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If you have a disability, think about how your disability may affect your response to a fire emergency and talk it over with others. The fire department can help you plan ahead for a safe escape. Be sure to include other members of your household in your escape plan. Live near an exit: If you live in a multi-level building, you'll be safest on the ground floor. In a two-story house, arrange to sleep on the first floor. Being on the ground floor and near an exit will make your escape easier. If necessary, have a ramp constructed for emergency exits. Be sure to have a telephone within reach of your bed. Install smoke detectors: Have smoke detectors installed outside your sleeping area -- and inside if you sleep with the door closed --and on every level of your home, including the basement. Have detectors tested monthly, according to manufacturer's instructions, and have batteries replaced once a year, or when the detector is " chirping" to indicate a low battery. If you have a hearing impairment, install special smoke detectors that use a strobe light or vibrator as an alarm. Plan and practice your escape: Know at least two ways out of every room in your home, especially your bedroom. Plan your escape around your abilities and practice your plan to make sure you can do it. If one of your exits is a window, be sure that you can open it easily. Never use an elevator during a fire. Make sure your address is clearly marked on your home in large reflective numbers so that fire fighters can see it easily from the street. You should make the fire department aware of your special needs, and ask them for suggestions about your escape plan. Memorize the fire department number, if you don't have a 911 system in your area, and tape it to all your telephones. 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. What to do if there's a fire... Get Out, Stay Out Just get out quickly, following your escape plan. If you need assistance, yell for the person designated to help you to make sure he or she is aware of the fire. Call the fire department from a neighbor's phone. Test doors before you open them Before opening a door along your escape route, make sure there is no fire on the other side. If you hear your detector alarm, smell smoke or suspect fire, feel the door with the "BACK of your HAND" before you open the door. If the door is hot, don't open it. Use an alternative exit. If the door is cool, open it carefully and be ready to slam it shut if heat or smoke rushes in. If you must escape through smoke, crawl on your hands and knees, keeping your head in the cleaner air found in the "safety zone" 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters) above the floor. If your disability prevents you from doing this, return to a room away from the fire and call the fire department. If you cannot escape If you cannot exit the building safely, close all doors between you and the fire and smoke. Stuff towels or other cloth around doors and cover all vents to keep smoke out. Call the fire department, report the fire, and tell them exactly where you are trapped. While waiting for rescue, signal from a window, if possible, by waving a light-colored cloth. Stop, drop, and roll If your clothing catches fire, stop --- don't run. Drop gently to the ground. Cover your face with your hands and roll over and over to smother the flames. If your disability prevents you from doing this, try smothering the flames with a fire-resistant blanket or rug, or have someone else do it for you. Do not try to smother flames with your bare hands. Stop the Fire Before It Starts 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. Make sure all plugs and cords are in good condition, and repair or replace any worn or broken appliances. Keep space heaters at least three feet from everything especially you. A slight brush against certain models could cause a clothing fire. Always have large, deep ashtrays around for smokers. Make sure the cigarettes soak in water before dump in wastebaskets. Never smoke in bed or while on medication that might cause drowsiness. |
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