Office of the
State Fire Marshal

Accessibility Equipment Program (AEP) – Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alert Device Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alert Device Program is a life-safety initiative administered through the partnership of the Delaware Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DODHH) and the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office, under House Bill 53 (HB53). The program provides accessible fire and carbon monoxide alerting equipment at no cost to eligible Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, Deaf Blind, & Blind with Hearing Loss Delaware residents who may not perceive standard audible alarms. Standard smoke and carbon monoxide alarms rely on audible alerts, which may be ineffective for individuals with hearing loss—particularly during sleep. This program ensures eligible households receive appropriate visual and/or tactile alerting devices, including fire alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, combination units, and related visual or tactile alerting components approved by the Delaware State Fire Marshal and compliant with applicable fire safety codes. The program operates statewide and supports equitable access to essential fire and carbon monoxide safety measures across housing types, subject to applicable installation requirements.

A special thanks to our legislative partners: Representative Morrison, Representative Osienski, Representative Griffith, Representative Neal, Representative Burns, Representative Ross Levin, Representative Collins, Representative Gorman, Representative K. Johnson, Representative Morris, Representative Romer, Representative Wilson-Anton, Representative Bush, Representative Snyder-Hall, Senator Lockman, Senator Walsh, Senator Hansen, Senator Hoffner, Senator Hocker, Senator Paradee, & Senator Poore.

The Delaware Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing serves as the program administrator, responsible for coordination, communication access (including interpreter services), recordkeeping, and oversight.

The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office serves as the technical and safety authority, conducting home assessments, determining equipment type and placement, performing installations, and providing fire safety guidance and system operation training.

Planning timelines represent estimated ranges and may vary based on capacity, housing access, interpreter availability, and equipment supply; referral to assessment generally occurs within approximately 2–4 weeks, with installation typically completed within 2–6 weeks following assessment.