Imagine you, your parents, grandparents, or children trapped in a multi-story apartment building during a fire or blackout. Elevators are out of service, and there aren't enough first responders available to assist everyone in need of help. They might be waiting behind, uncertain if help will arrive in time. This is a harrowing scenario that many older adults and persons with mobility disabilities face in California, especially as the older adult population is set to surpass the number of children by 2030.

In the State of California, there is an urgent need for tracked evacuation chairs in residential high-rises. These chairs are essential for ensuring the safe evacuation of individuals who cannot independently navigate stairs during emergencies such as fires or blackouts. The lack of these life-saving devices puts many at risk, as it becomes a question of health and safety where every second counts.

Current building regulations are restricted from changes until 2031, except for health and safety needs. We need to show that this is indeed a crucial health and safety requirement. The absence of evacuation chairs means that those with mobility challenges must wait for uncertain assistance, risking their lives if responders cannot reach them in time.

The implementation of tracked evacuation chairs is a straightforward and practical solution that can be undertaken to save lives. These devices have been successfully used in major disasters - including 9/11 to evacuate people with mobility challenges. Every  resident deserves the peace of mind that they can safely evacuate their homes regardless of their physical abilities. With California's aging population rapidly increasing, it's time to take action to ensure the safety and dignity of all high-rise residents.

No one is devoid of having a disability at some point in their lives.

Sign this petition to urge lawmakers and stakeholders in California to amend building codes to require tracked evacuation chairs in all residential multi-story apartment buildings with an emergency stairway. Let us come together to protect our families, friends, neighbors and community and ensure no one is left behind in an emergency. Your signature can make a life-saving difference. Please join us in demanding this essential change.

Do you have a similar story to tell? Comment down below and share your story with local and state representatives. This is an urgent life-safety matter and unless our representatives see how big this need is, nothing will happen until at least the year 2031. Whether you or someone you know is or will be 65+ by 2031, have a permanent or temporary disability, is pregnant, or has another mobility need that may require additional help in event of an evacuation, we want to hear from you! 

Please share this petition as wide as you can!

Short video of an evacuation chair in use: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PNsG70DOGd4