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In the unfortunate event that a fire erupts in your apartment building, the first step residents must take is to rush towards the exit. This can seem like a simple task for many, but if you or someone you live with has limited mobility and can’t navigate the stairs on your own, this can be life-threatening. In this critical moment, a readily available evacuation chair could be the difference between life and death.
According to The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fire-related incidents can be fatal. Unfortunately, one home fire-related death occurs every 3 hours and 14 minutes.
Evacuation chairs, also known as escape chairs, are lifesavers for residents who cannot descend stairs independently during an emergency. These specially designed chairs attach securely to stair rails, allowing a designated helper to transport individuals down the steps safely. Here’s why every apartment building, regardless of size or resident demographic, should prioritize equipping each floor with evacuation chairs.
Ensuring Inclusive Safety
Apartment buildings are melting pots of people from various backgrounds and abilities. This includes residents with permanent disabilities, those recovering from injuries that temporarily limit mobility, and seniors who may experience age-related challenges using stairs. Evacuation chairs bridge this gap by providing a safe escape route for everyone in the building. In an emergency where elevators are out of commission, these chairs become the lifeline for residents who couldn’t evacuate otherwise.
Faster Evacuation, Reduced Risk
Every second counts during a fire or any other emergency that necessitates a rapid evacuation. Reliable evacuation chairs eliminate the need to wait for firefighters to assist those who can’t use the stairs independently. This significantly reduces evacuation times, minimizing the risk of residents getting trapped in smoke-filled hallways or stairwells. Faster evacuations lead to fewer injuries and potentially save lives.
Peace of Mind for All
Knowing everyone in the building has a safe way to evacuate during an emergency fosters a sense of security and peace of mind for residents and property managers. Residents can feel confident knowing they have a reliable escape plan, regardless of their mobility limitations. On the other hand, property managers fulfill their responsibility to ensure resident safety by providing this crucial emergency preparedness measure.
User-Friendly and Cost-Effective
Evacuation chairs are designed with user-friendliness in mind. With proper training, a designated helper, such as a building security staff member or a physically capable resident volunteer, can safely transport individuals down the stairs. The chairs are relatively simple mechanisms that require minimal maintenance, making them a cost-effective investment in overall building safety.
Compliance with Regulations
In some areas, building codes or fire safety regulations may mandate that apartment buildings have several evacuation chairs available on each floor. Even if your building isn’t currently required to have them, it’s a wise investment for resident safety. Evacuation chairs demonstrate a commitment to exceeding safety standards and prioritizing the well-being of everyone who calls the building home.
Adaptable Design Solutions
Evacuation chairs are not a one-size-fits-all solution. They come in various models to accommodate the specific configurations of different stairways. This ensures that regardless of the building’s design, there’s an evacuation chair solution that will work effectively. Whether the stairwell has a straight run or features landings and turns, a chair model can navigate these variations safely and efficiently.
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