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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>FYI. As a follow up to last night’s discussion on the conference call, I was asked to post fire safety information to the list. Pasted below is a flyer published in 2012 by the U.S. Fire Administration. I have also attached a study that was conducted in 1999 about the fire risks for people who are blind or visually impaired. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Best,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ginger<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Fire Safety for People with Visual Impairments<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>U.S. Fire Administration<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Source: <a href="http://www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/disability/fswy20.shtm">http://www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/disability/fswy20.shtm</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h2><span lang=EN>A Clear Fire Safety Message<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p><span lang=EN>Over 10 million Americans have a visual impairment. During a fire emergency, the senses that people with visual impairments rely upon have a high probability of being overpowered.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span lang=EN>The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), a directorate of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), encourages people with visual impairments to practice the following precautionary steps to help protect themselves, their home and their surroundings from the danger of fire.<o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><span lang=EN>Install and Maintain Smoke Alarms<o:p></o:p></span></h2><ul type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span lang=EN>Make sure working smoke alarms are installed on each level of your home. You may want a family member or friend to assist you.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span lang=EN>Remember to test smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. You may want a family member or friend to assist you.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span lang=EN>Audible alarms should pause with a small window of silence between each successive cycle so that people who are blind or visually impaired can listen to instructions or voices of others.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><h2><span lang=EN>Don't Isolate Yourself<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p><span lang=EN>It is important that older adults speak up - 55% of people with visual impairments are over the age of 65.<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><span lang=EN>Speak to your family members, building manager or neighbors about your fire safety plan and practice it with them.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><span lang=EN>Ask emergency responders to keep your needs information on file.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><span lang=EN>Contact your local fire department's non-emergency line and explain your needs. They will probably suggest escape plan ideas, and may perform a home fire safety inspection and offer suggestions about smoke alarm placement.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><h2><span lang=EN>Live Near an Exit and Plan Your Escape<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p><span lang=EN>You'll be safest on the ground floor if you live in an apartment building. If you live in a multi-story home, arrange to sleep on the first floor.<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3'><span lang=EN>Being on the ground floor and near an exit will make your escape easier.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3'><span lang=EN>If necessary, have a ramp available for emergency exits.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3'><span lang=EN>Unless instructed by the fire department, never use an elevator during a fire.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3'><span lang=EN>If you encounter smoke, stay low to the ground to exit your home.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3'><span lang=EN>Once out, stay out, and call 911 or your local emergency number from a neighbor's house.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><h2><span lang=EN>Be Fire-Safe Around the Home<o:p></o:p></span></h2><ul type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4'><span lang=EN>When cooking, never approach an open flame while wearing loose clothing and don't leave cooking unattended. Use a timer to remind you of food in the oven.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4'><span lang=EN>Don't overload electrical outlets of extension cords.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4'><span lang=EN>Never use the oven to heat your home.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4'><span lang=EN>Properly maintain chimneys and space heaters.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4'><span lang=EN>Keep a phone near your bed and be ready to call 911 or your local emergency number if a fire occurs.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><h2><span lang=EN>Know Your Abilities<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p><span lang=EN>Remember, fire safety is your personal responsibility ...Fire Stops With You!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=Date1><span lang=EN>Last Reviewed: November 27, 2012<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>