JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
According to the National Fire Protection Association, or NFPA, nearly 15,700 people were injured and 3,280 died in 2016 due to fire.
People with disabilities must deal with unique challenges that fires present. With the disadvantages this group of people may have in escaping a fire, they could also have obstacles in their residence that would hamper their safe exodus.
To avoid such a delay the need in preparing ahead of time without some sort of assistance from a caregiver, neighbor, or relative to protect yourself and your loved ones in the home is vital.
Home Fire Sprinklers
By keeping fires small home fire sprinklers can also protect lives. More time is allotted to escape a fire with sprinklers in place. Keep in mind to look for one that has home fire sprinklers when selecting an apartment or home.
Smoke Alarms:
· Every bedroom should have a smoke detector installed. Also they should be outside each sleeping area as well as every level of the home.
· Test the smoke detector by pushing the test button monthly. Ask for help if you can’t reach the alarm.
· By interconnecting the smoke detectors, if one sounds they all sound. This gives the occupants the advantage of more time to escape.
· Smoke detectors with sealed batteries work for up to 10 years. For people who find it hard to change batteries, this can be helpful.
· Replace smoke detectors every ten years.
For the Deaf Or Hard Of Hearing:
· For people who are deaf or hard of hearing smoke alarms and alert devices are available.
· Strobe lights are also available, so when the smoke alarm sounds, the lights warn people of a possible fire.
· A pillow or bed shaker can wake people who are deaf and asleep so they can escape.
· For people who are hard of hearing are asleep, a loud, mixed, low-pitched sound alert device can wake them. A pillow or bed shaker is also helpful. These devices are triggered by the sound of the smoke alarm.
Escape Planning:
Include everyone in the home in escape planning process. Each person should have input about the best way to escape. Home fire drills are important. Everyone in the home must participate in them. Keep a phone by your bed in case you can’t escape and need to call for help.
Speak with someone from the fire department about your escape plan. Request them to review your plan. Ask if your fire department keeps a directory of people who may need extra help. If you have service animal, agree on a plan to keep the animal with you during an emergency.
For more information about Home Safety for People with Disabilities, visit the NFPA website at http://www.nfpa.org/education or contact the fire prevention offices at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston at 210-221-2727, JBSA-Lackland at 210-671-2921 and JBSA-Randolph at 210-652-6915.
(Images and information contained in this article were reproduced in whole or part from http://www.nfpa.org.)