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.