[Njagdu] Fire Safety for People with Visual Impairments

[Ginger Kutsch]

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. 

Best,

Ginger

 

Fire Safety for People with Visual Impairments

U.S. Fire Administration

Source: http://www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/disability/fswy20.shtm

 


A Clear Fire Safety Message


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.

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.


Install and Maintain Smoke Alarms


*	Make sure working smoke alarms are installed on each level of your
home. You may want a family member or friend to assist you.
*	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.
*	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.


Don't Isolate Yourself


It is important that older adults speak up - 55% of people with visual
impairments are over the age of 65.

*	Speak to your family members, building manager or neighbors about
your fire safety plan and practice it with them.
*	Ask emergency responders to keep your needs information on file.
*	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.


Live Near an Exit and Plan Your Escape


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.

*	Being on the ground floor and near an exit will make your escape
easier.
*	If necessary, have a ramp available for emergency exits.
*	Unless instructed by the fire department, never use an elevator
during a fire.
*	If you encounter smoke, stay low to the ground to exit your home.
*	Once out, stay out, and call 911 or your local emergency number from
a neighbor's house.


Be Fire-Safe Around the Home


*	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.
*	Don't overload electrical outlets of extension cords.
*	Never use the oven to heat your home.
*	Properly maintain chimneys and space heaters.
*	Keep a phone near your bed and be ready to call 911 or your local
emergency number if a fire occurs.


Know Your Abilities


Remember, fire safety is your personal responsibility ...Fire Stops With
You!

Last Reviewed: November 27, 2012

 

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