Officials Help Local Families with Fire Safety Issues

How you and your family respond in an emergency makes all the difference!

What happens if there is a fire in your home? Are you prepared for the emergency, and have you planned WHAT TO DO, and the best path to safety? Probably not; because no one thinks it could happen to them!

But we know that it can.

Now add having a child with autism, or other special needs, in the home. Does your child understand a fire emergency and would they follow an evacuation plan?

The Autism Cares Foundation is launching its Safety Awareness Initiative on March 12 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Autism Cares Foundation’s Resource Center in Southampton, PA.

For nine years, Karen Velocci, the director of technology, has provided technology education for the Autism Cares Foundation and in this safety series, she will focus on ways to integrate technology to help teach and practice procedures for special children the way that they can understand the social situation and break down the steps to model safety responses.

“Children with special needs can have challenges that can interfere with successful responses and we need to give them supportive tools to better ensure their safety, as well as the safety of those around them,” Velocci said.

“I feel that this is one of the most important classes we have presented for families,” Velocci added. “We all need to understand and plan for an emergency to ensure the safety of our entire family, and that obviously includes our special needs children. But I know that my 21-year-old son with autism would not know what to do if there was a fire and it’s my job to teach him!”

She will be joined by Jason Brown, a nine-year veteran fire fighter, fire instructor and fire inspector who will talk about first responder duties and how we can best prepare for, and respond to, a fire emergency.

“I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to speak with parents about fire safety in the home,” Brown said.

“These discussions certainly help families living with autism think about how to better assist their children with understanding and responding to a fire emergency in the home,” he added. “Education like this must continue and I’m proud to help raise awareness in the community.”

Every parent needs to be part of this discussion.

The next safety event in coloration with the local fire station is planned for May, and will be an inspiring meet and greet with first responders to bridge our communities.

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What: Fire Safety Preparedness Seminar for Families of Children with Autism and All Special Needs
When: Monday, March 12 – 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Autism Cares Foundation Resource Center, 816 Second Street Pike, Southampton, PA 18966
For Further Information Contact: kvelocci@autismcaresfoundation.org or call: 215-313-5989