In Finland, a recent change in the rescue law has mandated that all apartment buildings must install fire alarms in every unit. However, in the process of updating to these fire alarms, many apartment buildings have been disposing of warning systems specifically designed for the hearing impaired. According to estimates from the Finnish Association of the Deaf, these discarded systems are valued at tens of thousands of euros, indicating a significant loss in resources that were intended to ensure safety for individuals with hearing issues.

The issue arises partly from the fact that property management companies may not be sufficiently aware of the importance of retaining these specialized warning systems. Even though there is a possibility for fire alarms to be installed alongside these existing systems for the hearing impaired, many companies are not ensuring this practice. The Finnish Association of the Deaf has highlighted the lack of knowledge about the specialized alarms among property companies, which often leads to a disconnect in communication between building managers and the installers who are tasked with the fire alarm installations.

An example of an individual taking proactive measures is Paavo Halttunen, a deaf resident from Helsinki, who ensured that his warning system was not discarded by being home during the installation of the new fire alarms. He demonstrated the functionality of his device to the installer, showing how it operates with flashing lights and loud sounds, tailored to be accessible for deaf individuals. This highlights the need for awareness and effective communication to protect the interests of people with disabilities in such transitions and ensures their safety is not compromised during necessary upgrades in residential buildings.