Fire Safety for People with Disabilities

Fire Safety for People with Disabilities

Millions of people live with physical and mental disabilities. It is important for them to know how to stay safe from fire.

Understand your fire risk

• Having physical or mental disabilities doesn’t mean you can’t keep you and your family safe from fire.
• Build your home safety plan around your abilities.

Install and maintain smoke alarms

• Smoke alarms with a vibrating pad or flashing light are available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Smoke alarms with a strobe light outside the home to catch the attention of neighbors, and emergency call systems for summoning help, are also available.
• Ask the manager of your building, or a friend or relative, to install at least one smoke alarm on each level of your home.
• Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. If you can’t reach the test button on your smoke alarm, ask someone to test it for you.
  

Live near an exit

• Although you have the legal right to live where you choose, you’ll be safest on the ground floor if you live in an apartment building.
• If you live in a multistory home, arrange to sleep on the first floor.
• Being on the ground floor and near an exit will make your escape easier.

Plan your escape

• Plan your escape around your capabilities.
• Know at least two exits from every room.
• If you use a walker or wheelchair, check all exits to be sure you can get through the doorways.
• Make any necessary changes, such as installing exit ramps and widening doorways, to make an emergency escape easier.

Don’t isolate yourself

• Speak to your family members, building manager or neighbors about your fire safety plan and practice it with them.
• Contact your local fire department’s nonemergency line and explain your needs. They can suggest escape plan ideas and may perform a home fire safety inspection if you ask.
• Ask emergency providers to keep your needs information on file.
• Keep a phone near your bed and be ready to call 911 or your local emergency number if a fire occurs.

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