Fire Safety for People with Special Need

Fire Safety for People with Special Needs

Fire is especially dangerous for those of us that are disabled. That is I have chosen the dates of October 5-11, 2008, National Fire Prevention Week, to publish my thoughts as a quadriplegic to all members of the disabled community. My current goal as a disabled citizen and firefighter is to make us all aware of fire safety, especially those of us that are disabled or physically challenged.

The key to improving your chances of surviving a fire is pre-planning. Your chances of escape and avoiding injury will depend on how quickly and safely you are able to get out if a fire occurs. Now is the time to plan for if a fire occurs in your home. Escape or shelter in place, notification to emergency services, care givers role, these and many more are important considerations to consider when making a home Escape/Survival Plan.

Whether you live alone or with someone, you should notify your local fire and police departments on a non-emergency telephone number that you are disabled and have special needs in case of emergency. The key to surviving a fire is preparing a plan of escape and practicing it before a fire happens. Notifying your local emergency responders of your special needs will help them help you.

Depending on your individual physical limitations/challenges; i.e. Wheelchair bound, blind, deaf, etc., many of the actions you take to protect yourself from the dangers of fire may require help from a spouse, caretaker, neighbor, or an outside source. Having an escape plan is just one factor you should consider. Medications, oxygen, ambulatory aids, etc., should also be a factor when preparing your escape plan.

Another important issue I would like to stress is, those of us with special needs tend to have a more difficult time practicing personal home escape plans due to physical limitations. Able bodied people can crawl and stay low during smoke conditions. Rolling through smoke and fire in your wheelchair may not be an option.

Leaving your room may not always be the best option especially when the danger is between you and both ways out. Sheltering in place (bed) with a solid bedroom door, that is closed, should give rescuers enough time to save you from disaster. I say “should” because fire can be unpredictable and there are other factors that could contribute to an unusual fire spread.

The following is a general outline for fire safety for people with disabilities along with references for more information.

I borrowed the following excerpt from the United States Fire Administration and added some of my thoughts:

Approximately 4,000 Americans die 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. The good news is deaths resulting from failed emergency escapes are preventable through preparation.

UNDERSTANDING THE RISK

Why are People with Disabilities at Risk?
People with disabilities should be more cautious because of physical limitations and a decreased ability to react in an emergency.
People with disabilities are typically fiercely independent and do not wish to alter their lives from those of the general public. However, this can lead them to ignore their special fire safety needs. In some cases people with disabilities may need the help of a caregiver, family member, friend to practice proper fire safety precautions.

INSTALL AND MAINTAIN SMOKE ALARMS
People with disabilities should be aware of the special fire warning devices that are available.

Smoke alarms with a vibrating pad or flashing light are available for the deaf or hard of hearing. Additionally, smoke alarms with a strobe light outside the house to catch the attention of neighbors, and emergency call systems for summoning help are also available.
Ask the manager of your building, a friend or relative, or local fire department to install at least one smoke alarm on each level of your home.
Make sure your smoke alarms are tested monthly and change the batteries when we change are clocks.

LIVE NEAR AN EXIT
Although you have the legal right to live where you choose, you'll be safest on the ground floor if you live in an apartment/condo.

If you live in a multi-story home, arrange to sleep on the first floor.
Being on the ground floor and near an exit will make your escape easier.
Mark your bedroom window with an invalid locater/sticker.
Make sure exit way is clear and able to accommodate your evacuation method

PLAN YOUR ESCAPE
Plan your escape around your capabilities.

Know at least two exits from every room especially bedroom.
If you use a walker, a wheelchair, or whatever means you use to ambulate check all exits to be sure you get through the doorways and safely outside.
Make any necessary accommodations, such as providing medicine, oxygen, shelter, and emergency escape method now so you are prepared.
Preparation before a disaster is the key

DON'T ISOLATE YOURSELF
People with disabilities have often been excluded from the development and practicing of escape plans and fire safety drills. As a result, their fire safety needs remain unfulfilled. Speak up to ensure that all parties receive the fire safety information that everyone deserves.

Speak to your family members, building manager, or neighbors about your fire safety plan and practice it with them.
Contact your local fire department's non-emergency line and explain your special needs. They will probably suggest escape plan ideas, and may perform a home fire safety inspection and offer suggestions about smoke alarm placement and maintenance.
Ask emergency providers to keep your special needs information on file.
Keep a phone near your bed and be ready to call 911 or your local emergency number if a fire occurs.

KNOW YOUR ABILITIES

Remember, fire safety is your personal responsibility

Fire Related Deaths Stops With You!

In conclusion I believe proper preplanning will increase the chances of survival for those of us with special needs. Notifying all emergency responders of your special needs prior to an emergency is an important first step. Knowledge of your abilities along with preparing and practicing a home escape plan should be a part of your home care plan. People with special needs are just as important in their community as anyone else!

References

For more information please visit http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files//PDF/Forms/EvacuationGuide.pdf

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

http://www.nfpa.org/itemDetail.asp?categoryID=1438&itemID=34420

Dave Shafto

Commissioner, North Spartanburg Fire District

Captain Emeritus, Sea Girt Fire Company #1

About me: I began my fire service career in May 1992, as a volunteer firefighter. I have served as Captain, Training Officer, Safety Officer, Public Education, and my current role Commissioner. I have also worked as a police officer and a 9-1-1 dispatcher, and held EMT and CPR instructor certifications as well as Level 1Fire Instructor.

My paralysis is due to hyper-thermic episode, a high fever of 107.9F that resulted in a brain/spinal cord injury. This occurred during the recovery phase after umbilical hernia surgery. I developed blood clots which traveled to my lungs causing them to fail. These tragic events happened nearly nine years ago, August 1999. Doctors tell me my diagnosis is known as critical care neuropathy.