What started as a plan for fire awareness has become a series of plans that prepare the family for nearly any eventuality. We all know that the second week in October is Fire Awareness and Prevention Week. And that October to December is the biggest time of year for home fire awareness and, oddly, the most home fires. Taking this opportunity, and the ever-present holiday warnings through Christmas, this makes the ideal timing for this article. Here we are talking about fires and fire storms, flash floods, rising waters, hurricanes, earthquakes, and storms ranging from severe t-storms to tornadoes. Here we will be talking about how to Survive On Site and how to evacuate.

Imagine living in a town that has been subject to unusual flooding for a few weeks. You turn on your local news right in the middle of a broadcast about a potential dam-break. You suddenly become very interested, leave your news on to hear the whole story. The mayor and the governor are telling you that the dam is in fair condition and that the water level is receding.

You're about to turn your attention to other things when you hear "voluntary evacuation". "2000 people have been evacuated from their homes." Now, you're wondering, "What's going, on?" To answer your question, you suddenly hear snippets of interviews. An engineer tells you that the reason the water is receding is that the water of your dam is flowing under and through the dam. Beams and planking have already washed downstream, and the bulk of the stress is on yet another wooden dam. To make matters worse, right before sign-off you hear the governor, in a very worried voice, says, "If this dam goes, our city will have big trouble." Now, what? Conflicting information.

Compromising the truth to avoid panic kills.

A voluntary evacuation means get out. If you have autistic or Asperger's children you can't afford to wait until the police are knocking on your door.

There are near escapes and almost horror stories all the time. It always happens to someone else, doesn't it? Ask someone from New Orleans, South-east Texas or Florida if it happens to someone else. To them, you are someone else.

There is an escape plan for any eventuality that you can escape from. Are there plans for things you can't evacuate from? Sure. That's what we call Survive On Site. The major consideration is to always remember that the one plan suggested can be used for any emergency. We'll do the individual plans in later chapters.

Before I get started on the emergency plan, there are a few things worth going over. Be prepared for evacuations of your house, your block or your town. Be aware that things we take for granted will be in very short supply. Transportation will be at a premium. If there is a suggested evacuation a day-or-so ahead of time, get out. You don't want to wait until the evac becomes mandatory only to find roads blocked for miles, no gas and no lodging.

There are several things that you absolutely must know.

Be prepared. Put together an escape bag for every member of the family. Put them in conspicuous places, and in vivid color. They will not be easy to find in a fire or flood.

Know your abilities. Can you get out alone?

Plan your escape. Make sure children can escape a house by themselves.
Install and maintain smoke alarms. Have a weather radio nearby, or a radio tuned to news and weather stations.

Don't isolate yourself. Do people know where you are? Visit the local Fire Department. Tell them if there are children in the house. They have signs that tell rescuers how to find the people who need to be found. They will also put your information in a database. Do the same for anyone who has limited mobility. If the disaster is not localized you may have to depend on your caregiver or neighbors to help you.

Special populations such as older adults, people with disabilities, can significantly increase their chances of surviving a fire by practicing proven fire safety precautions. USFA encourages individuals with special needs to read and use the fire safety tips to help protect themselves and their home from fire.

More than 4,000 Americans die each year in fires and approximately 25,000 are injured. The risk of death or injury from fire is even greater for people with physical, mental or sensory disabilities. The good news is deaths resulting from failed emergency escapes are preventable through preparation.

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) want people with disabilities, their caregivers and all Americans to know that there are special precautions you can take to protect yourself and your home from fire.

UNDERSTANDING THE RISK

Why are People with Disabilities at Risk?
People with disabilities should be more cautious because of physical limitations and a decreased ability to react in an emergency.

People with disabilities are typically fiercely independent and do not wish to alter their lives from those of the general public. However, this can lead them to ignore their special fire safety needs. In some cases people with disabilities may need the help of a caregiver to practice proper fire safety precautions.

INSTALL AND MAINTAIN SMOKE ALARMS

People with disabilities should be aware of the special fire warning devices that are available.

Smoke alarms with a vibrating pad or flashing light are available for the deaf and hard of hearing. Additionally, smoke alarms with a strobe light outside the house 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 one smoke alarm on each level of your home.

Make sure your smoke alarms are tested monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.

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 multi-story 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 two exits from every room.
If you use a walker or wheelchair, check all exits to be sure you get through the doorways.

Make any necessary accommodations, such as providing exit ramps and widening doorways, to facilitate an emergency escape.

DON'T ISOLATE YOURSELF

People with disabilities have often been excluded from the development and practicing of escape plans and fire safety drills. As a result, their vital input is omitted and their fire safety needs remain unfulfilled. Speak up to ensure that all parties receive the fire safety information that everyone deserves.

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 non-emergency line and explain your special needs. They will probably suggest escape plan ideas, and may perform a home fire safety inspection and offer suggestions about smoke alarm placement and maintenance.

Ask emergency providers to keep your special 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.

KNOW YOUR ABILITIES

Remember, fire safety is your personal responsibility ...Fire Stops With You!

~The Plan Man

David Johnson is the Sectional Editor for Red Alert, a division of APOV on Autism. To contact Mr. Johnson you can email him at PlanManWithAPOV

Comments and suggestions can be sent to the editing department at Editor