Fire Prevention Week - Planning for Special Needs

10/7/2021 (Permalink)

Be sure to plan for fire emergencies for those with additional needs in your household.

October 3-9, 2021 is Fire Prevention Week

Being prepared for a fire is hard enough, but there are extra stressors involved when someone in the house has special needs.

What if Someone in My House is Hard of Hearing?

There are smoke alarms and alert devices that alert people who are deaf or hard of hearing. These devices include strobe lights that flash to alert people when the smoke alarm sounds. Pillow or bed shakers also are designed to work with your smoke alarm when properly installed. These work by shaking the bed or pillow when the smoke alarm sounds giving tactile input of the situation. It is a good idea so sleep with your hearing aids or mobile device close to the bed.

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What About People with Sensory or Physical Disabilities?

Make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors meet the needs of everyone in your home. You can install a bedside alert device that responds to the sound of the smoke and CO alarms. Sleep with mobility devices, glasses, and phone close to the bed. Keep pathways such as hallways and stairwells lit with night lights or motion sensors and free from clutter to remove barriers to getting out safely.

Escape Plans for Everyone

If there are older adults or those with mobility limitations in the house, make sure you address those issues in your escape plan. Make sure you have ways to safely remove everyone, even those needing a wheelchair or extra assistance. Practice your escape drill so that everyone knows what to do and can remain calm if the situation arises.

The owners of SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton & Southern Lake Counties have a child with a physical disability. They understand, practice, and teach the importance of having a proper safety plan in place in the event of a fire or other emergency. Make sure you think of everyone and their safety. You can never be too prepared.