Evacuation Assistance

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Arlington’s Community Connect Program alerts fire units about the location of persons with disabilities or who need help evacuating during an emergency.

How It Works

  • Create a profile on Community Connect, then add the Functional Need for each person needing assistance. If unable to create a profile, seek help from a trusted friend or relative.
  • Participants are added to a secure database used by your first responders.
  • When fire & EMS are dispatched, they will be notified of the person’s location within the building and the functional need(s) you describe.

How to Use the Functional Needs Registry in Case of a Fire

  • Call 911 to report the emergency.
  • Inform the call taker about your particular circumstance, such as: “I am confined to a bed. I am to the right as you enter my residence.”
  • If you live in a mid or high-rise building, and the incident is close to your location, firefighters will come to assist in your evacuation.
  • If you are in a mid or high-rise and the incident is not in close proximity, firefighters will contact you only if the situation deteriorates.

If you need help, email our Community Risk Reduction Program or call 703-228-0267 to get assistance.

 

Resources for Home

Did You Know?

From the National Fire Protection Association

  • Gas and charcoal grills cause 900 structure fires and 3,500 outdoor fires in or on home properties each year.
  • Gas grills have a higher fire risk than charcoal grills; leaks and breaks are the leading cause, accounting for nearly half of gas grill fires.
  • Placing combustibles too close to heat, and leaving cooking unattended, are the two leading causes for charcoal grill home fires.
  • Half of all gas grill and charcoal grill home fires begin on an exterior balcony or unenclosed porch. Grill not only outside your home but away from your home.

National Fire Protection Association

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