Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Heartland Gains Grant to Buy Smoke Alarms

Roughly two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from properties without working smoke alarms, according to the National Fire Protection Association. In an effort to prevent that from happening to individuals with disabilities served by Heartland Independent Living Center, the Owensville Area Community Foundation awarded Heartland a $500 grant to be used for the purchase smoke alarms.  Heartland’s primary objective is to help individuals with disabilities live an independent life.

According to FEMA’s (Federal Emergency Management Agency) National Fire Incident Reporting System’s most recent report, during a three year span, 2007 to 2009, an estimated 700 residential building fires involving individuals with disabilities were reported. These fires caused an estimated 160 deaths, 200 injuries and $26 million dollars in property damage.

“With people with disabilities and advanced age it takes them longer to get out (of their home),” Independent Living Specialist Karman Warner said. “They need an earlier warning. Smoke alarms will go off probably two to three minutes before its necessary. Two to three minutes doesn’t seem like much but it could be the difference between life and death.”

Heartland Independent Living Specialists work to design emergency plans based on the individuals living environment and particular needs. This includes providing a File of Life with the necessary medical information needed a life-saving situation, Guardian Alert 911 communication devices and smoke alarms to qualifying individuals.

“Heartland Independent Living Center is very grateful to the Owensville Area Community Foundation for their support,” Executive Director Pat Chambers said. “The smoke alarms purchased with these grant funds will support the health and safety of a number of folks in our community.”