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DISABILITY
Plan Ahead For
Emergencies
Talk to someone about what you should do in case of
fire. Your family, friends, the fire department or a social service
agency should help you develop an escape plan you can practice. Be sure
to practice with the people who live nearby. Their assistance and correct
actions may be critical in helping you successfully escape a fire.
Here are some ideas...
Live Near an
Exit
If you live in an apartment, try to occupy one on the ground floor.
If you're in a two-story house, arrange to sleep on the first floor,
and be sure to have a telephone by your bed. Being closer to the ground
and an exit will facilitate your escape in a fire. If necessary, have
a ramp constructed for emergency exits.
Install Smoke
Detectors
Working detectors can mean the critical difference in a fire. Test your
alarms monthly and change batteries at least once a year.
Know the Number
Memorize the fire department number and tape it to all your telephones.
Make sure your home is clearly numbered and, if you have a disability,
you might let the fire department know about your special needs. In
case of fire, always get out first, if you can, then call the fire department.
If you are trapped inside, give the dispatcher your exact room location.
Plan Your Escape
Know two ways out of every room. If one is a window, know how to open
it and make sure it opens easily. If you live in an apartment, know
where the exit stairs are. Never take an elevator - it might take you
to the fire!
What To Do In Case of
A Fire...
Get Out, Stay
Out
Go as quickly as possible, leaving all possessions behind, and never
go back in - you might not get back out. Call the fire department from
outside.
Crawl Low in
Smoke
If you can, crawl low while you exit. Smoke rises and cleaner air is
nearer the floor.
Stop, Drop and
Roll
If your clothes catch fire, let yourself down and roll. This will smother
the fire. If you have physical limitations, someone else may need to
smother the fire with a blanket or rug. Fanning the flames with your
hands will not help, in fact, your hands may be severely burned.
Cool a Burn
Your best first aid is cool water which helps prevent further skin damage.
Keep running cool water on burns until the pain stops. Salve or butter
only traps in heat. If charred skin or blisters appear, seek medical
attention immediately.
Keep Doors Closed
Always sleep with your bedroom door closed, making sure the smoke alarm
is audible or that you have an emergency light to alert you. If you
hear your detector alarm, smell smoke or suspect fire, feel the door.
If hot, try your other exit; if not, slowly open it but be prepared
to close it if smoke or flames rush in.
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If You Are Trapped
Put
closed doors between you and the fire. Stuff cracks and cover vents
to keep smoke out. If there is a phone in the room, call the fire
department and let them know you are trapped. Give them your exact
location. Keeping low, put a wet cloth over your nose and wait at
the window, signaling with a sheet or flashlight. Do not
break the window.
 .
Check Out Appliances
Make sure
all plugs and cords are in good condition, and repair or replace any
worn or broken appliances.
Be Kitchen Wise
Be especially careful in lighting matches or using the stove. Wear
close-fitting sleeves when you cook. If a pan catches fire, smother
it with a lid.
Give Space Heaters Space
Keep
space heaters at least three feet from everything - especially you.
A slight brush against certain models could cause a clothing fire.
Be Smoker Wary
Always have large, deep ashtrays around for smokers. And do not empty
ashes into wastebaskets until they're soaked in water. Check upholstered
furniture for dropped cigarettes or matches. And never smoke in bed
or while on medication that might cause drowsiness.
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People Protecting
People Since 1896
© National
Fire Protection Association
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269-9101
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