Fire safety is crucial in any home, but it becomes even more critical in homes designed for accessibility.
Individuals with reduced mobility, impaired vision and limited hearing capabilities face unique challenges during emergencies. From not hearing fire alarms to having difficulty getting out of the property, proactive design and effective emergency planning are important. Not just to limit harm, but to save lives.
In this blog, we explore fire safety in accessible home design.
Understanding Fire Safety Challenges in Accessible Homes
There are many obstacles faced by people with disabilities during a fire which make it difficult for them to evacuate the property safely. Let’s take a look at the most common issues.
Navigation Difficulties
People with limited mobility may find using stairways and tight hallways difficult to manage, especially when under emotional stress. This obstacle prevents affected individuals from getting out of the house quickly in an emergency.
Delayed Responses
Sensory impairments, such as reduced hearing and vision, may prevent some people from responding to traditional fire alarms quickly – or at all. This can leave vulnerable individuals unaware of the danger, putting their lives at serious risk.
Limited Access
Inaccessible escape routes are a huge problem for people with limited mobility. Especially for walking aid and wheelchair users, escape routes must be wide and free from debris so that a speedy exit can be made.
Next, we look at the five components of fire safety in accessible home design, starting with evacuation pathways.
Designing Accessible Escape Routes
Creating clear, direct evacuation pathways is key in ensuring individuals with disabilities can get out safely during a fire. Safety in accessible home design starts here!
- Install ramps or lifts for exits without steps. Using a ramp or lift is safer, faster and easier to manage under stress for many individuals with disabilities.
- Widen doorways and get rid of clutter. Ensure all doorways and hallways are wide enough for wheelchair users to pass through seamlessly. Escape routes must also be unobstructed to enable individuals to move quickly.
- Use non-slip flooring to prevent falls during an emergency. Panic can lead to accidents. Installing non-slip flooring along escape routes reduces the likelihood of slips and falls, even if the floor becomes wet.
Fire-Resistant Materials And Features
Fire-resistant materials can help to slow the spread of fire and protect those living inside.
Fire-rated doors, windows and walls can be installed to create robust barriers that prevent flames from running riot through a home. Choosing fire-safe insulation and fire-retardent furnishings is another key tactic in stopping a fire from spreading fast.
Automatic fire doors are an excellent safety feature that benefits any home. These doors close automatically when fire is detected and are impenetrable by flame. The strong seal they form contains both the fire and smoke, giving individuals more time to evacuate the home quickly and safely.
Installing Adaptive Fire Safety Equipment
Incorporating adaptive fire safety equipment drastically improves fire safety in accessible home design. There are three main categories of effective equipment:
Alarms
For people with hearing impairments, standard fire alarms don’t work effectively. Visual alarms with flashing lights can be installed as a better way of alerting individuals of an emergency.
Vibrating alert devices that can be placed under pillows or mattresses are another accessible adaptation, ensuring that individuals can be made aware of a fire even at nighttime.
Sprinkler Systems
Sprinkler systems are another key feature of fire safety in accessible home design. Water raining down can suppress fires quickly, slowing the spread of flames and smoke and providing valuable time for evacuation.
Emergency Lighting
In some cases, the home’s power systems may fail during an emergency, leaving individuals disorientated. Installing low-level lighting along escape routes helps to guide people to exits during power outages.
Proactively incorporating these three things can provide effective means of safety during an emergency.
Next, we look at how preparing individuals, families and carers for what to expect and how to stay safe can enhance fire safety in accessible home design and save lives.
Creating A Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP)
A Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan, or PEEP, is crucial for people with limited mobility and their carers and families. It ensures individuals can evacuate their homes safely and as quickly as possible during a fire or other emergency.
A PEEP should be customised to meet the needs of the individual, taking into account any mobility, hearing and vision impairments as well as health-related issues that could affect their ability to evacuate the building.
Here are our top tips for creating an effective PEEP…
Identify Exits
Ensure all exits are well-lit, clearly marked and free from obstacles that could make getting out of the property more difficult. Escape routes should be at least 32 inches wide to allow wheelchair users to easily navigate the space, with ramps or lifts in place where appropriate.
Assign Roles
Discuss and decide upon specific roles for family members or caregivers during an emergency. A family member could be assigned to guide an individual with vision impairments, for example. This ensures everyone is supported and accounted for if there is a fire.
Practice Drills
Practising evacuation drills prepares all residents of the home, as well as visiting carers, for what to do should an emergency arise. As well as cementing roles and responsibilities, regular practice helps to reduce panic levels and prepares all involved for a quick and safe evacuation in the case of a real fire.
Partnering with Experts for Accessible Fire Safety
Fire safety in accessible home design can feel complicated. Working with fire safety and accessibility specialists can reduce the overwhelm and ensure fire safety features are integrated seamlessly into your property.
The John Ford Group are experts in improving fire safety in accessible home design. From installing fire-rated doors and visual fire alarms to widening doorways and recommending home lift models, we ensure that adaptations meet the needs of an individual’s unique challenges and guarantee a home that is safe for everyone.
Delivering Fire Safety In Accessible Home Design
People with disabilities can experience challenges in the event of a fire, and it’s vital that steps are taken to ensure their safety in their homes. Integrating fire safety into accessible home design provides essential safety and peace of mind for all. Contact the John Ford Group today for expert advice, professional workmanship and a friendly ear.