Fire Safety for People with Disabilities

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More than 40 million Americans have a disability.

Understand your fire risk:

• Having physical or mental disabilities doesn’t mean you can’t keep yourself and your family safe from fire.
• Build your home safety plan around your abilities.

Install and maintain smoke alarms:

• Smoke alarms with a vibrating pad or flashing light are available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Smoke alarms with a strobe light outside the home to catch the attention of neighbors, and emergency call systems for summoning help, are also available.
• Ask the manager of your building, or a friend or relative, to install at least one smoke alarm on each level of your home.
• Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. If you can't reach the test button on your smoke alarm, ask someone to test it for you.

Live near an exit:

• Although you have the legal right to live where you choose, you'll be safest on the ground floor if you live in an apartment building.
• If you live in a multistory home, arrange to sleep on the first floor.
• Being on the ground floor and near an exit will make your escape easier.

Plan your escape:

• Plan your escape around your capabilities.
• Know at least two exits from every room.
• If you use a walker or wheelchair, check all exits to be sure you can get through the doorways.
• Make any necessary changes, such as installing exit ramps and widening doorways, to make an emergency escape easier.

Don't isolate yourself:

• Speak to your family members, building manager or neighbors about your fire safety plan and practice it with them.
• Contact your local fire department's nonemergency line and explain your needs. They can suggest escape plan ideas and may perform a home fire safety inspection if you ask.
• Ask emergency providers to keep your needs information on file.
• Keep a phone near your bed and be ready to call 911 or your local emergency number if a fire occurs.

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