FIRE SAFETY FOR DISABLED PEOPLE

Fire safety arrangements and pre-planning can save many lives. If a fire occurs in your home, your chances of survival will depend on how quickly and safely you are able to get out. This booklet gives you advice on how to prevent fire, and how to protect yourself in the event of a fire.

SMOKE DETECTOR FOR EARLY ALERT

1. By giving an advance alert call, a smoke alarm can give you those precious few minutes of warning which would help you and your family to get out safely.
2. Smoke alarms are available in market and are simple to install, choose an alarm which meets Indian Standards.
3. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to fix and position the alarm.
4. SMOKE ALARMS FOR HEARING IMPAIRED PEOPLE
5. For people who cannot hear conventional smoke alarm, there are special devices available, which make use of a vibrating pad or flashing light, instead of the auditory signal. The vibrating pad alarms are particularly useful for deaf and blind people.

ADVANCE PLAN ESCAPE ROUTE

1. If a fire occurs in your home you may have to get out in dark and difficult conditions. Escaping from a fire will be a lot easier if you have already planned your escape route and know where to go:
2. Make sure that your planned escape route is free from obstructions and that there are no loose floor coverings that could trip you.
3. If you have serious mobility difficulties, you may wish to consider having your bedroom on the ground floor. If this is practical, it should be as near as possible to an exit way.
4. If you would need assistance to make your escape, it is vital that you have some means of summoning help by your bed, i.e. buzzer, intercom or telephone. There are also systems available, which will automatically dial on your telephone line to summon help or send a signal to a manned control room.

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF FIRE

1. If possible, close the door of the room, where the fire is close all doors behind you as you leave. This will help delay the spread of fire and smoke.
2. Before opening a closed door use the back of your hand to touch it. Don’t open, if you feel hot-the fire will be on the other side.
3. Get everyone out, as quickly as possible. Don’t try to pick up valuable. Make your way out, as safely as you can and try not to panic. It will help you to plan your escape route now rather than waiting until the fire reaches you.
4. Contact the fire brigade. Clearly state the address of the fire.
5. Never go back into the bourse until a fire officer has told you it is safe to do so.

IF YOU ARE CUT OFF BY FIRE

1. Try to remain calm.
2. If you are unable to use the door because of flames or smoke, close the door and use towel or bed sheet block any gaps. This will help stop smoke spreading into the room.
3. Try to make your way to the window. If the room becomes smoky, crawl along the floor where it’s easier to breathe.
4. Open the window and try to attract the attention of others who can alert the fire brigade. Wait for the fire brigade to arrive.
5. The fire brigade should arrive in a matter of minutes. If you are in immediate danger and your room is not too high from the ground, drop cushions or bedding to the ground below to break your fall from the window. If you can, get out feet first and lower yourself to the full length of your arms before dropping.

HOW TO PREVENT FIRES

1. Unplug all electrical appliances not designed to stay on.
2. Make sure no cigarettes are still burning.
3. Before emptying ashtrays make sure that contents are cold.
4. Put a guard around open fires.
5. Switch off portable room heaters.
6. Close the doors of unoccupied rooms.