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 their website.
Individuals with Mobility Limitations
Evacuation of these persons during an emergency is of concern as most elevators will not operate (cannot 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
1. Escort the person with a mobility limitation to the nearest designated Evacuation Assembly Area 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 Public Safety/fire department personnel of the new location.
2. Stay with the person with the disability.
3. 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 Public Safety/fire department personnel that there is a person with a disability in the building and provide the location.
4. If there is imminent danger notify Public Safety/fire department, personnel immediately.
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:
1. Write a note telling what the emergency is and the nearest evacuation route.
2. 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.
Evacuation Assembly Area Locations
1. George Brown Clayton Hall 2nd floor, in front of GBCH 221
2. Brown Library 2nd floor, Level A, and Level B, near the elevator
3. Horrigan Hall 2nd floor, near the Abell Board Room
4. Miles Hall 2nd floor, near the elevator
5. Pasteur Hall 2nd floor, near Room 251
6. Petrik Hall 1st through 5th floors, in front of the elevator
7. Anniversary Hall 2nd through 4th floors, in front of the elevator