Fire Safety for the Special Needs Population-Training starts from school to home

In case of fire in the home, make sure to prepare your family to take these important steps:

Listen for Smoke Alarms

Make sure everyone in the home can recognize the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond quickly. A smoke alarm makes a “beep, beep, beep” sound whenever it senses smoke. Smoke alarms with a vibrating pad or flashing light are available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Smoke alarms with a strobe light outside the home to catch the attention of neighbors, and emergency call systems for summoning help, are also available.

When the smoke alarm sounds, everyone should leave the home immediately. Everyone in the house must understand that the sound of the smoke alarm indicates danger. Also make sure your smoke alarms are properly installed and maintained. Smoke alarms should be installed in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement. Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.

Know Your Home Fire Escape Plan

In case there is a fire, your family should have a plan to get out of the home quickly. Every room in the home needs at least two ways out. One way out would be the door and the second way out may be another door or a window. Take children to each room and show them the two ways out. Designate someone to help children, older adults, and people with disabilities get out. But also teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them. Plan your escape around your family’s capabilities. If a family member uses a walker or wheelchair, check all exits to be sure you can get through the doorways. Being on the ground floor and near an exit will make their escape easier. Make any necessary changes, such as installing exit ramps and widening doorways, to make an emergency escape easier. 

Every home fire escape plan needs an outside meeting place at a safe distance from the home. A good meeting place might be a neighbor’s home, a street light, a mailbox, a neighborhood store, or a special tree. Everyone in the family should plan to go to the meeting place to be together and check that everyone is safe.

Contact your local fire department's non-emergency line and explain your family’s special needs. They can suggest escape plan ideas and may perform a home fire safety inspection if you ask.

Practice Your Fire Escape Plan

Before a fire strikes, families should practice their home fire drill at least twice a year. Home fire escape practice should include the following steps:

1. Push the smoke alarm button to start the drill.
2. Get up and walk quickly, but don’t run. Also practice what to do in case there is smoke: Get low and go.
3. Remember to know two ways out of every room. Practice using different ways out and closing doors behind you as you leave.
4. Get outside fast. Time yourself and try to beat your record.
5. Go to your outside meeting place with your family. Stress that there is no going back for people, pets, or things.
6. Pretend-call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number from a cell phone or a neighbor’s phone.