PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

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MAIN (Return to Top)

• People with special needs, like those of older adults, should be more cautious about burn and fire prevention because of physical limitations and a decreased ability to react in an emergency.
• Decreased mobility, health, sight, and hearing may limit a person's ability to prevent a burn or fire injury or take the quick action necessary to escape during a fire emergency.
• Depending on physical limitations, many of the actions an individual can take to protect themselves from the dangers of burns or fire may require help from a care giver, neighbor, or outside source.
• Along with the same burn and fire prevention tips for older adults, there are special precautions that can be taken to protect yourself from burns and your home from fire.

ADDITIONAL TIPS (Return to Top)

• Take special precaution if you are on medication that makes you drowsy.
• If you must smoke, never smoke in bed or near an oxygen source, gas stove, or other flammable object.
• When cooking, never approach an open flame while wearing loose clothing and don't leave cooking unattended. Use a timer to remind you of food left in the oven.
• Don't overload electrical outlets or extension cords.
• If you live in a multi-story home, arrange to sleep on the ground floor and near an exit. It will make your escape easier.
• If you use a walker or wheelchair, check all exits to be sure you get through the doorways.
• Make any necessary accommodations, such as providing exit ramps and widening doorways, to facilitate an emergency escape.
• Make sure that windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out quickly and that security bars can be properly and quickly opened.
• People with physical limitations should install special devices such as smoke alarms with a vibrating pad, flashing light or a fan that can be activated for the hard of hearing or the visually impaired. In addition, smoke alarms with a strobe light outside of the house can catch the attention of neighbors or others who pass by. Also, emergency call or supervised systems for summoning help that are hooked up directly to a watch service are also available.
• Smoke alarms should be tested regularly and maintained according to manufacture's recommendations. If you can't reach the test button on your smoke alarm, you may want a family member or a friend to assist you.
• Hardwired smoke alarms are available with external strobe lights, which would alert neighbors/passers by to a fire.
• Know which local emergency services are available and keep a phone near your bed and be ready to call 911 or your local emergency number when needed.
• Be sure your street address is clearly marked and visible from the street.
• Contact your local fire department on a non-emergency telephone number (use appropriate TTY devices if necessary) and explain your special needs. Your local fire department will be able to help you with an escape plan and may also be able to perform a home inspection, as well as offer suggestions about smoke alarm placement.
• Ask emergency providers to keep your special needs information on file.
• Involve the assistance of a building manager, family member, or a friend when practicing your escape plan.
• Never open doors that are hot to the touch.
• Know at least two ways out from every room.
• If you must escape through smoke, remember to crawl low under the smoke and keep your mouth covered.
• If a fire occurs, do not waste any time saving property. Get out immediately and stay out. Go to a designated meeting place outside of the building. Remember to escape first, then notify the fire department using the 911 system or local emergency number in your area.

The safety information enclosed was compiled from the best sources available to us. The Illinois Fire Safety Alliance and authors cannot assume any liability for its effectiveness in every emergency situation.