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Disabilities & Fire Safety
The risk of death or injury
from fire is often greater for people with
physical, mental or sensory disabilities. Identifying each person's individual risk
factors allows for preparation of measures to
offset those dangers.
Understanding the Risk
Why are people with
disabilities at Risk?
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Physical limitations
may have decreased ability to react in an
emergency. Cognitive impairments may also
prohibit or delay prompt recognition of an
emergency in their environment.
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People with
disabilities may be very independent and may
not wish to alter their lives from those of
the general public. In some cases people
with disabilities may need the help of a
caregiver to practice proper fire safety
precautions.
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Governments, property
owners and other relevant groups in our
society also need to be aware of and utilize
the necessary equipment, technology, and
practices that ensure emergency procedures
are accessible and work for people with
disabilities.
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Education is a
responsibility for all parties in reducing
the risk of injury or death when an
emergency occurs.
Install and Maintain
Smoke Alarms
People with disabilities
should be aware of the special fire warning
devices that are available.
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Smoke alarms with a
vibrating pad or flashing light are
available for the deaf and hard of hearing. Contact the Canadian Hearing Society. Additionally, smoke alarms with a strobe
light outside the house to catch the
attention of neighbors, and emergency call
systems for summoning help are also
available.
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Ask the manager of your
building, or a friend or relative to install
at least one smoke alarm on each level of
your home as well as inside of your bedroom.
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Make sure your smoke
alarms are tested monthly and change the
batteries at least once a year.
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. Never use elevators during a fire
emergency.
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If you live in a
multi-story home, arrange to sleep on the
first storey.
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Being on the ground
floor and near an exit will make your escape
easier.
Plan Your Escape
Plan your escape around
YOUR capabilities.
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Know at least two exits
from every room.
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If you use a walker or
wheelchair, check all exits to be sure you
get through the doorways.
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Make any necessary
accommodations, such as providing exit ramps
and widening doorways, to facilitate an
emergency escape.
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Understand ways of
protecting yourself within a room that may
include sealing cracks around doors, staying
near the floor out of smoke and using
windows to ventilate and signal from.
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If you do smoke,
protect your clothing with a flame retardant
smokers pad. Don't ever smoke when you are
sleepy or taking a medication that may cause
drowsiness.
Don't Isolate Yourself
People with disabilities
should never be excluded from the development
and practicing of escape plans and fire safety
drills.
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Speak to your family
members, building manager, or neighbours
about your fire safety plan and practice it
with them.
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Keep a phone near your
bed and know how to access the 911 system
especially through TTY if you are hearing
impaired.
Know Your
Responsibilities and Abilities
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You or your caregiver
may contact the Fire Prevention Bureau for
advice and assistance. When developing and
practicing your evacuation plan be sure that
you have minimized or removed any barriers
related to your disability that you might
encounter.
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When considering a new
place of residence, be sure that the
location does not create barriers to an
emergency evacuation.
Remember, fire safety is
your personal responsibility ... Fire Stops With
You!
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