JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
Every morning, my wife drives to my father-in-law’s home and
helps her dad, age 94, get out of bed and assists him with brushing his teeth
and dressing.
She’ll take her father to the kitchen table, sit him down
and give him his coffee and they will speak of years gone by.
She’ll administer medications for him, prepare his
breakfast, clean up the kitchen and schedule her dad’s doctor appointment for
the following week. She’ll assure her dad repeatedly that everyone is OK.
With approximately 3,400 Americans dying and another 17,500
being injured in fires each year, this is a major concern for my family as we
take care of my father in-law.
People with mobility, sight and hearing disabilities can
significantly increase their chances of surviving a fire by practicing proven
fire safety precautions.
The United States Fire Administration encourages people with
disabilities to use the following 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 raises the question, “Why are people
with disabilities at risk?”
People with disabilities at risk:
• 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 him or herself from the dangers of fire may
require help from a caretaker, neighbor or outside source.
It is vitally important to make and practice escape plans.
In the event of a fire, 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.
Home fire evacuation plan:
People with mobility disabilities 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 services are available and have
those numbers posted or memorized.
Smoke alarms:
Working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home
dramatically increase your chances of survival.
• Smoke alarms with a vibrating pad or flashing light are
available for people with hearing disabilities. 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.
Notify first responders of your needs:
Contact your local fire department on a non-emergency
telephone number and explain your needs.
• The local fire department will be able to help with an
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 first responders to keep your needs information on
file.
Remember to include everyone in planning and practicing home
fire drills. People with disabilities can provide input on the best methods for
them to escape.
To learn more about assisting people with disabilities visit
the National Fire Protection Association’s website at
http://www.nfpa.org/education; the government’s website for information on
disability programs and services nationwide at http://www.disability.gov; or contact
the fire prevention offices at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston at
221-2727, JBSA-Lackland at 671-2921 or JBSA-Randolph at 652-6915.