If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can contact us in an emergency by using either our Minicom Service or our Emergency SMS Text Service.
Minicom Service – 01772 862328
The Minicom service will connect you straight through to an operator in our Control room.
Emergency SMS Text Service – 66247
In Lancashire, people who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired can report an emergency to the Fire and Rescue Service by using a special text message service by following these steps.
Step 1 – Start a new text message and begin your message with the word FIRE.
Who? Type your name.
Where? Write the address of the emergency and if possible include a well known landmark.
What? Write what the emergency is, for example, fire, car crash.
Step 2 – Send the text message 66247.
Step 3 – Leave your phone switched on.
You will receive a reply from the Control room to confirm that your message has been received and that help is on the way.
The Control operator may need to text you back to ask you more questions so keep your phone switched on.
For more information please download the Emergency SMS text service leaflet or view the short DVD which explains the service in more detail using audio and British Sign Language
emergencySMS – 999
Alternatively, a national service has been developed by the RNID. BT, Cable & Wireless, Department for Communities and Local Government, OFCOM, UK emergency services and all mobile network operators. The service is available throughout the UK and can be used to contact the Fire and Rescue Service, Police, Ambulance and Coastguard.
To use this service, you have to be registered with emergencySMS first, to register text ‘register’ to 999.
To find out more information, please click here.
Independent living – helping people stay safer
Anyone living in Lancashire can get a free home fire safety check from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service where firefighters or fire safety staff visit you in your home to provide you with advice on fire safety, help you plan an escape route and fit a ten-year smoke alarm if necessary. If you have a hearing difficulty, we work with local authorities to fit a special type of smoke alarm which has vibrating pads and strobe lights designed to alert you if the alarm goes off – particularly if you are sleeping. Contact us to organise your free home fire safety check.
Download further Fire Safety Advice for People with sight hearing or mobility difficulties