Free Publication about Fire Safety for Wheelchair Users
Last Friday, a heroic rescue was made saving an 82-year-old man in a wheelchair from a burning home in Kansas City. Realizing the importance of learning the proper procedures of fire safety and evacuation for wheelchair users, United Spinal Association would like share a valuable free booklet called Fire Safety for Wheelchair Users at Work and at Home. Single copies may be downloaded or ordered at www.unitedspinal.org, or by calling 800-444-0120. Bulk copies are also available for a small fee.
Discussing fire safety in the home environment, Fire Safety for Wheelchair Users emphasizes prevention of, and planning for, a fire emergency, focusing on individuals with mobility impairments. Included is important information on which type of smoke or heat detector is preferred in different areas of the home, and since detectors can reduce the risk of a fire-related fatality by 60%, the booklet recommends that persons with disabilities who are unable to maintain smoke or heat detectors on their own should seek the assistance of family or friends.
Knowing what to do in the event of a smoke or fire incident requires advance planning and the local fire department is the best resource. Professional firefighters can identify potential hazards within the home and can help individuals with disabilities to plan one or more escape routes. And Fire Safety for Wheelchair Users emphasizes the most important fire planning rule: Exit the home as quickly as possible.
The booklet also contains important prevention tips when using electrical appliances in the home, when cooking, and when using space heaters and heating systems.
Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, United Spinal Association is a national membership organization for people with spinal cord disabilities. United Spinal has enabled members, as well as other persons with disabilities, to lead full and productive lives. In addition to helping write the Americans with Disabilities Act, United Spinal produces and distributes publications about laws and issues that relate to the publics they serve. Their most popular publication is Disability Etiquette, which gives tips on interacting with people with disabilities.