1.0                General Guidelines

 

1.1                In the event of an emergency in any University facility that requires evacuation, evacuation of all occupants is of primary importance.

 

1.2                Any persons with disabilities should make immediate request for assistance from occupants of the building.

 

1.3                Persons receiving the request should offer assistance to the extent they are able.

 

1.4                As soon as the emergency is known, one person should remain with and assist the person with a disability.

 

2.0                Evacuation With Assistance

 

2.1                Visually impaired, but mobile, persons should first be moved out of the rush of traffic.  They should then be assisted to the nearest exit.

 

2.2                Hearing impaired, but mobile, persons should be made aware of the fact of the need to evacuate. They should be guided to the nearest exit.

 

2.3                Temporarily immobilized persons should be given assistance as needed on the basis of their ability to maneuver to an exit.  This might include people wearing casts and/or using canes or crutches.

 

3.0                Evacuation of Mobility Impaired Persons

 

3.1                Persons with permanent mobility impairments (wheelchair) should be moved to the designated Area-Of-Refuge.

 

3.2                The Building Coordinator should inform arriving emergency personnel as to the location of the Area-Of-Refuge so there will be prompt evacuation of any person(s) with disabilities.

 

4.0                Area-Of-Refuge

 

4.1                Since life safety is primary concern in the event of building evacuation, the disabled person(s) will be top priority of emergency response personnel.

 

4.2                Specific Areas-Of-Refuge for each University building will be designated by signage at the handicap entrances.

 

4.3                 Areas-Of-Refuge should have a one-hour fire rating (i.e., doors, walls, ceilings).