The United Spinal Association UnitedSpinal.org offers a free booklet, “Fire Safety for Wheelchair Users at Work and at Home” addressing fire prevention and planning for all people with mobility impairment in recognition of Disability Awareness Month and the FDNY Fire Prevention Week.
Paul Tobin, President of The United Spinal Association said, “The U.S. Census Bureau estimates there are more than 21.2 million people who have mobility impairments, and by understanding their special evacuation needs, safety can be improved in the workplace and home.”
Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta of the FDNY commented, “We are grateful to the United Spinal Association for helping us educate New York City’s wheelchair users about how to stay fire safe. This is a vital message that is of tremendous importance to the Department during Fire Prevention Week and throughout the year.”
Written also for fire safety and building code officials, emergency plan coordinators, building owners and managers, the booklet can be downloaded for free from the publications section of UnitedSpinal.org and is available in Spanish and English.“Fire Safety for Wheelchair Users at Work and at Home” includes information on new building codes, protocols and procedures, what to do before a fire occurs, and what to do in case of fire, emphasizing the most important fire-planning rule, which is, “Exit your home as quickly as possible.”
