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What are wheelchair-bound people to do when a building alarm disables elevators? (lemmy.sdf.org)

submitted 3 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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We had a false alarm go off in the building where I work last week. The elevators automatically shut down forcing the use of the fire escapes. The building is 22 floors. I was lucky in that I’d just taken the elevator to the first floor to step outside on a break. When they finally let us back in, I wondered what someone with mobility issues is expected to do had the building been on fire. Just die? Have a kind soul carry them? With most people wfh at least a couple of days per week, this seems really dangerous for anyone who might get stranded.

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[–] [email protected] 80 points 3 months ago (11 children)

We die.

When I was in engineering school, I was lucky enough to have a based professor. He would start lessons by describing a tragedy. A paraplegic burns to death in a stairwell, another cracks their skull after being pushed down the stairs. He would then show us solutions to these issues from long before the tragedy. Slides to carry you down, bags you sit in and use the rails as a slide. Fire safe rooms that you could shelter in and can be accessed from the outside.

This also does not simply affect us disabled fucks. Say there is an earthquake, and you shatter a leg, or worse, your hip. You are now in the same stairwell as the rest of us.

Also, god help you if you're overweight. When my legs stopped working, I gained 200lbs. I knew then and know now that if I am in a burning building, I will be the last one out, if I get out.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago (2 children)

My university had those bags. I found them... Optimistic

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Im just glad they acknowledged us. Like, even the degrading alleyway wheelchair ramps are better than a staircase with no handrail, but at least they put in the literal minimum effort. Same goes with cloth masks.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

Honestly I agree. And I don't consider them degrading if the purpose is to save your life. I find it humbling (maybe nowthe right word) that the plan is to have multiple people work together just to make sure you don't get left behind. But in an emergency you do need multiple people's help which is why I find them so optimistic.

I'm also happy I don't have to use them or practice with them. It doesn't seem very comfortable and honestly a bit scary.

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