Fire Safety Outreach Materials for People with Disabilities
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) reviews and collects resources that can be used in public outreach activities to help keep people with disabilities safe from home fires. Our free materials are yours to use when educating these community members about the importance of practicing home fire safety.
Outreach materials from the U.S. Fire Administration
Statistics to share
Each year:
There are approximately 700 home fires involving people with physical disabilities.
There are approximately 1,700 home fires involving people with mental disabilities.
Kitchens and cooking areas are the primary areas where these fires start.
Fire safety messages to share
Millions of people live with physical and mental disabilities. It is important for them to know how to stay safe from fire.
Understand your fire risk
Having physical or mental disabilities doesn’t mean you can’t keep you 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 1 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 2 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.
Outreach materials from other organizations
USFA recommends the following organizations as trusted and reliable sources for free outreach materials you can use to help increase awareness about fire safety for people with disabilities in your community.
Michael H. Minger Foundation. Downloadable resources to increase awareness about campus fire safety for students with disabilities, including posters, handouts, videos, lesson plans and guides for fire safety educators and resident advisors.
The Michael H. Minger Foundation works to raise the awareness and standards of campus fire safety for all students and also address fire safety issues specific to students with disabilities.
National Fire Protection Association. Free educational materials, including an emergency evacuation planning guide, public service announcement and fire safety brochure for people with disabilities. The National Fire Protection Association helps to reduce fire loss through consensus codes and standards, research, training and education.
More fire safety resources for people with disabilities
NFPA Educational Messages Desk Reference – These messages provide fire and life safety educators with accurate and consistent language for use when offering safety information to the public.
