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(Medical-NewsWire.com, July 31, 2012 ) Dothan, AL -- Practicing proven fire safety precautions can greatly increase chances of survival for special populations such as those with disabilities, hearing impaired or visually impaired. In the United Sates, about 18,300 individuals are injured and 3,500 individuals die in fires each year. The risk of injury or death is greater for people with disabilities because of a decreased ability to react quickly in an emergency situation like a fire. Many injuries and deaths that occur due to failed escapes can be prevented.
The U.S. Fire Administration has composed the following fire safety recommendations for those with special needs to help protect themselves, their loved ones and their homes in the event of a fire.
1. Care should be taken to not overload electrical outlets or extension cords.
2. People without central heating should not use a stove or oven to heat their home. Instead they should use properly maintained fireplaces/chimneys and or space heaters.
3. Disabled individuals should sleep near a phone. If a fire takes place, they will be ready to call their local emergency number.
4. People who tend to be absent-minded or have memory problems should always use a timer while cooking to remind them that there is food in the oven or on the stove, even if the timer is set for two or three minutes at a time. One should never leave cooking unattended, nor approach an open flame with loose clothing.
5. One of the greatest pieces of advice the Fire Administration can give is to install and maintain smoke alarms. The alarms should be tested each month, and batteries should be replaced yearly. Smoke alarms that talk or provide high visibility strobe lights may increase their effectiveness. An additional safety net can be obtained by enrolling in an emergency call system that automatically to summons help when the alarm activates.
6. The disabled person should live near an exit and, if possible, on the ground level of their residence building.
7. The disabled person, as well as the rest of the family, should have a tested fire escape plan. During the test each person should practice opening locked or barred doors and windows. People requiring the assistance of a walker or wheelchair need to make sure they can exit through all doorways and that the necessary ramps and other accommodations are in place.
8. Special needs persons should communicate their needs with neighbors, building managers, and emergency providers. Almost every fire department would welcome a call to their non-emergency line to notify them of specific needs and the escape plan. The fire department personnel may offer suggestions about the plan, make a home fire safety inspection and provide smoke alarm placement and maintenance recommendations.
The U.S. Fire Administration has additional information on fire safety on their website at http://www.usfa.fema.gov. They can also be reached by phone at 301-447-1000.
About The Cochran Firm
Recognized as one of the nation’s premier law firms, The Cochran Firm handles cases on behalf of clients seeking a Personal Injury, Criminal Defense, Medical Malpractice or Social Security Disability lawyer. The Firm can be reached at 1-800-THE-FIRM (1-800-843-3476) or visit their website at http://www.CochranNation.com. “Working For You.”
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Cochran Firm
Ben Irwin, Esq.
163 West Main Street
Dothan, Alabama 3301
1-800-THE-FIRM (1-800-843-3476)
http://www.cochrannation.com
Cochran Firm
Ben Irwin
800-843-3476
detroit@disabilitylawyerindetroit.com
Source: EmailWire.Com 
Source: EmailWire.com
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