Risk
Deaf Emergency Information
The Deaf Emergency Information website was developed by Expression Australia with funding from the State Government.
It brings together important information and resources about floods, fires, heat and storms in Auslan and in written English, including what to do in an emergency.
Bushfire Emergency for the deaf
Page last updated: Wednesday, 26 March 2025 11:49:53 AM