Evacuation of Disabled

In the event of an emergency, occupants of wheelchairs and other disabled persons should observe the following evacuation procedures:

• All persons should move towards the nearest marked safe exit. As a first choice the wheelchair occupant or person with mobility impairment may use the building elevators, but never in the case of fire or earthquake.

• As a second choice, when a wheelchair occupant or person with mobility impairment reaches an impassable obstruction, such as a staircase, he/she should request assistance from others in the area, or contact the University Police for assistance (9-1-1).

NOTE: It is suggested that the wheelchair occupant or person with mobility impairment prepare for emergency situations ahead of time.

• Instruct a classmate, the professor, or the Disable Students Services on how to assist in case of emergency.

• If assistance is not immediately available, the wheelchair occupant or person with mobility impairment should stay in the exit corridor, on the stairway or landing, or in a safe and visible location. They should continue to call for help until rescued. Persons who cannot speak loudly should carry a whistle or have other means attracting the attention of others.

• The visually impaired should request a nearby person to take them by the elbow and guide them through the building to safety. Ask the person helping you to maintain a constant dialogue about obstacles and to orient you to your location.

• Hearing impaired persons may not hear alarms or warnings to evacuate a building. If a person does not appear to be responding to the warnings check to see if they are hearing impaired. The hearing impaired should carry a pen and/or pencil and notepad to help in communicating.