Follow These 8 Important Tips to Protect Your Building Residents from a Fire
At Evacuscape, we’re a Canadian owned and operated company that specializes in providing evacuation chairs because we’re passionate about helping the more vulnerable members of our society be safer in emergencies.
We know that disabled and bedridden individuals account for 8% of all fire-related deaths and 2% of all fire-related injuries, while people over the age of 65 account for 18% of all fire-related deaths and 7% of all fire-related injuries in Canada. Likewise, such individuals are more vulnerable in the United States, the United Kingdom, the EU, and the Middle East during a fire. Our products are popular in all these regions because they help save lives.
A fire can leave any inhabitant of a building vulnerable. By following these essential tips, you can help you protect building residents from a fire:
#1 Get Evacuation Chairs
During a fire, elevators are rendered unusable while emergency stairs can get crowed. In this situation, people with reduced mobility such as the elderly, ill, injured, physically disabled, pregnant women, visually impaired, those suffering from an intellectual deficiency or sensory issues, or anyone uncomfortable with using the stairs can be especially vulnerable because they can find it challenging to evacuate safely.
Here, our evacuation chair for stairs can prove to be a cost-effective and essential tool for people with reduced mobility (PRM) for a variety of reasons.
- They can be easily stored near emergency exits
- They are lightweight, with the ec1 model weighing only 12.5 kg or 27.5lbs and the ec2 weighing just 14.5kg or 32lbs
- Despite their lightweight, our evacuation chairs are strong enough to carry a person of up to 180 kg (400 lbs) safely down the stairs
- Created and manufactured in the UK, our chairs are incredibly sturdy
- It’s easy to learn how to use our chairs by watching the training DVD or the videos in French and English on our website
- Our chairs are technologically advanced and will allow people to safely descend the stairs thanks to the speed reducing V belt track, lap safety belt and head restraint strap, and locking rear wheel castors
- The chairs have a solid padded seat and solid backrest to make evacuees feel comfortable
- Both the ec1 and the ec2 are equipped with an emergency under seat light that can prove to be vital in the darkness of an emergency
What’s more, our chairs follow legislation, such as Section 125 of the Canada Labour Code, Part II. If you’re in Canada, you can read the Human Resources and Skills Development Canada’s guide for building managers and occupants on evacuating people who need assistance in an emergency. In the United States, please refer to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 2010 or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. You can learn more vital safety facts about people with reduced mobility (PRM) surviving fires by visiting our website.
#2 Have Working Smoke Detectors
Make sure that there are smoke detectors placed throughout the building, especially in vulnerable spots such as hallways, bedrooms, kitchens and more. Have these detectors checked regularly and encourage the building residents to do the same. These vital tools can make a big difference during a fire. Keep in mind that in many provinces, it is the legal duty of the landlord to have these devices installed.
#3 Have Working Carbon Monoxide Detectors
While many landlords and building managers install smoke detectors in their buildings, some fail to install carbon monoxide detectors. Remember, carbon monoxide is the silent killer. Because it has no smell, taste, or sound, it can tragically kill people with little warning. They may experience a loss of balance, vision or memory problems, before losing consciousness.
Carbon monoxide can be released from fires, furnaces, generators, grills and other items. For a cost-effective solution, invest in a smoke and carbon monoxide 2-in-1 detector.
#4 Install Sprinklers
Fire sprinklers can greatly improve the chances of residents surviving a fire. These devices are designed to detect heat from a fire and automatically activate. Because a fire can spread quickly, the sprinklers may not provide enough water to extinguish a fire. However, they can suppress the fire enough for residents to escape or to buy firefighters more time before things get out of control.
#5 Keep Emergency Tools Easily Accessible
To improve fire safety, have tools such as fire extinguishers, fire axes, shovels, fire blankets, sand buckets, at easily accessible and key points throughout the building. Likewise, you can easily store our evacuation chairs at key points because they’re mobile and come bundled with a wall bracket.
#6 Invest in Fire-Resistant Materials
When investing in upgrades, make sure that the new materials are fire-resistant. Fire can spread quickly and dangerously throughout a building if all the materials are flammable.
#7 Train Residents in Fire Safety
Hold a mandatory fire safety seminar in the building for the residents. With the right training, not only can they improve their chances of survival during a fire, but they can avoid habits that can put others at risk. They should be trained to remain calm, stay low, avoid wasting time, leave the building safely and quickly, and alert others.
They should also have emergency kits that have first aid items, bottled water, food, medicine, flashlight, batteries, and other essential items to survive the aftermath of a fire.
#8 Consult with Professionals
Check with the local fire department to make sure that your building is following all safety protocols. They may be happy to send someone to perform an inspection. Consult with them when developing an emergency plan.
Also, make sure that there’s a zero-tolerance policy for residents and visitors parking in areas designated for emergency vehicles. Even a few minutes can prove crucial because these areas are usually located next to a fire hydrant.
By following these eight important tips, you can help protect your building from a fire. Don’t forget to check out our latest evacuation chair models to help meet your obligations to the residents of your building.
If you’re interested in purchasing evacuation chairs, then you can easily get in touch with Evacuscape by connecting with us through our website. You can email, phone, or fax our North American, UK, European, or Middle Eastern offices for more information or to place an order.
