Accessibility statement
Last updated:
Our commitment
Everyone needs to know whether they can burn. BeforeYouBurn is built to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, level AA. This covers the BeforeYouBurn website and app, these information pages, and the burn-status badges that fire agencies put on their own websites.
What we do
- Works without JavaScript. Every task, from checking the status to registering and checking in, works with plain web pages and forms. Features that need JavaScript are extras, never required.
- Large text. Pages are tested with very large text (the largest iPhone text setting) and must not need sideways scrolling.
- Screen readers and keyboards. Every page is checked with automated accessibility tests in English and Spanish before each release. Pages have headings, labels, a "skip to main content" link and visible keyboard focus.
- Never color alone. A burn status always has words and an icon, not only a color.
- English and Spanish. Everything residents see is available in both languages.
- Maps have a text alternative: the status, its reason and the agency's contact are always written out.
- Plain language. We write short sentences and avoid jargon.
Known limitations
Automated tests cannot find every problem, and we are still adding a manual review with assistive technology users. If something does not work for you, we want to know.
A formal accessibility conformance report (a VPAT) is in preparation as a standard document.
Tell us about a problem
If you have trouble using BeforeYouBurn, or need information in another format:
- Email: support@beforeyouburn.com
- Tell us the page, what you were trying to do, and the device or assistive technology you use.
If you need to know whether you can burn today and cannot use the site, contact your local fire agency directly.