Last Update :
September 4 2008
| Fire Safety for People with Disabilities | | |  A fire safety training kit for use in public education sessions geared towards people with disabilities and seniors has been developed and is now available for distribution. Fire and life safety issues are one of those topics many people with disabilities do not take seriously... until they have been directly affected by a fire. This kit focuses on the needs, abilities and limitations of people with disabilities in emergency situations. The kit contains an information package on various disabilities in order to provide public educators with the background information they require. The statistical information highlights the correlation between disability, age and fire related incidents. Case studies based on actual situations demonstrate the benefits of having fire and life safety information before a fire incident. Strategies for staying safe in fire and emergency situations are presented to help people stay safe, regardless of their disability. A small guide provides an introduction into the realm of technical aids available for use by people with disabilities in emergency situations. The Fire Safety for People With Disabilities Kit includes seven sections entitled:
1. Case Studies of People with Activity Limitations – Fire prevention and Emergency Preparedness 2. Background Information about Fire Safety for People with Disabilities 3. Technical and Mobility Aids and Devices for People with Disabilities 4. Fire Safety Strategies for People with Disabilities 5. Sign Language for Emergencies – Communicating with people who are deaf 6. Statistics Fact Sheet – Disabilities and fire 7. Organizing an Accessible Public Education Session - Checklist The kit has been successfully used in educating people with physical disabilities, people who are blind/visually impaired, deaf/hard of hearing or have cognitive disabilities. Organizations that would benefit from using this kit as part of their public education sessions include members of the fire service, staff and directors of group homes for people with disabilities, representatives of community service organizations, as well as building owners and managers. Statistically, people with disabilities and seniors are more likely to be injured or killed in a fire. If you work with people with disabilities, the fire service or are responsible for delivering public education sessions or for the safety of building occupants, this kit could help ensure you reach everyone in your audience. For additional information, or to order your kit today for $20 (+gst), contact: Canadian Paraplegic Association 230-1101 Prince of Wales Dr. Ottawa, ON K2C 3W7 (613) 723-1033 Email us! | | | |
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