Fire safety outreach materials for people with disabilities

Outreach materials from the U.S. Fire Administration

Statistics to share

Each year:

• There are approximately 700 home fires involving people with physical disabilities.
• There are approximately 1,700 home fires involving people with mental disabilities.
• Kitchens and cooking areas are the primary areas where these fires start.

Fire safety messages to share

Millions of Americans live with physical and mental disabilities.  It is important for them to know the steps they can take to stay safe from fire. Put these fire safety messages into your own words when talking to people with disabilities about fire safety.

Understand your fire risk

• Having physical or mental disabilities does not mean you are unable to take the important steps to keep you and your family safe from fire.
• Build your fire prevention plans around your abilities.

Install and maintain smoke alarms

• 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.
• Ask the manager of your building, or a friend or relative, to install at least one smoke alarm on each level of your home.
• Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. If you can't reach the test button on your smoke alarm, ask someone to test it for you.
  

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.
• If you live in a multistory home, arrange to sleep on the first floor.
• Being on the ground floor and near an exit will make your escape easier.

Plan your escape

• Plan your escape around your capabilities.
• Know at least two exits from every room.
• If you use a walker or wheelchair, check all exits to be sure you can get through the doorways.
• Make any necessary changes, such as installing exit ramps and widening doorways, to make an emergency escape easier.

Don't isolate yourself

• Speak to your family members, building manager or neighbors about your fire safety plan and practice it with them.
• Contact your local fire department's nonemergency line and explain your needs. They can suggest escape plan ideas and may perform a home fire safety inspection if you ask.
• Ask emergency providers to keep your needs information on file.
• Keep a phone near your bed and be ready to call 911 or your local emergency number if a fire occurs.

Social media messages and images to share

Copy and paste these messages to your social media accounts and ask your followers to share.

Click on or touch an image below to display its full size and save it to your device.

Twitter

Facebook

Fire Prevention and Public Education Exchange

The Exchange serves as a centralized location for national, state and local fire prevention and life safety practices and public education materials that organizations may wish to share with other communities. Visit the Exchange

Model Exchange programs for people with disabilities

USFA would like to call special attention to these innovative fire prevention programs that have measurable impact and outcome measures.

• Fire safety solutions for Oklahomans with disabilities PDF 70 KB
• People with profound hearing loss: partnering in community risk reduction PDF 70 KB

More fire safety resources for people with disabilities

• Disability.gov
• Medical oxygen safety
• NFPA Educational Messages Desk Reference – these messages provide fire and life safety educators with accurate and consistent language for use when offering safety information to the public.
• Ready.gov
• Topical Fire Report Series: People with Disabilities