People with Disabilities
The risk of death or injury from fire is often more significant for community members with physical, mental or sensory disabilities. Identifying individual risk factors allows preparation to offset those dangers.
Knowing what to do in case of fire may save your life! Talk to family, friends, neighbours and your local fire department about your particular needs in an emergency., Oshawa Fire Services recommends the federal government's Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities/Special Needs for additional information on emergency preparedness.
Plan around your abilities
The most important step is to invest a few hours to pre-plan for a fire emergency:
- Install and maintain smoke alarms in your home
- Develop an escape plan and practice fire drills regularly
- Check your home and eliminate fire hazards
How do I protect myself?
Depending on your physical limitations, here are some things that you can do to protect yourself from fire. In some cases, you may be able to do some of these things yourself. In other cases, you may need someone to help you.
Install smoke alarms. Ensure there is at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home. Ask your building superintendent, a friend or relative to install at least one smoke alarm on each level, especially next to bedrooms, to alert you to fire promptly. If you sleep with the door closed, have one installed inside. If you have difficulty hearing, there are smoke alarms that flash a light in addition to an alarm. There are also smoke alarms that sound a lower pitch alarm that may be easier for people with impaired hearing to hear. Test smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries changed at least once a year. Try testing your smoke alarms using a broom handle to push the test button.
Plan and practice your escape. Know two ways out of every room, especially bedrooms. If one exit is a window, make sure that it opens easily. If you live in an apartment building and you can use stairs, map out as many routes as possible. Never take elevators to escape a fire. Elevators may become trapped between floors or take you directly to the fire.
Remember 9-1-1. In case of fire, always attempt to get out, then call 9-1-1 and give your street address. If you cannot get out, call 9-1-1, even if Oshawa Fire Services has been called or already arrived and tell them exactly where you are in the building. Do not panic. Stay calm.
If you live in a multi-storey home, sleep on the first floor and keep a telephone by your bed. If you live in an apartment, consider living on the ground floor. Living closer to the ground and having an exit will make evacuating easier. Also, consider having doorways widened and ramps constructed.
When fire strikes, what should I do?
Get out and stay out. If you leave the building, go as quickly and safely as possible. Never go back in for personal possessions. They are not worth your life. Call 9-1-1 from outside.
Crawl low under smoke if you can, while you exit and keep your head down. Hot toxic gases rise. The cleanest, coolest air is near the floor.
Keep doors closed. A closed door will help slow the spread of fire, smoke and heat. Feel the door, if you hear a smoke alarm, smell smoke or suspect fire. If the door feels cool, open slightly to check for smoke; if there is none, leave by your planned escape route. If the door feels hot when you touch it, do not open it or panic. Escape out the window or use an alternate exit.
If you cannot leave your room or apartment. Stay calm if blocked exit paths or mobility problems prevent you from escaping. Seal cracks around doors and vents as best as possible, using wet towels. Open a window and stay low by it to breathe fresh air. Install a phone in your room, call 9-1-1, and tell them you are trapped and where you are in the building. Shout for help or use a whistle and signal your position by waving a bright cloth, towel, sheet or flashlight.
Stop, drop and roll. If your clothes catch fire, stop where you are. Drop gently to the ground. Roll over-and-over to put the flames out. Depending on your physical limitations, you may need someone's help to smother the fire. Do not try to put the flames out with your hands.
How can I help prevent a fire?
- Be alert to careless smoking. Use large, deep ashtrays and do not empty ashes into the garbage; instead, place contents in a metal container or toilet
- Check upholstered furniture for dropped or hidden cigarette butts
- Never smoke while in bed, feeling drowsy or on medication
- Be kitchen alert
- Never leave cooking unattended on your stove
- Avoid loose sleeves while cooking; loose clothing easily catches fire
- Keep pot handles turned toward the back of your stove
- In case of a grease or pan fire, smother flames with a close-fitting pot lid or a larger pan.
- Check your appliances
- Examine cords and plugs to your stove, oven, toaster, coffee maker and other cooking devices for signs of cracking or fraying
- Look for signs of overheating
- Check for a recognized testing laboratory label to show that the unit is safely designed
- Use space heaters carefully
- Purchase C.S.A. or U.L.C. approved heaters only
- Always keep a 90 cm (3 ft) clearance on all sides of the heater
- Be careful not to come in contact with the heater. Many space heaters can easily ignite clothing, other textiles and paper
- Unplug them when not in use
Think Ahead fire safety program for Grandview Kids
Created by Grandview Kids and made possible by fire departments in Durham Region, the Think Ahead program provides home fire safety information and emergency planning for community members caring for children or youth with special needs.
This fire safety program includes a home visit providing an opportunity for Oshawa firefighters and families to meet in a low-stress environment to discuss:
- Home escape planning
- Fire education and prevention
- Fire safety and emergency planning
- Perform smoke and carbon monoxide alarm checks
During the visit, local firefighters learn about the child's specific needs to plan for the most effective response in the event of an emergency. In addition, to sharing life safety information participating firefighters will develop a better understanding of the individual needs of each family and the importance of assistive devices in an emergency, such as mobility aids, prosthetics, communication devices and service dogs.