HANDICAP ACCESSIBILITY

     It is important to always consider how you or members of your family who are affected by a disability will be able to cope in an emergency.  Here are some recommendations that may help people with disabilities to 'get around' in the face of an emergency.

• Ensure that hallways, stairs and entrances are free of clutter.
• Remove low hanging plants.
• Installation of battery operated lighting at stairs and exit doors.
• Install adequate handrails and grab bars around the home (stairs, bathroom, etc).
• Doors that open to hallways should be hinged to open inwardly.
• Telephones equipped with memory dials can summon police, fire, family or neighbours.
• Ramps should have slopes with an incline of no less than one foot of run for every inch of rise.
• Outside surfaces (sidewalks, driveways) should be of a hard material to accommodate wheelchair mobility.
• Low pile carpets versus deep pile carpets can improve mobility and lessen obstacles and hazards.
• Loose mats may also present a hazard and should be removed.
• Households with elderly or handicapped occupants need a higher level of protection to provide additional escape time in times of fire.  If the handicapped person cannot escape without assistance, provisions should be made for someone to provide help.
• For hearing impaired occupants, some detectors can be connected to bed vibrators, flashing lights, or fans to provide tactile, visual or aural stimulation.

For more information contact Education for Quality Accessibility Canada at 613-345-2038 or visit the website at www.eqa4accessibility.org 

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