Become Safety Savvy
(Lighthouse International - Sharing Solutions, Winter 2002)

We all recognize the importance of practicing emergency procedures, but advanced preparation becomes even more critical when someone has impaired vision. It is much easier to carry on with your daily life if you know you've done everything you can to prepare for an emergency. The following are tips to enhance your safety in a variety of situations:

KNOW THE BASICS:
- Be prepared. Planning ahead for an emergency or disaster is one of the most beneficial steps you can take. Readiness can make the difference between life and death if you must evacuate quickly.

- If you have a medical condition, wear i.d. such as a MedicAlert bracelet which will allow emergency workers or doctors to access your personal indentification, medical information and emergency contacts.

- Designate a friend or relative as your emergency contact person to call and inform of your whereabouts and condition.

- Determine a meeting location with your emergency contact, such as a store or a neighbor's house, where you can attempt to meet in the event of an evacuation.

WHEN YOU'RE OUT AND ABOUT:
- Learn the locations of exits and stairwells. Also try to find all fire call boxes or pull-down levers.
- If you have some remaining vision, you may not be able to rely on it in an emergency (due to smoke or lost electricity). Be ready to travel with non-visual techniques, such as using a sighted guide or paying close attention to the sounds around you in order to exit/evacuate an area.

- Familiar landmarks and reference points along your routine travel path might disappear due to damage, crowds, or changing routes. Prepare to pick up new cues to maintain an awareness of where you are. Ask only necessary questions and trust your guide until you reach a safe place. At that point, you can ask more detailed questions to become reoriented.

- During an emergency, elevators/escalators may shut down, leaving stairways as your only exit. If you are unable to use stairs, pre-plan your evacuation with your building's fire warden or disaster team.

- When appropriate, let people know that you have a vision impairment and may need assistance

WHEN YOU'RE AT HOME:
- Be sure that a trusted neighbor, relative, or your superintendent has the ability to enter your home if necessary.

- Identify multiple emergency routes. Plan and practice these routes from various rooms. Be mindful to keep exit paths clear and open at all times. You may also want to add tactile clues on stairs or railings to help you stay oriented.

- Plan for an electrical failure. Always have available flashlights with working batteries. You may also want to have reflective tape to indicate exits or add battery powered touch lights to imporant areas like staircases.

- Keep fire extinguishers near your bedroom and kitchen and know how to operate them.

- Always leave travel aid (glasses, cane, dog, harness) in a specific place for quick and easy access. Remember to return them to their proper place after each use.

- Check periodically to make sure fire escapes and alarm systems are in working condition and know how to use them.

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