Safety information should be accessible to everyone. That’s why the American Red Cross, with support from FP&S Funding through multiple FEMA grants, has developed a powerful, inclusive suite of free educational resources designed specifically for people who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, and individuals with low literacy. These materials focus primarily on home fire prevention and safety, while also addressing preparedness for a wide range of hazards, including: earthquakes, extreme heat, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, wildfires, and winter storms. All content is thoughtfully produced with American Sign Language (ASL), English and Spanish captions, and voiceovers, ensuring the information is accessible to diverse communities across the country. In addition to general preparedness materials, the Red Cross has created specialized content to support individuals, families, and service providers:
- Resources for children and caregivers: Engaging materials including an animated video designed for children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and their caregivers, helping families learn safety skills together.
- Survivor stories: powerful personal stories from deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals who narrowly escaped home fires, highlighting the real-life importance of fire prevention and preparedness.
- ASL safety & preparedness videos: Accessible fire safety equipment, escape planning, fire prevention strategies, home safety practices.
- Cultural intelligence training: A specialized training program created for professionals and volunteers who serve deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. This training strengthens cultural understanding, communication skills, team awareness, and service preparedness, helping service providers feel confident and equipped to support every person they encounter.
All resources were developed in partnership with Deaf-led agencies, feature Deaf talent, and have undergone professional quality control reviews to ensure accuracy, cultural respect, and language integrity. Every resource is completely free and available for public use (as long as there is no charge associated with access or distribution). These tools are designed to be shared widely with schools, community groups, emergency responders, nonprofits, and families who can benefit from them.
Here are some other nationwide, reputable resources and programs that fire departments can tap into to better educate and serve people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have low literacy/accessibility needs:
- U.S. Fire Administration (USFA): People with Disabilities Guidance: The USFA provides fire safety guidance tailored for people with disabilities, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing. This includes recommendations on selecting and installing appropriate smoke alarms (e.g., visual alarms, bed shakers) and safety messages for public outreach. These materials can be incorporated into community education programs and handouts. (U.S. Fire Administration)
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): Disability & Fire Safety Materials: The NFPA offers downloadable tip sheets and safety guidance specifically addressing smoke alarms and fire safety for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. These easy-to-use sheets are great for public education events, station open houses, and community presentations. (NFPA)
- National Association of the Deaf (NAD) – Emergency Preparedness Resources: NAD maintains a collection of preparedness resources aimed at the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, including fire safety links, public education resources, and advocacy tools emphasizing effective communication strategies and accessibility planning. (National Association of the Deaf)
- Ready.gov: People with Disabilities section: Ready.gov’s “People with Disabilities” section offers preparedness planning tips that fire departments can share with at-risk community members, including advice on communication strategies, adaptive tools, and emergency planning tailored to specific accessibility needs. (Ready.gov)
- National Deaf Center: Visual Fire Alarm & Alerting System Guidance: Guides from organizations like the National Deaf Center explain options for visual fire alarms and accessible alert systems, including legal accessibility requirements (ADA, Section 504). These are excellent references for departments advising residents or reviewing community safety infrastructure. (National Deaf Center)
- FireRescue1: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Guidance for First Responders: There are publicly available ADA training and policy guides that clarify how fire & EMS personnel must communicate effectively with deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, what accommodations must be provided, and how to integrate these practices into daily operations. (FireRescue1)
Fire departments can integrate these resources in multiple ways:
- Training staff and volunteers on communication needs and assistive technologies
- Including accessible content in community outreach materials (print, video, web)
- Promoting smoke alarm alternatives (visual alarms, bed shakers) and locally distributing them
- Hosting accessible preparedness workshops in partnership with local NAD chapters or disability advocacy groups
- Collaborating with dispatch centers to promote text-to-911