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Emergency Procedures Handbook - Evacuation of Persons with Disabilities

Persons with disabilities must study and remember the features of each building they are in, including stairways, exits, phone locations, and elevator procedures. At times, assistance from others may be needed. Individuals with disabilities may seek assistance (escorts) from others in their classes or offices if emergency evacuation becomes necessary. Faculty members who have students with disabilities in their classes should discuss emergency evacuation procedures with these persons ahead of time.

Individuals with Mobility Limitations

Evacuation of persons with mobility limitations during an emergency is of concern, as most elevators will not operate (should not be used) during a fire emergency. If there is no immediate danger (obvious smoke or fire), these persons should either stay in place with their escorts or be moved to a fire-rated stairwell until emergency personnel determine the nature of the situation. Officials may decide that no evacuation is necessary, they may remove the person using the elevator with an override key, or they may carry the person out of the building.

Escorts should remain with the student while the faculty member meets with emergency personnel and tells them the student’s location. It is extremely important that the individual not be moved unnecessarily and improperly, possibly causing further physical injury.

If there is imminent danger and evacuation cannot be delayed, persons with disabilities should be carried or helped from the building in the best and fastest manner. The individual is the best authority as to how to be moved out of the building. A person may be carried using a two-person locked-arm position or may sit in a sturdy chair, preferably one with arms. Professional emergency personnel should assist in the evacuation if time permits.

Individuals with Vision Impairments

Most persons with vision limitations will be familiar with the immediate area they are in. In the event of an emergency, tell the individual how and where to exit. Have the person take your elbow and escort him or her (this is the preferred method when acting as a “sighted guide”). As you walk, tell the person where you are and advise him or her of any obstacles. When you reach safety, orient the person to where he or she is and ask if any further assistance is needed.

Individuals with Hearing Impairments

Since persons with impaired hearing may not perceive audio emergency alarms, an alternative warning technique is required. Two methods of warning are:

1. Write a note telling what the emergency is and the nearest evacuation route (Example: “FIRE! Go out rear door to right and down the stairs. Now!”).
2. Turn the light switch on and off to gain attention, and then indicate through gestures or in writing what is happening and what to do.

It may be prudent to escort the person with a hearing impairment as you leave the building.

NOTICE

Prior to any emergency situation, any individual with an impairment should develop an escort system in their daily environment (office, classroom, home, etc.).