FIRE STOPS WITH YOU
Special Populations Fire-Safe Checklist: A Fire Safety Factsheet
for People with Special Needs
More than 4,000 Americans die
each year in fires, and more than 25,000 are injured. Special
populations such as older adults, people with disabilities, the
deaf and hard of hearing and the visually impaired can
significantly increase their chances of surviving a fire by
practicing proven fire safety precautions.
The United States Fire
Administration (USFA), a directorate of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA), encourages individuals with special
needs to use this fire safety checklist to help protect
themselves and their home from fire. Personal responsibility is
the key to fire safety...Fire Stops With You!
UNDERSTANDING THE RISK
Why are Special Populations at
Risk? Special populations are at risk for a number of reasons:
Decreased mobility, health,
sight, and hearing may limit a person’s ability to take
the quick action necessary to escape during a fire
emergency.
Depending on physical
limitations, many of the actions an individual can take to
protect themselves from the dangers of fire may require help
from a caretaker, neighbor, or outside source.
HAVE A SOUND FIRE SAFETY AND
ESCAPE PLAN
It is vitally important to make
and practice escape plans. In the event of a fire, remember,
time is the biggest enemy and every second counts!
Involve the assistance of a
building manager, family member, or an entrusted friend when
practicing your fire escape plan.
Know at least two exits from
every room.
If you use a walker or
wheelchair, check all exits to make sure they get through
the doorways.
Practice opening locked or
barred doors and windows.
When a fire occurs, do not
waste any time saving property. Leave the home immediately.
Once out, stay out.
DEVELOP A HOME FIRE SAFETY
PLAN
People with mobility
difficulties should be encouraged to have their bedroom on the
ground floor and as close as possible to an exit.
If necessary, have a ramp
available for emergency exits.
Unless instructed by the
fire department, never use an elevator during a fire .
Be sure your street address
is clearly marked and visible from the street.
Know which local emergency
ser-vices are available and have those numbers posted or
memorized.
INFORM OTHERS OF YOUR
SPECIAL NEEDS
Contact your local fire
department on a non-emergency telephone number and explain your
special needs.
Your local fire department
will be able to help you with your escape plan and may also
be able to perform a home fire safety inspection, as well as
offer suggestions about smoke alarm placement and
maintenance.
Ask emergency providers to
keep your special needs information on file.
INSTALL AND MAINTAIN SMOKE
ALARMS
Working smoke alarms installed
on every level of your home dramatically increase your chances
of survival.
People with physical
limitations should be aware of special fire safety devices
that are available, such as smoke alarms with a vibrating
pad or flashing light for the deaf and hard of hearing. In
addition, smoke alarms with a strobe light outside the house
can catch the attention of neighbors or others who might
pass by.
Smoke alarm batteries need
to be tested every month and changed at least once a year.
If you can't reach the test button on your smoke alarm, ask
someone to inspect it for you.
For More Information
Contact:
The United States Fire Administration
Office of Fire Management Programs
16825 South Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
