Emergency Evacuation
Persons with disabilities must study and remember the
features of each building they are in, including designated Evacuation
Assembly Areas, stairways, exits, phone locations, and elevator
procedures. At times, assistance from others may be needed. Persons
with disabilities should seek assistance from others if emergency
evacuation becomes necessary. Students who live on campus should
follow the evacuation procedures outlined below. It is the
responsibility of the student to notify the Residence Life Office at
the beginning of the semester if evacuation assistance will be needed.
Detailed information on these procedures is available at the Residence
Life Office and on the website.
Individuals with Mobility Limitations
Evacuation of these persons during an emergency is of
concern as most elevators will not operate (should not be used) during a
fire alarm.
Evacuation Procedures from Ground Level Floors
Persons with disabilities on any floor at ground level
should be given assistance as needed to evacuate the building.
Evacuation Procedure from All Other Floors
- Escort the person with a mobility limitation to the
nearest designated Evacuation Assembly Area (see symbol above) and out
of the flow of traffic. If the fire or emergency is located at or near
the designated Evacuation Assembly Area, move to a safe location and
notify Security/fire department personnel of the new location.
- Stay with the person with the disability.
- If there is no imminent danger (obvious smoke or fire),
these persons should either stay in place or move to a safe place
until emergency personnel determine the nature of the situation. It is
extremely important that these persons not be moved unnecessarily and
improperly, possibly causing injury. Have someone else notify
Security/fire department personnel that there is a person with a
disability in the building, and provide the location.
- If there is imminent danger notify Security/fire
department, personnel immediately.
Evacuation Assembly Area Locations
- Brown Activities Center 2nd floor, in front of BR221
- Brown Library 2nd floor, Level A, and Level B, near the
elevator
- Horrigan Hall 2nd floor, near the Abell Board Room
- Miles Hall 2nd floor, near the elevator
- Pasteur Hall 2nd floor, near Room 251
- Petrik Hall 1st through 5th floors, in front of the
elevator
- Anniversary Hall 2nd through 4th floors, in front of
the elevator
Individuals with Vision Impairments
Most persons with vision limitations will be familiar
with their immediate area. 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
them of any obstacles. When you have reached safety, orient the person
to where they are 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 are:
- Write a note telling what the emergency is and the
nearest evacuation route.
- Turn the light switch on and off to gain attention,
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.