April, 2011 -- Elderly & Disabled Fire Safety

Well here it is….. April already. Spring has sprung, the days are getting longer, and daylight savings time has gone into effect. So here comes the "BIG” question. How many of my readers remembered to change the batteries in their smoke detectors?????? Now it’s OK…..It’s not too late. This is so important that if you stop reading this right now to take the time to replace those batteries, it won’t offend me at all.

Now that we have those batteries taken care of, let’s talk about another "at risk” segment of our population. Last month we discussed fire safety for children. This month we will take a look at the elderly and disabled. This may, at first glance, look like two separate groups, but being elderly could entail decreased mobility, loss of hearing and/or eye sight, or just declining health in general. Let’s face it. We have all seen or know someone, or are ourselves, over that proverbial hill. I know that Dad’s moving slower all the time and we just won’t even talk about his mental state.

OK…Now for some facts. Physical disability is a contributing factor in an estimated 360 (13%) home fire deaths each year. 54% of those victims perished even though they had working smoke detectors in the home as compared to only 37% in cases where there were no disabling factors. 53% of these victims were involved in the ignition and were in the area of origin when the incident began. So what is it that puts this segment of the population at such a great risk? Simply put, decreased mobility, health, sight, and hearing that may limit a person’s ability to take the quick action necessary to escape during a fire emergency. And depending on these physical limitations, many of the actions an individual can take to protect themselves from the dangers of fire may require help from a caregiver, neighbor, or outside source.

So…What can we do to increase our chances of escaping a fire unharmed if disabled? First, we need to remember that time is not our friend and that every second counts. The US Fire Administration has again provided us with an all important "to do list” that will help us accomplish our goal of getting out alive.

·       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.

·       Know at least two exits from every room.

·       Plan your escape around your capabilities: make any necessary accommodations, such as providing exit ramps, and widening doorways, to facilitate an emergency escape.

·       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.

·       Be sure your home address is clearly marked and visible from the street.

·       Know which local emergency services are available and have those numbers posted or memorized.

·       Inform others of your special needs: contact your local fire department on a non-emergency line and explain any special needs.

·       Involve the assistance of a building manager, family member, or an entrusted friend when practicing your fire escape plan.

·       Unless instructed by the fire department, never use an elevator during a fire.

·       When a fire occurs, do not waste any time saving property.  Leave the home immediately.  Once out, stay out!

I just love the US Fire Administration. Those folks are so "on the ball”….. So if you have a loved one or a neighbor that might have a physical disability, or you yourself have a physical disability, take a run down this check list and try to incorporate everything from it you can to make their home, your home, and your lives Fire Safe. If you need suggestions with an escape plan, call your local Fire Department on a non-emergency line and ask for their help.

In closing may I suggest that you always keep a phone near your bed and be ready to call 911 or your local emergency response number in the case of a fire. And….as always, make sure you have "working smoke detectors” on every level of your home. Smoke Detectors Save Lives!!!!!!

I’m "Remington the Fire Dog” and I’m out of here.