| Disabled and Fire Safety
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.
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 when you change your clocks.
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.
Get Out, Stay Out:
Go as quickly as possible, leaving all possessions behind, and never go back in. Call 911 from outside.
Crawl Low in Smoke:
If you can, crawl low while you exit. Smoke rises and cleaner air is nearer the floor.
If Your Are Trapped:
Put closed doors between you and the fire. Stuff cracks and cover vents to keep smoke out. It there is a phone in the room, call 911 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.
|
