Faculty Handbook
Appendix B: Evacuation Procedures
For Persons with Disabilities
The following guidelines should be considered when assisting persons
with disabilities in an evacuation. Emergency coordinators and volunteers
should familiarize themselves with these procedures.
First, communicate the nature of the emergency to the person. Second, ask
the person how they would like to be assisted. Third, evacuate mobility
equipment with the person if possible.
Keep the following information in mind when assisting persons with:
- Visual Impairments
- Tell the person the nature of the emergency and offer to guide him/her
to the nearest emergency exit. Have the person take your elbow and
escort him/her advising of any obstacles such as stairs, narrow
passageways or overhanging objects. When you have reached safety,
orient the person to where he/ she is and ask if further assistance
is needed.
- Hearing Impairments
- Most buildings are not equipped with flashing light alarms, and
persons with impaired hearing may not perceive that an emergency
exists. Communicate with the person by writing a note or through
simple hand gestures.
- Persons Using Crutches, Canes or Walkers
- Ask the person what method of assistance they prefer. Check for
the availability of an evacuation chair and always evacuate mobility
equipment with the person if possible.
- Persons Using Wheelchairs
- Ask the person the method of assistance they prefer. Some people
have minimal ability to move and lifting them may be dangerous to
their well being. Some persons using wheelchairs have respiratory
complications; remove them from smoke or fumes immediately. If the
person wants to be moved in their wheelchair, keep the following
considerations in mind:
- Wheelchairs have many moveable or weak parts.
- Some people have no upper trunk or neck strength.
- Power wheelchairs have heavy batteries, an evacuation chair
may be needed and the wheelchair retrieved later.
- If a seat belt is available, use it.
If the person prefers to be removed from their wheelchair for evacuation,
ask their preference on the following:
- The preferred way of being removed from the wheelchair
- Whether or not to move extremities
- Move forward or backward down stairs
- Whether a seat cushion or pad should be brought along
- What is necessary for after-care
Wheelchairs and mobility aids should be retrieved as soon as possible. The location
of wheelchairs and mobility aids should be noted so that they may be retrieved as soon as
possible.
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