Leave No One Behind

Emergency response plans and policies need to include disabled as well. Recent situation with students left in a stairwell in Carroll County, Maryland evacuation of high school due to fire, points out need to reaccess many emergency plans.

Washington DC (PRWEB) January 14, 2005 -- On January 5, 2005, WBAL-TV reported that when a Carroll County, Maryland high school caught fire, all the students were evacuated, except for two who were in wheelchairs. School policy required students with disabilities be moved to a location thought to be safe. In this case, it was a stairwell on the second floor. This procedure of using areas of refuge" or areas of rescue," as recommended by some emergency preparedness organizations, doesnt take into consideration the perils of smoke inhalation, a major cause of death by fire" in addition to other dangerous conditions such as blocked exits or even explosions.

Since 9/11, the not-for-profit Disabilities Preparedness Center (DPC) in Washington DC, along with other emergency planners, having received past reports of open stairwells vulnerable to smoke and fire - and even locked rooms - has emphasized the importance of better alternatives to these policies. Evacuation devices have been developed for moving people with disabilities down stairs and out of buildings, more quickly and easily in the past. DPC works with state and local governments, private organizations and business to ensure emergency preparedness efforts leave no one behind in an emergency. And all emergency response plans and policies need to include not only people in wheelchairs, but also those who are deaf, blind, have difficulty understanding or even remaining calm when facing sudden crises.

Carl T. Cameron, Ph.D. is president of the Disability Preparedness Center in Washington DC, a not-for-profit organization focused on helping ensure that all individuals are included in the development of and inclusion in plans for protection from both natural and man-made emergencies.

In almost all cases, emergency planning, including evacuations and sheltering during natural disasters, attacks of terrorism, industrial and highway accidents has not taken into consideration the communication, transportation and medical needs of persons with disabilities, and other special populations.

Dr. Cameron is available for interview should you wish to consider him as a source Arrangements can be made by contacting Gary James at 202.338.7158 x213.

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