Almost a fifth of the United States population is disabled in some way. It is important that everyone prepare for emergency situations. During a house fire, your Michigan home insurance may cover the damages, but it is more important to get out with your life. Drawing on information from a Homeland Security publication, here are some tips for achieving that goal focused towards helping disabled individuals.

Preparation is essential, particularly for people with limited mobility or other handicap. Decide in advance which would be the best way to exit your home if disaster was to strike. You should have multiple exit strategies if possible, just in case one or two are blocked by flames. You should also install smoke alarms and test them on a regular basis. Individuals who cannot stop, drop, and roll should invest in a fire-proof blanket to put out flames on their person.

What should you do in a fire? Get out of your home as soon as possible. Sometimes this is not possible - especially for individuals in a wheelchair who need elevator access to get to the ground floor. While waiting for help to arrive, close every door that stands between you and the fire. Stay near the window so you can signal for firefighters and have a source of fresh air. Get as low to the floor as possible to avoid smoke inhalation.

Being caught in a house or building fire is understandably scary. With the proper preparation, you have a better chance of getting out and being able to get on with your life. Another vital part of your preparation should be your Michigan home insurance, which can help pay for the necessary repairs after flames and smoke damage to your house.

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