Volume 17, No. 1, Winter 2009	Previous Issues Subscribe to AT Messenger Download PDF Viewer
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Staying Safe at Home and Work

Dan Fendler
AT Specialist
DATI Sussex County ATRC

Many of us have a desire or need to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. We are especially concerned with staying safe in our homes and workplaces. Thankfully, there are a number of options available in the general marketplace that can help you in this endeavor. But, what options does a person with a disability have if they can’t use standard equipment? Let’s explore some of the options available that may help you or someone you care for feel a little more secure. But, before we begin, it is imperative to remind you that a little foresight, planning, and prevention will go a long way toward keeping you safe.

In preparing this article, I found the Family Center on Technology and Disability August 2008 newsletter, featuring a fairly comprehensive article on emergency preparedness, to be a great starting point. You can access it at www.fctd.info, click on resources, newsletters, and scroll down to the August 2008 issue, or you may contact your local ATRC and ask us to send you a copy.

Fire safety equipment

Most homes have some basic safety equipment available or installed—fire extinguishers and smoke detectors. But what if you have problems operating a fire extinguisher? What if you are hearing impaired and unable to hear standard smoke alarms? While there isn’t a wide variety of adapted safety equipment available, there are a few options that can increase the safety of people with disabilities.

The first product I found is a fire extinguisher that’s available as an aerosol spray. Traditional fire extinguishers are bulky and require multiple steps for proper use—some involve the use of pins and levers—that might be difficult for some people. First Alert has a relatively new aerosol spray called Tundra™ that’s as easy to use as a can of spray paint. Remove the cap, aim the nozzle at the fire, and press the button. This type of fire extinguisher might be easier for someone with limited strength and mobility to operate, as well as for people with cognitive disabilities.

Another product to consider as part of your safety arsenal is a fire blanket. They are simple, lightweight, and can be used to smother fires or as a protective wrap. A fire blanket may be easier for some people to handle during the stress of an emergency. They are available in various sizes and from numerous companies. Simpler Life Emergency Provisions (www.simplerlife.com, search fire blankets, or call 800-226-7737) is one such company.

Alarms

There are a number of safety alarms available for detecting smoke and carbon monoxide—two of the more common hazards a person may encounter—and there are a few new innovations available that may help individuals with certain disabilities. Let’s take a look at a relatively new system made by First Alert. They have developed a wireless protection system that detects smoke and carbon dioxide. If you opt to install multiple alarms, the alarms are able to “talk” to each other and can provide information regarding where the potential danger is detected. For example, if you have one alarm installed in your bedroom and another in your basement and the basement alarm detects smoke, it will signal the bedroom alarm that smoke was detected in the basement using the “voice warning with location” feature. This type of alarm could be useful for those with visual impairments or those with limited mobility. Knowing the precise location of and cause for the alarm can help in the decision of how to handle the situation without potentially going into harm’s way. You could install an alarm in every room of your home if you feel the need. Because these alarms are wireless, there is no need for costly rewiring of your home. They also sell a version that can be used with wired systems and provide the same “voice warning with location” feature as the wireless systems. You can find more information about this system and the Tundra™ extinguisher at www.firstalert.com or by calling 630-851-7330.

If you have a hearing impairment and live in Delaware, the State Fire Marshall has a program that can provide you with a smoke detector. The device features extra loud horns and built-in strobe lights, and they will install a unit in your home free of charge if you qualify. I also learned that they have vibrating alarms available for individuals who are deaf and blind. Please contact their office for more information about the program. Sussex residents should call 302-856-5600, Kent residents 302-739-4447, and New Castle residents 302-323-5375.

Evacuation devices

Whether at work or at home, people who use a wheelchair face significant issues related to emergency planning. If you’re a wheelchair user and live or work above the first floor, your emergency plans should take into consideration the possible absence of an elevator or lift. There are several devices that can assist in such an evacuation. One option is the Evacu-trac emergency evacuation chair by Garaventa. This chair is designed for use by one person to transport a wheelchair user down stairs without additional help.Information about the chair is available on their website (www.garaventa.ca/et/) or by calling 866-824-8314.

Another option is the Rescue Chair, also designed to be used by one person. More information about the Rescue Chair can be found online at www.rescuechair.com or by calling 800-649-4265.

As always, if you have any questions or need additional information, please give your local ATRC a call. We’d be glad to help.

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