More than 4,000 Americans die each year in fires, and
more than 25,000 are injured. Special populations such as older adults,
people with disabilities, the deaf and hard of hearing and the visually
impaired can significantly increase their chances of surviving a fire by
practicing proven fire safety precautions.
The United States Fire Administration (USFA), a
directorate of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), encourages
individuals with special needs to use this fire safety checklist to help
protect themselves and their home from fire. Personal responsibility is
the key to fire safety...Fire Stops With You!
UNDERSTANDING THE RISK
Why are Special Populations at Risk?
Special populations are at risk for a number of reasons:
-
Decreased mobility, health, sight, and hearing may
limit a person?s ability to take the quick action necessary to
escape during a fire emergency.
-
Depending on physical limitations, many of the actions
an individual can take to protect themselves from the dangers of fire
may require help from a caretaker, neighbor, or outside source.
HAVE A SOUND FIRE SAFETY AND ESCAPE PLAN
It is vitally important to make and practice escape plans. In the event
of a fire, remember, time is the biggest enemy and every second counts!
-
Involve the assistance of a building manager, family
member, or an entrusted friend when practicing your fire escape plan.
-
Know at least two exits from every room.
-
If you use a walker or wheelchair, check all exits to
make sure they get through the doorways.
-
Practice opening locked or barred doors and windows.
-
When a fire occurs, do not waste any time saving
property. Leave the home immediately. Once out, stay out.
DEVELOP A HOME FIRE SAFETY PLAN
People with mobility difficulties should be encouraged to have their
bedroom on the ground floor and as close as possible to an exit.
-
If necessary, have a ramp available for emergency
exits.
-
Unless instructed by the fire department, never use an
elevator during a fire .
-
Be sure your street address is clearly marked and
visible from the street.
-
Know which local emergency ser-vices are available and
have those numbers posted or memorized.
INFORM OTHERS OF YOUR SPECIAL NEEDS
Contact your local fire department on a non-emergency telephone number
and explain your special needs.
-
Your local fire department will be able to help you
with your escape plan and may also be able to perform a home fire
safety inspection, as well as offer suggestions about smoke alarm
placement and maintenance.
-
Ask emergency providers to keep your special needs
information on file.
INSTALL AND MAINTAIN SMOKE ALARMS
Working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home dramatically
increase your chances of survival.
-
People with physical limitations should be aware of
special fire safety devices that are available, such as smoke alarms
with a vibrating pad or flashing light for the deaf and hard of
hearing. In addition, smoke alarms with a strobe light outside the
house can catch the attention of neighbors or others who might pass
by.
-
Smoke alarm batteries need to be tested every month
and changed at least once a year. If you can't reach the test button
on your smoke alarm, ask someone to inspect it for you.