Firefighters Stress Fire Safety for People with Disabilities

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Firefighters Stress Fire Safety for People with Disabilities

http://lafd.blogspot.com/2008/10/firefighters-stress-fire-safety-

for.html

Approximately 4,000 Americans die and 20,000 are injured in fires

each year. The risk of death or injury from fire is even greater for

people with physical, mental or sensory disabilities.

Many of these deaths are the result of failed emergency escapes, and

might have been prevented through planning and preparedness.

The Los Angeles Fire Department encourages people with disabilities,

their caregivers and all Americans to learn about special precautions

that can protect those with special needs.

People with disabilities - and those around them, must always be

mindful of physical and other limitations that can impair quick and

appropriate action in an emergency.

Those living with disabilities should be aware of the special fire

and other danger warning devices that are available to meet their

unique needs. For example, smoke alarms with a vibrating pad or

flashing light are available for the deaf or hard of hearing.

While the warning features of smoke alarms may be specific to

individual needs, the placement of these devices - at a minimum, echo

those suggested for every household:

Have a properly functioning smoke alarm in every sleeping room -and-

in the hallway directly adjacent to those rooms. If sleeping rooms

are on an upper level, a smoke alarm should also be installed in the

center of the ceiling directly above the interior stairway. It's best

to have smoke alarms on every level of a home.

Make sure your smoke alarms are tested monthly and change the

batteries at least once a year.

Though people with disabilities have the right to live where they

please, firefighters suggest they may be safest living on the ground

floor with one of more exitways specially designed to meet their

everyday and emergency needs.

If a walker or wheelchair is used, every exit should be checked for

possible impairments to safe and swift egress.

Be sure to include people with disabilities in fire safety drills and

fire safety planning. Keep telephones convenient for disabled

persons, so they can call 9-1-1 to coordinate appropriate help from

responding firefighters. To learn more, visit:

http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/disability