The Dolphin Centre in Poole has introduced a new system this week, that is aimed at helping deaf shoppers in potential emergencies.The Dolphin Centre in Poole has introduced a new system this week, that is aimed at helping deaf shoppers in potential emergencies. This comes after statistics were released that around 11 million people in the UK will experience some sort of hearing loss in their lifetime, and a proportion of these would be unable to hear a fire alarm.
The system works by shoppers collecting a ‘Deaf Alerter’ device, which in an emergency, will vibrate and send a message to the user, alerting them of the threat. This is hoped to be particularly useful in events such as fire alarms, and aims to ease a sense of panic.
Alerter Device
Stuart Mabbutt, operations director at the Dolphin Shopping Centre said: “In an emergency, every second counts when it comes to evacuating a large number of people, and the Deaf Alerter will support people who cannot hear the fire alarm with their safety.”
The centre is now one of only three shopping complexes in the UK to adopt the scheme, and it is hoped it will improve accessibility for all who visit. Not only has the shopping centre made adaptations for the deaf, but recently, has trained some of its staff in ‘Dementia Friends’ training. This comes in an attempt to greatly improve customer welfare at the centre.
For more information, visit the Dolphin Centre Website here.