ACCESS

Evacuations and Students with Disabilities

When reviewing your syllabus, announce that in the event of an emergency, all persons who may need additional help should ask for assistance. Please know that persons with disabilities, either unobservable or observable (i.e. medical conditions, learning differences, etc.) who may be self-sufficient under normal circumstances, may still need assistance in an emergency situation. If a student self-identifies, set aside a time to physically show them the evacuation route and discuss how you might be able to assist them in emergency scenarios. The level of assistance or need may vary depending on the particular limitations:

• Visual Impairment

  • Describe the nature of the emergency.
  •  Offer your arm for guidance. Do NOT grasp a visually impaired person's arm.
    • As you walk, inform the individual of any obstacles in their path and tell them where you are as you go. If possible, someone should follow from behind to protect the individual from being pushed down in the event of crowding.
    • When you reach safety, ask if there is any need for further assistance.

•  Hard of Hearing

  • Know that persons who are deaf or Hard of Hearing may not be able to hear an alarm go off. An alternative warning technique may be needed to gain the attention of such individuals (i.e. turning the lights on and off or using hand gestures)
  •  Once you have the person’s attention, continue to use appropriate communication (this may include the assistance of an interpreter, or writing a brief note with evacuation instructions, time permitting). This may also require offering the individual materials to write with and communicate if possible.

• Mobility Impairment

  • If located on an upper level floor, individuals may be assisted to an area of assistance located in a stairwell landing to await evacuation or further instruction from first responders or rescue personnel.
  • Ask specifically how you can best assist them, there may be individuals with specific limitations and ability for whom lifting and or moving may be dangerous to their well-being.
    • If a person with a mobility impairment cannot be lifted, they should move to an identified Area of Rescue.
    • Know that if the individual cannot be lifted or has difficulty communicating clearly or easily, it may be necessary for someone to stay with that person to assist in communicating with first responders or rescue personnel. 
    •  If a person prefers to be removed from their wheelchair, always ascertain their preference in terms of how they will be removed (i.e. whether to extend extremities, whether a seat cushion or pad must be used, being carried forward or backward on stairs, etc.)
    • If in immediate danger and cannot wait in a designated area of rescue, it may be necessary to evacuate them using a carry technique or evacuation chair where available.  Please only attempt rescue evacuation as a last resort if you have had training or if the person is in a life-threatening situation and cannot wait for assistance.

What to do in the event of an evacuation:

• Check the intended evacuation route for obstacles, if possible. Remember: smoke, debris, flooding, loss of electricity, or other impediments may be present.
• Move people who are unable to leave the building to a designated or identified area of rescue. An area of rescue is a building location where people can wait for emergency assistance when evacuation may not be safe or possible. Emergency exit corridors and smoke-protected stairwells are resistant to fire and smoke for approximately 2 hours. They are the safest areas during an emergency evacuation. Rescue personnel are instructed to check all exit corridors and stairwells first for any stranded persons.
• Possibilities include:
  • Most enclosed stairwells
  • An adjoining building behind fire doors
  • An office with a closed door, located a safe distance from the hazard
  • Exit balconies and corridors
• Assist individuals who are able to leave the building, following your planned evacuation route, if possible. Do not use elevators unless authorized to do so by police or fire personnel.
• Report to your designated assembly area for a head count.
• Notify emergency responders immediately about the location and condition of any people remaining in the building.
• Do not reenter the building until authorized to do so by an appropriate authority such as police, fire department, etc.