United Spinal Association Offers Fire Safety for Wheelchair Users Booklet
United Spinal Association offers a free booklet, “Fire Safety for Wheelchair Users at Work and at Home.” This publication addresses fire prevention and planning for all wheelchair users and is being offered in recognition of Disability Awareness Month and the FDNY Fire Prevention Week.
Paul Tobin, President of The United Spinal Association states, “The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that there are more than 21.2 million people who have mobility impairments and by understanding their special evacuation needs, safety can be improved in the workplace and home.”
Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta of the FDNY commented, “We are grateful to the United Spinal Association for helping us educate New York City’s wheelchair users about how to stay fire safe. This is a vital message that is of tremendous importance to the Department during Fire Prevention Week and throughout the year.”
Written also for fire safety and building code officials, emergency plan coordinators, building owners and managers, the English language booklet can be downloaded for free at www.UnitedSpinal.org/publications. A Spanish language version is also available for download at www.unitedspinal.org/disability-publications-resources/publicaciones-informativas/.
“Fire Safety for Wheelchair Users at Work and at Home” includes information on new building codes, protocols and procedures, what to do before a fire occurs, and what to do in case of fire, emphasizing the most important fire-planning rule, which is, “Exit your home as quickly as possible.”
About United Spinal Association
United Spinal is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit membership organization formed in 1946 by paralyzed veterans and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Americans with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, ALS and post polio. It has played a significant role in writing the Americans with Disabilities Act, made important contributions to the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. Membership is free and is open to all individuals with spinal cord disorders.