The College of Wooster is very diverse and as such, we have students, faculty, and staff members with various disabilities across our campus. As such, it is important to know how to help yourself, or others with disabilities, evacuate from buildings in the event of an emergency.
Individuals needing evacuation assistance during an emergency situation should take the following into consideration:
- Ground Floor
- Persons with physical disabilities should exit the building along with other building occupants.
- Above or Below Ground Floors
- Visually Impaired
- Tell the person with the visual impairment the nature of the emergency and offer to guide the person to the nearest exit. Have the person take your elbow and escort them out of the building. As you walk, advise the person of any obstacles. When you reach safety, orient the person to where they are and ask if any further assistance is necessary.
- Hearing Impaired
- Alert the person that there is an emergency situation by using hand gestures or by turning the light switch on and off. Verbalize or mouth instructions or provide the individual with a short note containing instructions. Offer assistance as you leave the building.
- Mobility Impaired
- Since elevators should not be used for evacuation during an emergency, persons with mobility impairments will need assistance evacuating. Individuals who can walk may be able to evacuate themselves. Walk with the person to provide assistance if necessary.
- Evacuating individuals who are not able to walk is much more complicated. If there is no immediate danger, take the individual to a safe place to await emergency personnel. Whenever possible, someone should remain with the person while another individual exits the building and notifies emergency personnel of the mobility impaired person’s exact location. Take note of the nearest room number or distinguishing characteristic of your location.
- Only in situations of extreme and immediate danger should you try to evacuate a wheelchair-user yourself. The person with the disability is the best authority on how he/she should be moved. Ask before you move someone. While it is best to let professional emergency personnel conduct the evacuation, a person with a mobility impairment can be carried by two people who have interlocked their arms to form a “chair” or by carrying the person in a sturdy office chair.
- Visually Impaired
Please note: it is impossible to include every possible scenario that could occur. Use these guidelines as a base and for more detailed information, please visit the College of Wooster’s Disability Support Services Office.