Introduction
People are born with disabilities,
have accidental injuries, or become ill and develop disabilities,
everyone grows old and loses some abilities. Almost everyone at some
time in his or her life has a disability of some type. Often we are
unaware of who around us has a disability. Many think that all disabled
use wheelchairs, hearing aids, canes, or assistance animals. Many
disabilities such as loss of hearing, arthritis, and heart conditions
are invisible. Because of these variables it is impossible to develop
one set of fire safety procedures for people with disabilities. For
that reason individual emergency planning is essential.
Plan Now for Emergencies
- Will you be able to see, hear
or activate the fire alarm?
- Will you be able to evacuate
without assistance?
- Will you be able to communicate
with emergency responders?
- Will other special assistance
be required?
- Do the UMASS Police & EH&S have
your work or student room number?
These are just a few of the points
that must be considered when you are developing an emergency action
plan.
On-campus Assistance
There are a number of agencies on campus
that are available to assist you in developing your own emergency
action plan:
- Disability Services
- 231 Whitmore
- 545-0892
- Environmental Health and Safety
- 117 Draper Hall
- 545-2682
- Housing Services
- Berkshire House
- 545-1960
What to do in Case of Fire
- Activate the building fire alarm.
- Close the door to the fire area.
(This limits fire spread and gives you more time to escape).
- Put your emergency plan into
action.
- Evacuate - Mobility limited persons
should not evacuate unless they are in the immediate area of the
fire, but instead should seek shelter in a protected room. This
room should preferably have a window and telephone.
- Never use an elevator during
a fire emergency. You may be TRAPPED.
Remember: - For any emergency
plan to be effective it must be kept up to date and practiced regularly.
Fire Safety Tips
- Plan and Practice your emergency
plan.
- Use electricity safely.
- Smoke only in designated areas,
and use care.
- If your clothes catch fire...
STOP - DROP AND ROLL. If you have a physical limitation, someone
else may need to smother you with a blanket or coat.
- Cool a burn - The best first
aid for burns is cool water. Keep applying water until the pain
stops. Seek medical attention.
- Keep Fire Doors Closed - Closed
doors limit smoke spread and give you more time to escape.
Fire Safety Information and Training
The Division of Environmental Health & Safety conducts training programs and workshops on fire safety.
These programs can include hands on use of fire extinguishers. For
more information or to schedule one of these programs call the Fire
Prevention staff.
This brochure was produced by
the Fire Prevention Staff of Environmental Health & Safety, 545-2682.
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