formerly University of Missouri-Rolla

Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) 

Emergency Action Plan

Building Emergency Action Plan
Table of Contents

IMPORTANT NUMBERS AND INFORMATION FOR QUICK REVIEW
Quick Reference of Campus Emergency Contact Information
Summary of Abbreviations

PURPOSE
University Emergency Operations Plan
Emergency  Preparedness
Emergency Information
Emergency Procedures Poster
Response Procedures for Emergencies
Campus Violence
Oral or Written Threat to People or Facilities
Violence in the Workplace
Mental  Health
Fire Emergencies
Accidents and Incidents
Severe Weather
Hazardous Materials Emergency
Radiological
Earthquake
Mechanical Equipment or Other Physical Facility Emergencies

PERSONS WHO NEED ASSISTANCE DURING AN EMERGENCY
Training
Plan Review

APPENDIX A - EMERGENCY EVACUATION FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
General
Evacuation Options
Disability Guidelines

 

  QUICK REFERENCE OF CAMPUS EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

Campus Emergency Contact Information

           Building

Phone Number

University Police

Emergency

573-341-4300

Non-Emergency (General Info)

573-341-4111

Environmental Health and Safety

During Normal Working Hours
(8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

    573-341-4305

After Hours

    573-341-4300

Campus Facilities

Utility Outages (Electric, Steam, Water) During Normal Working Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

    573-341-4252

General Information (after hours)

    573-341-4300

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  SUMMARY OF ABBREVIATIONS:

Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T)
Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
Emergency Operations Director (EOD)
Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
Business Policy Manual (BPM)
University of Missouri (UM)
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Rolla City Fire Department (RFD)

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  PURPOSE

  UNIVERSITY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN

Missouri S&T, in accordance with state and federal guidelines, has developed an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) which will be implemented in the event of a disaster. A disaster is defined for purposes of the EOP as any type of situation that endangers life and property to a degree that a concentrated effort of emergency services be coordinated on a large scale to contain the situation.

This Building Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is a subset of the EOP. It is designed to assist individuals in determining what actions to take during emergency situations.

In the event that a disaster does occur, the Director of University Police or his/her designee will act as the Emergency Operations Director (EOD) and will coordinate the implementation of the EOP in responding to and recovering from the disaster. All activities and decisions relating to the disaster will be made from the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The EOC is located at University Police Headquarters in the Campus Support Facility building – Room #G29. The EOP can be reviewed at http://police.mst.edu/eop/index.html

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  EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

When dialing emergency phone numbers on campus from a campus phone, pick up the phone and dial the number desired. As an example, when reporting an emergency, call University Police at 4300. When making phone calls off-campus from a campus phone, the number three (3) will have to be dialed first, followed by the number desired. Other important numbers are listed in BOLD font throughout this plan.

  • Know the location of FIRE ALARM PULL STATIONS, FIRE EXTINGUISHERS and EXITS.
  • Know evacuation routes for your area.
  • Personnel working with petroleum or hazardous materials should keep spill clean-up supplies readily available.
  • Get an all-weather radio with battery and audible alarm back-up.
  • Discuss preparedness plans with personnel in your area.

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  EMERGENCY INFORMATION

Two phone lines have been set up to provide information during a campus-wide disaster. In the event of a disaster, faculty and staff should call 341-7888 (7888 from a campus phone) and students should call 341-MINE (6463) (6463 from a campus phone). These numbers will feature a recording with information relevant to the current situation.

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  EMERGENCY PROCEDURES POSTER
This poster is displayed in all campus buildings. It should be used as an easily accessible tool in responding to various campus emergencies. The emergency scenarios listed below are reviewed in greater detail in the EAP.

Download Here

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  Response Procedures for Emergencies

NOTE: In all of the circumstances below, it is important to remain calm and follow steps as indicated. If there are any questions regarding these procedures please call the University Police (573-341-4300) (4300 from a campus phone)

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  CAMPUS VIOLENCE

An emergency whistle signal will be sounded when a severe violent campus event is taking place. The emergency campus whistle is used only as an attention-getting device. If you hear the whistle sound, immediately seek information through text messages, radio, e-mail, campus web site or by calling (573-341-7888)(7888 from a campus phone) for faculty / staff or (573-341-mine (6463) (6463 from a campus phone )for students to gain further information about the threat level. If emergency warrants leave the campus immediately if safe to do so.
No all-clear whistle will be sounded; the whistle is used only for warnings. Verbal notification, text messages, radio, e-mail, or campus web site will be used for an all-clear signal.

  • Active Shooter
    • Definition
      • For purposes of this policy: This situation is a barricaded suspect(s) or an outdoor movement situation where the suspect(s) is actively discharging a firearm at Law Enforcement or community members and or randomly firing into an area where it is reasonably expected person could be struck. These situations leave little or no time for proper planning and normally require first-arriving Law Enforcement units to take immediate action to end the danger.

    • In the Classroom or Office
      • If you are in a classroom, room, or office, STAY THERE, and secure the door
      • Notify University Police at 573-341-4300 (4300 from a campus phone) as soon as possible. Give the Dispatcher the following information. DO NOT hang up until the Dispatcher does:
        • Your name
        • Location of the incident (be as specific as possible)
        • Number of shooters (if known)
        • Identification or physical description of shooter (if known)
        • Number of persons who may be involved
        • Your location
      • If the door has no lock and the door opens in, a good heavy door wedge can be kept on hand and driven in as hard as possible, otherwise look for heavy furniture to barricade the door.
      • If the door has a window, cover it if possible.
      • Depending on the gunman’s location, consideration may also be made to exit through window openings. Have someone watch and get as many students out of the windows (ground floor) as calmly and as quietly as possible.
      • If no University Police units are yet on scene move well away from the incident and find safe cover positions (not the parking lots) and wait for the police to arrive.
      • If officers arrive on scene, community members should get out and move toward any Police vehicle when safe to do so while keeping hands on top of head and do exactly and immediately what University Police tell you to do
      • If the windows don’t open or you cannot break them, or you are not on a ground floor, get out of sight from the door and stay low and quiet.
      • Once you have exited the building and are out of harms way, do not completely leave the area; you may have information responding University Police Officers will need. Once this information has been relayed to University Police go to a safe place and stay put.
    • In Hallways or Corridors
      • If in a hallway, get in a room that is not already secured and secure it.
      • Unless you are very close to an exit, don’t run through a long hall to get to one, you may encounter the gunman or hostage taker. Do not hide in restrooms!
    • In Large Rooms or Auditoriums
      • If in a gym or theater area and the gunman or hostage taker/s are not present, move to and out the external exits and move toward any Police unit. Again keep your hands on your head. Do what the police tell you!
    • Trapped with the Gunman
      • If you are trapped with the gunman, don’t do anything to provoke them. If the gunman is not shooting, do what they say and don’t move suddenly. Only you can draw the line on what you will or will not do to preserve your life or the lives of others.
      • If the gunman does start shooting people, you need to make a choice to (at this point it is your choice) stay still and hope he doesn’t shoot you, run for an exit while zigzagging, or even attack the shooter. This is very dangerous, but certainly no more than doing nothing and dying in place. A moving target is much harder to hit than a stationary one and the last thing the shooter will expect is to be attacked by an unarmed person. Any option chosen may still result in negative consequence.
      • Again, this is not a recommendation to attack the shooter but rather a choice to fight when there is only one other option.
    • Open Spaces
      • Stay alert and look for appropriate cover locations. Brick walls, large trees, retaining walls, parked vehicles and any other object which may stop firearm ammunition penetration, may be utilized as cover.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE!
Program University Police 24-hour phone number (573-341-4300) into your cell phone. Always notify the University Police as soon as it is safe to do so.
These safety tips and guidelines are not all inclusive, but if understood can increase your chances of surviving an active shooter incident.

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  ORAL OR WRITTEN THREAT TO PEOPLE OR FACILITIES - BOMB THREAT

  • Record time and date of call or receipt of message.
  • If caller, keep on line as long as possible and attempt to determine the following:
    • Who or what are you attempting to harm?
    • What is to happen?
    • When is it to happen?
    • Where is it to happen?
    • How is it to happen?
    • Listen closely for background noises
    • Listen closely for voice type (male, female, voice quality, accents etc.)
    • Why are you making the threat?
    • Note if caller knows area by description of location.
    • Note caller’s phone number if you have a display phone.
  • When the caller hangs up, call University Police (573-341-4300) (4300 from a campus phone) and report the above information.
  • Notify your immediate supervisor.
  • A decision will be made by the Department Chair and/or University Police on whether a building evacuation is warranted. If evacuation of the building occurs, exit the building immediately and stay at a distance of 500 feet or about the length of two football fields

You should not touch any suspicious or unfamiliar objects. DO NOT conduct any type of search until police personnel arrive on scene.

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  VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE

Missouri S&T strives to provide a safe and secure work environment for all employees. Toward this end, intimidation, threats and acts of violence, with or without the presence of a weapon, will not be tolerated. Individuals found to engage in behavior in violation of this policy will be subject to discipline up to and including termination.

  • Definitions
    For purposes of this policy:
    • Workplace environment is defined as all University facilities or other locations where an employee is engaged in University business.
    • Employee is defined as faculty, staff and student employees.
    • Intimidation is defined as an act towards another person, the result of which could reasonably cause the other person to fear for his or her safety or the safety of others.
    • Threat of violence is defined as a communicated intent to inflict physical or other harm to any person or to property.
    • Violence is defined as the deliberate and wrongful abuse or damage of other persons, self, or property.
  • Procedures
    Employees, who are the victims of violence, believe they may be the recipients of violence, or who have knowledge of potential violence against others, are encouraged to promptly notify an appropriate administrator, University Police and/or Human Resources.

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  THREATENING OR POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

A person whose behavior has become threatening, disruptive, or violent requires a different kind of approach. A very small number of people become aggressive when they are extremely frustrated by a situation that seems beyond their control. Although most individuals rarely become violent, it does occur and it is important to know how to respond. Here are some guidelines:

If in doubt with any situation, call University Police for assistance (573-341-4300) (4300 from a campus phone).

  • What are the Signs of a Person in Distress?
    • Marked Changes in Academic/Work Performance or Classroom/Work Behavior
    • Poor performance or lack of preparation / excessive absences or tardiness
    • Repeated request for special consideration, especially when this represents a change from previous functioning
    • Unusual or changed pattern of interaction
    • Avoiding or dominating discussions
    • Excessive anxiety when called upon in class
    • Disruptive behavior
    • Exaggerated emotional response obviously inappropriate to the situation
  • Unusual Behavior or Appearance
    • Depressed or lethargic mood
    • Hyperactivity or very rapid speech
    • Unexplained crying
    • Irritability or angry outbursts
    • Swollen or red eyes
    • Change in personal hygiene or dress
    • Dramatic weight loss or gain
    • Strange or bizarre behavior
  • References to Suicide, Homicide or Death
    • Expressed thoughts of helplessness or hopelessness
    • Overt references to suicide
    • Isolation from friends or family
    • Homicidal threats
  • If You Feel Uneasy About a Individual’s Behavior
    • Respect your feelings of unease and discuss them with a colleague, your Department Chair, administrator, or consult with the Counseling Center.
    • Identify exactly what is making you feel uneasy (individual is rude, speaks in a loud or threatening manner, or makes threats)
    • Meet with the individual and ask him/her to change the behaviors that are causing a problem
    • Make sure that other staff or faculty members are nearby when you meet with the individual
    • Refer the individual for help with whatever might be causing the problem (e.g. stress, learning difficulties, or personal problems)
  • If a Threatening or Violent Situation Occurs During Class
    • Ask the student to accompany you to discuss the situation where help is available
    • Avoid being alone or isolated with the student
    • Seek help from the University Police and consult with the Counseling Center staff as needed
  • If You are Alone with an Angry, Verbally Abusive, or Physically Threatening Person
    • Acknowledge the person’s anger and frustration calmly (e.g. “I can see how upset you are because you feel your rights are being violated and no one is listening to you.”)
    • Allow the person to vent his or her feelings and frustrations
    • Calmly tell the person that verbally abusive behavior is unacceptable (e.g. “When you yell at me, I find it hard to listen to you.”)
    • Avoid arguing, shouting, becoming hostile or threatening (e.g. “I’ll have you expelled from school,” or “I'll have you fired.”)
    • Don’t touch the person
    • Leave the situation if possible

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  FIRE

  • If you discover a fire, you should activate the Fire Alarm System.
  • From a safe location call University Police (573-341-4300) (4300 from a campus phone). Give the nature and location of the fire. DO NOT HANG UP UNTIL UNIVERSITY POLICE STAFF HAVE ALREADY HUNG UP!
  • Evacuate the building utilizing the most efficient escape routes. You may collect valuables, i.e. purse, coats, etc., if within a reasonable reach and will not interfere with the evacuation of the building.  Doors should be closed but not locked upon evacuating. DO NOT use elevators unless directed by emergency personnel.
  • If you come into contact with a student or visitor you should direct them to evacuate the building.  If you come into contact with an occupant who is disabled or having difficulty evacuating you should assist those individuals in evacuating the building, if doing so will not endanger the personal health or safety of yourself or the occupant needing assistance.
  • If you are trapped by smoke, stay low, cover your mouth with a wet cloth, stay near a window, open the window if possible but do not break it, hang something from/in the window (HELP) to let fire personnel know you are there and put something in cracks around the door, phone University Police at (573-341-4300) (4300 from a campus phone) if possible.
  • Use a fire extinguisher, if feasible to do so without jeopardizing personal well-being.
    • Never use water on an electrical or flammable liquid fire. Use a dry chemical or carbon dioxide extinguisher only.
    • When using a dry chemical extinguisher on a flammable liquid fire, stay back a minimum of 10 feet from the fire.
    • Start at the leading edge of the fire and use a side to side sweeping action to extinguish the fire
    • Remember the acronym P.A.S.S.
      • Pull the pin. 
      • Aim at the base of the fire. 
      • Squeeze the discharge handle. 
      • Sweep from side to side.
  • If rescue duties are called for, RFD will perform these duties. Please pay attention to the location and status of any person needing rescue and relay that information to a Fire Department official.
  • You should not re-enter the building, go to another area of campus or leave the campus, until advised to do so.
  • Report to your supervisor.

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  ACCIDENTS AND INCIDENTS

  • Accidents and Incidents Involving Students, University Personnel* and the General Public:
    • In the event an injured party is discovered on University premises by University personnel, all reasonable care should be provided to the injured party. This assistance would include, but not be limited to:
      • rendering of first aid only by persons qualified to do so;
      • requesting of emergency medical aid on behalf of the injured party.
    • Transportation should NEVER be performed by anyone other than trained medical personnel unless an ambulance is unable to respond to a life-threatening situation.
  • Medical attention for injured person(s)

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  WEATHER

  • OUTDOOR SIRENS ARE USED ONLY AS AN ATTENTION GETTING DEVICE
    • Specific information regarding the actual nature of the emergency will be broadcast by the local media. The following radio stations serve the area in broadcasting local emergency information;
      • KMST – 88.5 FM
      • KZNN – 105.3 FM
      • KTTR – 1490 AM
      • KDAY – 103.1 FM
      • KKID – 92.9 FM
    • No all clear signal siren will be sounded; sirens are used only for warning.
  • When notified of a thunderstorm warning, it is not necessary to take any additional steps other than to ensure that you are prepared if the conditions deteriorate.
  • Upon notification of a Tornado Warning, move to an area outlined below to seek shelter.
    • Typically this is the lowest area of your building. Stay away from windows.
    • If you are unable to seek shelter in one of the designated areas, move away from windows. Stay away from auditoriums, gymnasiums, areas having a wide, free span roof, or the upper levels of a building. Take cover under heavy furniture.
    • If you are outdoors and unable to access an indoor shelter, lie flat in the nearest depression, such as a ditch or ravine. If there is time, move away from the path of the Tornado at a right angle.
    • If you live in a campus residence hall, avoid windows. Go to the lowest floor, small center room (like a bathroom or closet), under a stairwell, or in an interior hallway with no windows. Crouch as low as possible to the floor, facing down; and cover your head with your hands. A bath tub may offer a shell of partial protection. Even in an interior room, you should cover yourself with some sort of thick padding (mattress, blankets, etc.), to protect against falling debris in case the roof and ceiling fail.
  • If you come into contact with a student or visitor you should direct them to take shelter in the building. If you come into contact with an occupant who is disabled or having difficulty taking shelter you should assist the individual in getting to or taking shelter.
  • Report to your supervisor.

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  HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

  • Immediately inform all in the area to leave the area.
  • Contact University Police at extension (573-341-4300) (4300 from a campus phone).
  • Inform University Police of the type and amount of material involved so they may in turn notify Environmental Health & Safety.
  • For a small spill, use absorbent material to try and contain it.
  • DO NOT attempt to clean up a large chemical spill on your own without permission of the Environmental Health & Safety Department.
  • If the chemical comes into contact with any person:
    • Remove all contaminated clothing.
    • If there is contact with a person’s eyes, rinse eyes with water for at least 15 minutes.
    • If there is contact with a person’s skin, thoroughly rinse under water and then wash with soap and water.

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  RADIOLOGICAL

  • Contact University Police at extension (573-341-4300) (4300 from a campus phone); give details about the emergency.
  • Follow the University’s radiation emergency protocol (posted in each authorized area) and standard Operating Procedures (SOP 501) – for the Missouri S&T Reactor.
  • Remember to prevent the spread of contamination, DO NOT leave the area and limit movement until those affected can be determined, evacuating those not affected.
  • DO NOT attempt to clean up any radioactive spill on your own without permission of the Radiation Safety Office.

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  EARTHQUAKE

  • Earthquakes occur without warning.  Some earthquakes are instantaneous tremors and others are significant sustained events followed by aftershocks.
  • Stay indoors if already there.
  • If indoors take cover. Suggested locations inside buildings that provide cover include:
    • Standing in a doorway and bracing your hands and feet against each side
    • Getting under sturdy furniture, such as work tables or desks
    • Standing flat against an interior wall
    • DO NOT SEEK COVER UNDER LABORATORY TABLES OR BENCHES, CHEMICALS COULD SPILL AND CAUSE HARM
  • Stay near the center of the building and avoid glass windows and doors.
  • If outdoors, stay in open areas, away from buildings and structures, and a safe distance from utility wires.
  • After tremors have stopped, gather valuables, if doing so will not jeopardize the personal health and safety of yourself and others, and quickly leave the building. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS.
  • If you come into contact with a student or visitor you should direct them to evacuate the building.  If you come into contact with an occupant who is disabled or having difficulty evacuating you should assist the individual in evacuating the building if doing so will not endanger the personal health and safety of yourself and the individual needing assistance.
  • A brief survey will be attempted to determine if anyone is potentially missing and possibly remains in the building. You should not re-enter the building, go to another part of campus or leave the campus, until advised to do so by University Police.
  • After tremors have stopped, stay away from damaged buildings and structures.  Avoid going through or near buildings where there is a danger of falling debris.
  • Be prepared for aftershocks. Although smaller than the main shock, aftershocks cause additional damage and may bring weakened structures down. Aftershocks can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake.
  • Report to your supervisor.

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  MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT OR OTHER PHYSICAL FACILITY EMERGENCIES

  • Call Physical Facilities (573-364-4252) during the weekday work hours or University Police (573-341-4300) (4300 from a campus phone) at night.
  • Do not attempt to correct the mechanical emergency.
  • If fire ensues, follow procedures outlined for a Fire Emergency.

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  PERSONS WHO NEED ASSISTANCE DURING AN EMERGENCY

  • In the event of any emergency there maybe members of a building who will need assistance in evacuating the building, taking shelter, taking cover, etc.
  • If you encounter someone who needs assistance during an emergency you should attempt to assist the individual, if it is possible to do so without jeopardizing the personal safety or health of yourself or the person needing assistance.
  • If you know or have reason to know that you will need assistance during an emergency you should report that information to the Department Chair as soon as possible to seek assistance.
  • More details about emergency evacuation for persons who need assistance can be found in Appendix A.

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  Training

  • At the beginning of each semester instructors should review with students the designated tornado shelter for the buildings in which the classes are being conducted. 
  • At least annually employees are to review the contents of the EAP.

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  Plan Review

  • A copy of the building specific Emergency Action Plan must be sent to University Police (573-341-4300) (4300 from a campus phone) after completion.
  • The EAP will be maintained by the Building PEC and made available to all within the department.

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EAP UPDATES

  • Any revisions to the EAP will be forwarded to the campus community.
  • The EAP is not to be altered in any way without prior approval from University Police.

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APPENDIX A
EMERGENCY EVACUATION FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

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  General
This appendix provides a general guideline of evacuation procedures for persons with disabilities, which would make exiting difficult, during fire and other building emergencies.  Faculty, staff, students, and visitors with disabilities must develop their own facilities’ evacuation plans and identify their primary and secondary evacuation routes from each building they use.

  • Be familiar with evacuation options.
  • Select an individual(s) from the building to become an evacuation assistant. The individual(s) should be willing to assist you in case of an emergency. It is suggested that as many as three volunteers be available especially for those in a wheelchair.
  • Ask supervisors or instructors about evacuation plans for the buildings.

Most University buildings have accessible exits at the ground level floor that can be used during an emergency.  In some buildings, it may be possible for people to move into unaffected wings of the building rather than exiting.  However, in most University buildings people will need to use stairways to reach building exits. Elevators cannot be used because they are unsafe to use in an emergency and are normally automatically recalled to the ground floor.

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  Evacuation Options
Persons with disabilities must evacuate to the nearest exit.  Persons with disabilities have four basic evacuation options.

  • Horizontal
    • Using building exits to the outside ground level.
    • Going into unaffected wings of multi-building complexes.
  • Stairway
    • Using steps to reach ground level exits from the building.
  • Stay in Place
    • Unless danger is imminent, remain in a room with an exterior window, a telephone, and a solid or fire-resistant door.
    • With this approach, the person may keep in contact with University Police by dialing (573-341-4300) (4300 from a campus phone) and report his or her location directly.  University police will immediately relay this location to on-site emergency personnel who will determine the necessity for evacuation.
    • Phone lines are expected to remain in service during most building emergencies. If the phone lines fail, the individual can signal from the window by waving a cloth or other visible object.
    • The Stay in Place approach may be more appropriate for sprinkler protected buildings or buildings where an “area of refuge” is not nearby or available. It may also be more appropriate for an occupant who is alone when the alarm sounds
    • A “solid” or fire-resistant door can be identified by a fire label on the jam and frame.  Non-labeled 1 ¾ inch thick solid core wood doors hung on a metal frame also offer good fire resistance.
  • Area of Refuge
    • With an evacuation assistant, go to an area of refuge away from obvious danger.
    • The evacuation assistant will notify University Police or on-site emergency personnel of the location of the area of refuge.
    • Emergency personnel will determine if further evacuation is necessary.
    • Other possible areas of refuge include: fire rated corridors or vestibules adjacent to exit stairs, and elevator lobbies.
    • Taking a position in a rated corridor next to the stairs is a good alternative to a small stair landing crowded with other building occupants using the stairway.

For false or needless alarms or an isolated and contained fire, a person with a disability may not have to evacuate.  The decision to evacuate will be made by the Rolla City Fire Department (RFD).  The RFD will tell the individual their decision or relay the information via the University Police.

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  Disability Guidelines

  • Mobility Impaired - Wheelchair
    Persons using wheelchairs should stay in place, or move to an area of refuge with their assistant when the alarm sounds. The evacuation assistant should tell RFD or University Police the location of the person with a disability. If the person with a disability is alone, he/she should phone University Police at (573-341-4300) (4300 from a campus phone) with their present location and the area of refuge they are headed too.

    If the stair landing is chosen as the area of refuge, please note that many campus buildings have relatively small stair landings, and wheelchair users are advised to wait until the heavy traffic has passed before entering the stairway.

    Stairway evacuation of wheelchair users should be conducted by trained professionals (RFD) if available. Only in situations of extreme danger should untrained people attempt to evacuate wheelchair users. Moving a wheelchair down stairs is never safe.

  • Mobility Impaired - Non-Wheelchair
    Persons with mobility impairments, who are able to walk independently, may be able to negotiate stairs in an emergency with minor assistance. If danger is imminent, the individual should wait until the heavy traffic has cleared before attempting the stairs. If there is no immediate danger (detectable smoke, fire, or unusual odor), the person with a disability may choose to stay in the building, using the other options, until the emergency personnel arrive and determine if evacuation is necessary.

  • Hearing Impaired
    Some buildingson campus are equipped with fire alarm strobe lights; however, many are not.  Persons with hearing impairments may not hear audio emergency alarms and will need to be alerted of emergency situations. Emergency instructions can be given by writing a short explicit note to evacuate.

    Reasonable accommodations for persons with hearing impairments may be met by modifying the building fire alarm system, particularly for occupants who spend most of their day in one location.

  • Visually Impaired
    Most people with a visual impairment will be familiar with their immediate surroundings and frequently traveled routes. Since the emergency evacuation route is likely different from the commonly traveled route, persons who are visually impaired may need assistance in evacuating. The evacuation assistant should offer their elbow to the individual with a visual impairment and guide him or her through the evacuation route. The evacuation assistant should communicate to the impaired person as necessary to assure safe evacuation.