| Fires cause devastating damage to property and | | | | wheelchair or a walker. |
| even death to a lot of people. The risk of getting | | | | Some fire safety drills and escape plans exclude |
| injured in a fire or being a fire casualty is greater | | | | people with disabilities. Consequently, your |
| especially for people with physical, mental and | | | | suggestions on fire safety and needs are |
| sensory disabilities. The good news is that deaths | | | | unfulfilled. It is significant that you speak up and |
| from fires are preventable just as long as a | | | | ensure that you are a part of the planning |
| disabled person is equipped with proper devices | | | | process. If you are living alone, you should speak |
| such as fire alarms and knowledgeable on how to | | | | with your neighbors and building manager |
| escape safely from a fire outbreak. | | | | concerning escape plans and practice fire drills with |
| As a person with a disability, you should be more | | | | them. Always have a phone near your bed and |
| cautious because of your physical limitations and | | | | memorize the emergency number for the local |
| decreased ability to react in a fire emergency. | | | | fire department. |
| Some disabled people are typically independent | | | | People with disabilities should be well-informed on |
| and would not wish to change their lifestyle from | | | | fire warning devices such as fire alarms and |
| other people. Unfortunately, this state of mind | | | | smoke detectors. Smoke alarms with a vibrating |
| may cause you to overlook necessary fire safety | | | | pad or a flashing light is available for the deaf. You |
| needs. In some situations, disabled people may | | | | can also request the manager building to install |
| require the help of caregivers to practice fire | | | | smoke alarms on each level of your apartment. |
| safety techniques. | | | | Ensure that they are tested monthly and |
| Although you have the right to live where you | | | | functioning properly. Batteries are changed every |
| choose, it is recommended that you select a | | | | year or when necessary. |
| location on the ground or first floor of a building. It | | | | Limitations like decreased mobility, sight and |
| is also advised to have the apartment near a fire | | | | hearing can prevent a person from making a |
| exit to make your escape easier. Special | | | | quick reaction necessary to escape from a fire |
| considerations should be given in making a plan of | | | | outbreak. It really depends on his physical |
| your escape. You must learn two possible exits | | | | restrictions but you can still take numerous |
| from every room. To make sure you can get | | | | precautions and plan accordingly so you can |
| through all these planned exits, you should check | | | | protect yourself from the dangers fire can bring. |
| ahead of time especially if you are using a | | | | |