Emergency Guidelines for the Disabled

Be a survivor! Don’t let an emergency catch you completely unprepared. The time to plan your evacuation is not during an emergency. Always be aware of your situation in any building that you enter. The following are some things to keep in mind if the evacuation of a building is initiated:

* If a fire alarm has sounded, the elevators in most buildings will not operate. If the elevator is operating during a fire alarm condition, do not use it. In a serious fire situation, an elevator may stop and open its doors on a floor that is consumed with flames. If there is an electrical fire, the function of the elevators may also be impaired. REMEMBER, never enter an elevator during a fire emergency unless you have specific instructions to do so by a fire department representative who has assessed the situation.

* No one knows the unique circumstances of your particular disability better than you. Communicate your special needs to anyone aiding you. For example: If you are in a wheelchair and do not feel comfortable or safe having an able-bodied assistant(s) help you out of your chair during an emergency, ask them to help you find a safe location to await rescue by emergency responders. If your assistants are willing to remove you, with chair, remember that the time to practice safe lifting techniques is not during an emergency! Stairways may be crowded and chaotic due to evacuation conditions. There are lifting techniques that should be learned and discussed with established "buddies" prior to an emergency [heavy electrical chairs MUST be left behind]. Contact the Disability Access Center (1-2289) or the Environmental Health & Safety Office (1-1963) for assistance locating information on rescue techniques.

* It is a good idea to solicit volunteers to be your emergency "buddy" or "buddies". They should be people that you work with, or have classes with [in some cases you may need a different buddy(s) for each class], and that are willing to spend some time discussing your special needs in the event of an emergency. For example, if you are seeing-impaired, explain that it is best to allow you to take their arm so they may guide you (rather than taking hold of you to direct you to a location). Discuss the best ways to aid you in an emergency before an emergency occurs. Buddies should be people who are willing to take this responsibility seriously, and who are physically fit to assist. Ask your instructor or supervisor to aid you in discretely locating a buddy. In classroom settings, identify yourself to your instructor in private at the beginning of the semester. They can request volunteers from the classroom and forward information to you for contact. Disabled instructors should use this opportunity to make arrangements for their own student buddies as well.

* Remember, if you must remain in a building during an emergency, make sure that someone (a buddy, instructor, or passer-by) is aware of where you are, and that you are awaiting rescue.

* Areas of rescue: where there are not established areas of refuge, find a location on the floor you are on that is relatively safe from immediate danger. It is preferred that the area have an operating phone so that you can call 911 (campus dispatch) and ensure that your presence in the building is known. If there is a fire situation, a room away from the fire with a closing door is best. Use what you can find to block smoke from entering the room from under the door (use part of your clothing if you can find no other material.) If there is a window, place some sign on it to alert people outside that you are in this location (especially if you have no operating phone). Use what you can find (lipstick, a bright shirt, a notebook, etc.). Do not break the window in the event of a fire! This may aid the spread of a fire into your area or allow exterior smoke to enter your room. If after communicating your location you must leave this area due to imminent danger, make every attempt to communicate your new location.

* Buddies or assistants should exit the building (if it is safe to do so) after aiding the disabled person to an area of rescue. Prior to leaving, verify the location of the disabled person (the room number, if applicable, and where it is generally located in the building). Ensure that the disabled person is aware of the general location to communicate this via phone where applicable), and that they do not require any further assistance (e.g., dialing 911, verbally communicating information, closing doors, blocking door jams, etc.). Once the buddy(s) has safely evacuated the building, they should contact on-scene emergency personnel or call 911, from a safe location, to provide additional information.

* Familiarize yourself with your surroundings. This is very important. When visiting a new building, look around for the exits. If you are hearing-impaired, verify if there are visual aids to alert you of an alarm condition. Where are these alarms? If you are visually-impaired, practice your escape via various routes. Never rely solely on one means of egress. If you are on crutches, understand that the stairs will be a dangerous place for you during the initial evacuation. Think about your particular situation and be prepared.

* Remain calm. Many alarm conditions end up being minor situations. Assess your unique situation before taking undue risks. However, never ignore an alarm condition! Take action! But, know what that action will be in advance.

* Ultimately you are responsible for your safety. Inform an instructor, employer, co-worker, or friend of your special needs in the event of an emergency (they may not be aware of your condition, or may not have thought of your particular situation in the event of an emergency). Use the buddy system! Plan ahead, and be aware!

To obtain more detailed instructions or procedures for disabled or buddies, contact the Environmental Health & Safety Office (4428) or the Disability Services for Students (2926)

LINKS

Obtaining information from disabled employees - http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/evacuation.html#N_1_

Removing the Barriers: A Fire Safety Factsheet for People with Disabilities and their Caregivers http://www.usfa.fema.gov/dhtml/public/fswy22.cfm

How to get a copy of "Safety and the Disabled" from US Fire Administration http://www.usfa.fema.gov/dhtml/public/dis_a65.cfm