Home safety for people with disabilities
There’s no place like home. It is a place to relax, share laughs with family, and enjoy home cooked meals. But did you know that the majority of fire deaths occur in the home? Help everyone in the home stay safe from fire.
Home fire sprinklers
Home fire sprinklers protect lives by keeping fires small. Sprinklers allows people more time to escape in a fire. When choosing an apartment or home, look for one that has home fire sprinklers.
Smoke alarms
- Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room. They should also be outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.
- Test your smoke alarm at least once a month by pushing the test button. If you can’t reach the alarm, ask for help.
- For added safety, interconnect the smoke alarms. If one sounds, they all sound. This gives more time to escape.
- Smoke alarms with sealed (long-life) batteries work for up to 10 years. They can be helpful for people who find it hard to change batteries.
- Smoke alarms expire. Replace them every 10 years.
People who are Deaf or hard of hearing
- Smoke alarms and alert devices are available for people who are deaf or hard or hearing.
- Strobe lights flash when the smoke alarm sounds. The lights warn people of a possible fire.
- When people who are deaf are asleep, a pillow or bed shaker can wake them so they can escape.
- When people who are hard of hearing are asleep, a loud, mixed, low-pitched sound alert device can wake them. A pillow or bed shaker may be helpful. These devices are triggered by the sound of the smoke alarm.
Escape planning
Include everyone in home escape planning. Each person should have input about the best ways to escape. Home fire drills are important. Everyone in the home must participate in them. Keep a phone by your bed in case you can’t escape and need to call for help.
Talk with someone from the fire department about your escape plan. Ask them review your plan. Ask if your fire department keeps a directory of people who may need extra help. If you have a service animal, agree on a plan to keep the animal with you during an emergency.
Source
This information is from the National Fire Protection Association – the leading information and knowledge resource on fire, electrical and related hazards.