THUNDER BAY – Many people have never experienced an emergency in their lives however it is comforting to know that the emergency exits do exist. If one is unable to use the exit provided it can be distressful.
Imagine you were in a fire and the smoke is quickly filling the room.
You reach the emergency exit only to find that you cannot exit the building because you are in a wheelchair and there is a sharp drop.
The people behind you are starting to panic because they are also trying to get out of the building.
No ramps at emergency exits can create this problem.
Not only do persons using wheelchairs or scooters need this consideration but a person using a cane or crutches may have difficulty as well. They may need extra time to get out of the building in an emergency situation. The situation is further complicated by the lack of a proper ramp, or inadequate sign age.
This includes flashing emergency signals for individuals who have hearing impairments. Failure to provide a ramp, proper sign age and features for persons with hearing impairments may cause a panic in an emergency.
If you have concern regarding the emergency exits in your establishment contact Persons United for Self Help in Northwestern Ontario for more information at (807)345-3400.
PUSH NORTHWEST
1202 Jasper Drive
Thunder Bay, Ontario
P7B 6R2
