BUILDING OR AREA EVACUATION PROCEDURES
Evacuation of at-risk individuals Evacuation may not be necessary or advisable. If persons with disabilities cannot be transported from the building without using an elevator, assist persons with disabilities to the designated “Persons With Disabilities Rescue Area” on certain floors of the buildings. Never use an elevator in a fire or earthquake. Be prepared to notify rescue personnel immediately upon their arrival of the location of any persons with disabilities in such rescue areas.
If immediate evacuation is necessary, be aware of the following considerations: Non-Ambulatory Persons:
• Wheelchairs have many moving parts; some are not designed to withstand stress of lifting. • You may need to remove the chair batteries. Life support equipment may be attached. • In a life-threatening emergency it may be necessary to remove an individual from their wheelchair. Always consult with the person in the chair regarding how best to assist them. Visually Impaired Persons: Most visually impaired persons will be familiar with their immediate surroundings. In an emergency: • Describe the nature of the emergency and offer to act as a “sighted guide”–offer your elbow and escort him/her to a safe place. • As you walk, describe where you are and advise of any obstacles. When you have reached safety, orient the person as to where you are and ask if further assistance is needed. Hearing Impaired Persons: Because persons with impaired hearing may not perceive emergency alarms, an alternative warning technique is required. Two methods of warning: • Write a note describing the emergency and the nearest evacuation route. (“Fire. Go out rear door to the right and down, NOW!”) • Turn the light switch off and on to gain attention, and then indicate through gestures what is happening and what to do.
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