In general, emergency evacuation is dependent upon occupants being able to hear audible warnings, and walk down stairways (elevators are not safe to use in fire emergencies without fire department supervision). Therefore, special provisions may be needed to evacuate people with hearing or sight disabilities and for persons who are non-ambulatory. The following procedures describe the basic steps to follow:
- If an immediate life threating condition exist, classmates, fellow workers, the residence staff, etc. should assist handicapped persons in leaving the building.
- When the fire alarm is sounding but no immediate threat to life are apparent persons unable to leave the building without assistance should seek an area of refuge. University Police should be notified of this location by telephone and the officer in charge (Incident Commander) should be notified by people from the area. If evacuation is subsequently required, the fire department will supervise this.
Notes:
Persons with disabilities should talk with other employees and students and develop a plan for emergency evacuation. Do this even if the disability is temporary.
In Libraries, the circulation desk should be notified of the locations of disabled persons working alone.
Disabled persons should assure that a telephone is readily available when working alone in University classroom or research buildings.