Evacuation Procedures

Faculty and supervisory staff with disabled people under their direction shall meet with them as soon as possible after introduction of these people to the area to discuss evacuation procedures in case of fire or other emergency.

Evacuation of disabled people who are otherwise ambulatory, such as the blind or hearing impaired, should take place normally with other building occupants. These people can benefit from an escort and should be provided one from within the class or work area. It should be noted that a blind person familiar with a building might be better able to escape through smoky conditions.

People who are dependent upon equipment for their mobility should not use elevators for evacuating, unless directed to do so by the Fire Department. As stairs are often times difficult, if not impossible, to traverse, these individuals must be protected in place awaiting arrival of the fire department. Individuals who cannot evacuate the building due to these mobility problems should proceed to the nearest safe stairway in the building with a prearranged escort. Once the stairs have begun to clear of other evacuating people, individuals needing assistance should enter the stairway and remain on the landing near the door with an escort. Instructors should be aware of where the disabled students are waiting. They then should notify arriving firefighters or police officers. Fire and/or police personnel will go to that area and either assist in evacuation or provide information regarding the necessity of any further action. If the stairway becomes smoke filled or unsafe before crew arrival, disabled individuals should move back into the building and proceed to another stairway. If no other stairway is available, find a room that is tenable, close the door and telephone University Police for help (274-7911). If no phone is available, try to wave a coat or similar large object out a window to gain attention.

Faculty and staff who have mobility restricted individuals under their direction must make arrangements to notify police and fire authorities of the location of these people within the involved building. This should be done in person outside of the building. This is critical to the procedure and the safety of these individuals.