Addressing Fire Safety Among Families with CYSHCN via a Home Assessment Study
Background: Children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) are at higher risk than typically developing children during emergencies, such as house fires.
Methods: Families of CYSHCN with medical homes in PA participated in an emergency planning virtual home assessment receiving (1) targeted pre/post interviews; (2) materials to improve preparedness in emergencies, and (3) referrals to medical providers/community partners for as-needed support related to preparedness, the CYSHCN’s medical conditions, or social determinants of health. We analyzed the fire safety domain of this study before and after the intervention by repeated measures analysis of 14 items in the interview.
Results: 170 families completed initial and 148 completed follow-up interviews. Fire safety preparedness levels at baseline were relatively high. After the intervention, the preparedness levels improved, with metrics of having fire extinguishers and clearing walking paths of obstructions showing statistical significance comparing pre/post measures.
Conclusion: In this study of CYSHCN, a preparedness assessment/intervention improved metrics of fire safety. Specific resources for CYSHCN during fire safety/planning are warranted given their risk of harm.
Background: Children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) are at higher risk than typically developing children during emergencies, such as house fires.
Methods: Families of CYSHCN with medical homes in PA participated in an emergency planning virtual home assessment receiving (1) targeted pre/post interviews; (2) materials to improve preparedness in emergencies, and (3) referrals to medical providers/community partners for as-needed support related to preparedness, the CYSHCN’s medical conditions, or social determinants of health. We analyzed the fire safety domain of this study before and after the intervention by repeated measures analysis of 14 items in the interview.
Results: 170 families completed initial and 148 completed follow-up interviews. Fire safety preparedness levels at baseline were relatively high. After the intervention, the preparedness levels improved, with metrics of having fire extinguishers and clearing walking paths of obstructions showing statistical significance comparing pre/post measures.
Conclusion: In this study of CYSHCN, a preparedness assessment/intervention improved metrics of fire safety. Specific resources for CYSHCN during fire safety/planning are warranted given their risk of harm.