Emergency Evacuation

Evacuation Procedures

It is the policy of the University to provide accessible places for students to live and study, with 
appropriate safety and security measures in place.

During fire alarms and other emergencies, alarms and flashing lights, located throughout the
campus, academic buildings, and residential facilities, will alert students of potential and/or
imminent danger. In addition, public address systems will be used when possible. Smoke 
detectors are in all residential rooms and public areas, and sprinkler systems are in all residence 
halls.

The Office of Public Safety and Housing & Residence Life staff will inform Emergency 
Response Personnel of persons with disabilities who may require assistance evacuating a 
building during an emergency. The staff have been trained to follow the Evacuation of Persons 
with Disabilities procedures, as outlined in the Residential Guidelines & Community Standards 
found in the Student Handbook. Public Safety and Housing & Residence Life staff will maintain 
a list of students who may need assistance and their room assignments. This information will be 
shared with external rescue personnel if needed. It is the responsibility of the student to inform 
Housing & Residence Life if evacuation assistance will be needed. This can be done on the 
yearly housing application or directing with the Housing & Residence Life throughout the year. 

Detailed information on emergency procedures is available from Housing & Residence Life.
Persons with disabilities should familiarize themselves with the locations of evacuation route 
maps and remember the features of each building. This includes designated Evacuation 
Assembly Areas, stairways, exits, and elevator procedures. At times, assistance from others may 
be needed. Persons with disabilities should seek assistance from others if emergency evacuation 
becomes necessary. If unable to self-evacuate students should call Public Safety 502-272-7777 
to notify emergency personnel of location and need for assistance.

For more information about emergency evacuation procedures, see the Bellarmine Student Handbook: 
https://www.bellarmine.edu/dean-of-students/docs/student-handbook.pdf