Recently disabled and now unable to use fire escape

ab1982

Make sure you listen to the advice on the internet its notoriously accurate.

Or... get your bro to call the fire brigade, explain the situation and they will visit. They put a lot of effort into prevention. They actually know whats what as opposed to a random stranger on an internet forum, they came to our house, checked appliances, fitted smoke alarms and discussed exit plans.. All for one tea bag and a phone call.

GlasweJen

When I ended up wheelchair bound living in a 5th floor flat for over 2 years the fire service came out, they explained why I can't use the lift in event of a fire (it acts like a chimney and I'd be dead of smoke inhalation) and arranged for me to park in the most safe place in the building which was on the landing with all of the fire doors closed or on the balcony depending on where the fire was. They added me to a register of people who need extra assistance and also got onto the council and told them that the situation was untenable and to get their finger out.

The visit was free and they checked the fire alarms while they were out.

Cyclamen

I have mobility problems and take some heavy duty meds that make me a bit 'space cadet' in thought at night time .. when i moved i phoned local fire station (non emergency number) for advice on where to put smoke alarms. i had moved into a bungalow and the advice at the time was in stair ways and not the kitchen so i was stumped.

They offered to come and show me where and fit one for me. So a couple of firemen turned up a week later fitted a smoke alarm (didn't charge me) and asked me about how i'd get out in an emergency. At the time my walking was pretty shocking and I said i'd probably crawl.

They told me to stay in bed room, towel under door and they'd write something on the computer so that if they ever get a call to my home they know to look for me in bedroom. I was asked to keep a front door key in bedroom so they could get in quicker than breaking door down (although they would if urgent) and told me they'd ask one of the team to climb in and sit with me until it was safe to take me out the door..or they'd find a way to get me out the window and the dog I had at the time too if it didn't endanger human life.

So what I am trying to say is the fire department have the answers. If you give the local station a call someone there will be able to help you out.

They will know the rules for housing and be able to help with an 'emergency plan'

Starrystarrynight1

Have you thought of contacting your brother's local council's adult social services dept, to see if it's possible for one of their occupational therapists to visit. I'm not sure if they can assess private properties but, if they can, they might be able to offer some recommendations.

Savvy_Sue

Starrystarrynight1 wrote: »

Have you thought of contacting your brother's local council's adult social services dept, to see if it's possible for one of their occupational therapists to visit. I'm not sure if they can assess private properties but, if they can, they might be able to offer some recommendations.

I'm pretty sure they can visit any property, private rented, social landlord or privately owned. They visited Mum a few times.