DOVER, Del.– The Delaware office of deaf and hard of hearing partnered with the state fire marshal to host the “Life safety in action” event.
The event provided a live demonstration of a new accessibility equipment program funded under House Bill 53 for people who are dead or hard of hearing.
House Bill 53 was signed on July 21, 2025 by Governor Matt Meyer and it established a fire and carbon monoxide alert device program that’s focused on providing accessible safety equipment to the deaf and hard of hearing community.
Representative for the 24th district of Delaware Ed Osienski says he hopes this program gives a sense of peace to Delaware families.
“I think it gives the familes comfort knowing that their loved ones, will be safe, and can hear these alarms that are meant to notify of danger,”Osienski said. “So when you lose your hearing and you don’t hear the devices that are in pretty much everybody’s homes, it’s concerning.”
Christina Feil Community Relations for Delaware’s office for deaf and hard of hearing says the traditional smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors leave deaf and hard of hearing people a huge safety risk.
Read on at https://www.wmdt.com/2026/09/1life-safety-in-action-teaches-fire-safety-to-the-deaf-hard-of-hearing/
Another article – https://news.delaware.gov/2026/09/28/delaware-launches-life-saving-alert-device-program-for-deaf-hard-of-hearing-communities/
DAD Note: Board members Feta Fernsler, Alanna Smith and Judy McGuigan (former board member) were in attendance as well. Picture below shows Christina Feil and Judy McGuigan preparing to be interviewed by WMDT (ABC) Paige Parsons).
