United Spinal Association Offers Free Fire Safety Information for Individuals with Disabilities and Others
Jackson Heights, NY - United Spinal Association, a national veterans service and disability rights organization, has been offering free educational information to its members and beyond throughout its 60 year history. The organization marks the end of daylight savings time this coming Sunday, March 11th–a traditional time when fire protection professionals urge Americans to install new batteries in their home smoke detectors–by offering individuals with disabilities and others the potentially live-saving free booklet, “Fire Safety For Wheelchair Users At Work and At Home.”
United Spinal’s free booklet tackles fire safety in the home including prevention and planning for a fire emergency with particular emphasis on individuals with mobility impairments. Also included in “Fire Safety For Wheelchair Users” is important information on which type of smoke or heat detector is safest in different areas of the home.
Fire statistics show that the use of smoke and heat detectors can reduce the risk of a fire fatality by 60%. Therefore, United Spinal recommends that persons with disabilities, who may be unable to maintain home smoke or heat detectors on their own, should seek out family or friends for assistance.
Knowing what to do in the event of a smoke or fire incident requires planning, and the local fire department is the best resource. These professionals can identify potential hazards within the home, and they can help individuals with disabilities to plan one or more escape routes. “Fire Safety for Wheelchair Users” underscores the most important rule of fire planning—exit the home as quickly as possible.
United Spinal’s fire safety booklet also contains important safety tips when using electrical appliances in the home, when cooking and using space heaters and other heating systems.
This must-have, free booklet is available online at www.unitedspinal.org/disability-publications. Free copies are also available by calling 1-800-444-0120.
For more than 60 years, United Spinal Association has provided expertise, created access to resources and strengthened hope, thereby enabling people with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D) to fulfill their potential as active members of their communities. Membership in the Association is free and open to all people with SCI/D. In addition to helping write the Americans with Disabilities Act, United Spinal was also instrumental in drafting portions of the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. For more information, please visit our Web site at www.unitedspinal.org or call 800-404-2898.