Fire Safety for People with Disabilities
Fire Safety for People with Disabilities
Plan Ahead for Emergencies
Talk to someone about what you should do in case of fire. Your family, friends, the fire department or a social service agency should help you develop an escape plan you can practice. And be sure to practice with people who live nearby. Their assistance and correct actions may be critical in helping you successfully escape a fire.
Here are some good ideas . . . .
Live Near an Exit. If you live in an apartment, try to occupy one on the ground floor. If you're in a two-story house, arrange to sleep on the first floor, and be sure to have a telephone by your bed. Bring closer to the ground and exits will facilitate your escape in a fire. If necessary, have a ramp constructed for emergency exits.
Install Smoke Detectors
Working detectors can mean the critical difference in a fire. Test your alarms weekly and change batteries at least once a year, better still twice a year when you change the clock for daylight savings, change the batteries.
Know the Number
Memorize the fire department number, if you don't have a 911 system in your area, and tape it to all your telephones. Make sure your home is clearly numbered and, if you have a disability, or a disabled person, you might let the fire department know about your special needs. In case of fire, always get out first, if you can, then call the fire department can even if fire fighters have already arrived. If you are trapped inside, give the dispatcher your exact room location.
Plan Your Escape
Know two ways out of every room. If one is a window, know how to open it and make sure it opens easily. If you live in an apartment, know where the exit stairs are. Never take an elevator - it might take you to the fire floor!
Get Out, Stay Out
Go as quickly as possible, leaving all possessions behind. And never go back in - you may not get back out. Call the fire department from outside.
Crawl Low in Smoke
If you can, crawl low while you exit. Smoke rises and clear air is nearer the floor.
Stop, Drop and Roll
If your cloths catch fire let yourself down and roll back and forth on the ground. This will smother the fire. If you have physical limitations, someone else may need to smother the flames with a blanket or a rug. Fanning the flames by running around, or with your hands, will not help. In fact it will make it burn more.
Your best first aid is cool water, which helps prevent further skin damage. Keep running cool water on bu8rns until the pain stops. Salve or butter only traps in heat. If charred skin or blisters appear, seek medical attention immediately.
Always sleep with your bedroom door closed, making sure the smoke alarm is audible or that you have an emergency light to alert you. If you hear your detector alarm, smell smoke or suspect fire, feel the door with the "BACK of your HAND" before you open the door. If hot, try your other exit; if the door is not hot, slowly open it but be prepared to close it if smoke or flames rush in.
If You Are Trapped
Put closed doors between you and the fire or smoke. Stuff cracks and cover vents to keep smoke out. If there is a phone in the room, call 911 or the fire department and let them know you are trapped. Give them your exact location. Keeping low, put a wet cloth over your nose and wait at the window, signaling with a sheet or flashlight. Do Not break the window.
Stop A Fire Before It Starts
Check Out Appliances. Make sure all plugs and cords are in good condition, and repair or replace any worn or broken appliances.
Be Kitchen Wise
Be especially careful in lighting matches or using the stove. Wear close-fitting sleeves when you cook. If a pan catches fire, smother it with a lid.
Give Space Heaters Space
Always have large, deep ashtrays around for smokers. And do not empty ashes into wastebaskets until they're soaked in water. Check upholstered furniture for dropped cigarettes or matches. And never smoke in bed or while on medication that might cause drowsiness.
Cool a Burn
Keep Doors Closed
Keep space heaters at least three feet from everything - - especially you. A slight brush against certain models could cause a clothing fire.
Be Smoker Wary
National Fire Protection Association
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