8/18/22, 12:56 PM
Fire Safety Tips for People with Disabilities | John Brewer | Burn Victim Assistance | Phoenix, AZ
a Fire Safety Tips for People with Disabilities by John Brewer | Aug 18, 2022 | Burns
People with disabilities must be taught about fire safety. This is especially true since many live with mental and physical disabilities. Statistics show that around 700 home fires each year involve people with physical disabilities, while there are about 1,700 fires that include people with mental disabilities. Most of these fires start in kitchens and cooking areas.
A fire safety plan that includes special considerations for people with mental and physical disabilities can help keep you and your family safe.
Smoke Alarms You can install and maintain smoke alarms designed for people with different abilities. These include smoke alarms with a strobe light that can be activated to alert neighbors or https://johnbrewerlaw.org/fire-safety-tips-for-people-with-disabilities/
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8/18/22, 12:56 PM
Fire Safety Tips for People with Disabilities | John Brewer | Burn Victim Assistance | Phoenix, AZ
deaf family members. Other types of alarms can also be used to summon help.
You can ask your building manager or a relative or friend to install smoke alarms on every level of your home. You should also test your smoke alarms monthly to ensure they are working correctly. If you can’t test your alarms yourself, you can always ask someone to do so for you.
Live Near an Accessible Exit Although you might not always have much control over where you live, you should consider living near an accessible exit if possible. It is often safer for people with physical disabilities to be on the ground floor of their apartment building. If you live in a multi-story home, you should similarly consider living on the first floor.
Regardless of your living arrangements, having a plan for your escape can help make it easier for you in the event of a fire. Every time you move, ensure you have at least two exits in every room.
Make Your Space Accessible You should also consider adding ramps and wider doorways to your home to make it easier for you to get out of the building in an emergency, depending on your physical abilities. You should regularly practice your fire safety plan with your neighbors and family. Being prepared helps everyone be able to act quickly in the event of an emergency.
Talk to Your Local Fire Department You can also speak with your local fire department about having a fire safety plan, especially if you don’t have family or neighbors nearby. They can help you develop an escape plan and perform a home inspection to ensure there are no apparent fire safety problems.
Final Thoughts Finally, stay in contact with your doctor and other healthcare providers to ensure they have your necessary information on file. You should also keep a phone near your bed in https://johnbrewerlaw.org/fire-safety-tips-for-people-with-disabilities/
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8/18/22, 12:56 PM
Fire Safety Tips for People with Disabilities | John Brewer | Burn Victim Assistance | Phoenix, AZ
case of an emergency.
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