How Handicapped People Exit a Burning Building

When a fire breaks out in a building, those who are able-bodied must help those who are disabled find their way to safety. The extent of the aid needed will depend on the disability and the location of the disabled person in the building.

Visual or Hearing Impaired

• If someone is visually impaired, he or she will need to be calmly lead from the building with the rest of the crowd. Someone who is hearing impaired will need to be made aware of the fire alarm by sign-language or written note, but will be able to leave the building independently.

Wheelchair Bound

• When a person is wheelchair bound, he or she will be able to leave the building independently if positioned on the ground floor during a fire. If this person is on the second floor or above, he or she will need be carried down the stairs without the wheelchair. Some buildings provide Evac chairs, but one is not necessary if it is not available.

Refuges

• Some buildings have refuges for the disabled during a fire. These are specially designed areas, behind fire resistant construction which possess a separate escape route. They are to be considered very temporary shelter for those who are disabled until appropriate help is available.

Evacuation Lift

• Evacuation lifts are elevators that have an independent power supply and are clearly marked as a safe means of evacuation. Those with disabilities should be given priority for use of these elevators. Elevators that do not state they are evacuation lifts must be avoided.