We all know the importance of having both fire Alarms and Carbon monoxide detector alarms fitted (those should always be with an audible alarm as well) but just how are those of us who use wheelchairs or who have mobility problems or are disabled in some way going to cope?
Most fire alarms are fitted in the ceiling and it is possible to use a stick of some sort to test them but it is slightly more difficult with Carbon monoxide Alarms as they need to be fitted on to a wall fairly high up but not to close to the appliance that they are monitoring such as your gas hob or gas fire but as well as that it is really best to be able to be safest by having a CO alarm in every room that has an item that can give off fumes, remember CO gas is known as “The Silent Killer” as you cannot see it, taste it or smell it but it can quickly kill you!
Be sensible and have all of your fossil burning appliances serviced and checked fully at least once a year by a properly qualified person, not just a friend who says “Yes that’s working okay” that could cause you so many problems or even lead to your death.
I am concerned though as to how those of use in wheelchairs or with disabilities do get up to check out CO alarms whilst it is sensible and safer to have them installed it is also very sensible to have them checked on a reasonably regular basis, perhaps there are alarms available with hand set control units that can be used to control and test them with if there isn’t then it is high time a manufacturer made one available.
Be safe in your wheelchair not just outside but also in your own home and make sure that your CO alarm and Fire alarm are working on a regular basis, if you can’t do it then get a friend or neighbour or perhaps even one of your careers to do it for you!
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