Assisting Persons with Disabilities to Evacuate a Building in the Event of an Emergency

Environmental Health & Safety and Disability Resources

Tips for Assisting Persons with Disabilities to Evacuate a Building in the Event of an Emergency

•

Before an Emergency:

1.	Make sure all exits are clearly marked and not obstructed in any manner.
2.	If possible, the Floor and/or Building Warden should orient persons with disabilities to the building evacuation procedure through printed material or some other means.
3.	The Floor and/or Building Warden should be familiar with persons with disabilities who routinely use the building.

•

During an Emergency Evacuation Procedure:

1.	Communicate the nature of the emergency to the person.
2.	Ask the person how they would like to be assisted.
3.	When you evacuate the person, make sure you bring along their mobility aids if possible, for example, cane, walker, etc.

•

Persons with Visual Disabilities:

Tell the person the nature of the emergency and offer to guide them to the nearest exit. Have them take your elbow and help them avoid obstacles. Even if they have a guide dog, it is wise to offer to physically guide them. When you reach safety, tell the person where they are and help them to get oriented to the location.

•

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons:

While most buildings have flashing light alarms, the person may be engrossed in their work or in a location where the alarm is not readily visible. Communicate the emergency to them in whatever manner is comfortable to you, utilizing hand gestures or a quick note.

•

Persons using Canes, Walkers or Crutches:

Ask the person what assistance they need. If they are unable to use the stairs, follow directions for persons using wheelchairs (below).

•

Persons using Wheelchairs:

Ask the person what assistance they need. In general, however, persons using wheelchairs should be moved to a fire safe exit (stairwell landing). If possible, have someone stay with him/her until additional assistance has arrived.

In an emergency, DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS. IF a person with a disability is located above the first floor, they should be moved to an exit/stairwell corridor out of the flow of foot traffic. All of the stairwell landings/corridors are protected with fire rated doors and are the safest place to be in the event of a fire. Rescue personnel are trained to check these areas for persons who may be trapped. You should inform rescue personnel when you exit the building of the location of where you placed the person using the wheelchair.

•

Purpose of Stairwells:

1.	Stairwells are the required means of egress in an emergency.
2.	They are designed as a safe environment free of all products of combustion.
3.	It is imperative that the stairwell doors be kept closed when not being used. This is a design feature that prevents the stairwells from filling up with smoke due to a door on the fire floor being wedged or held open. In addition, these tight fitting doors prevent the spread of smoke and fire up the stairwell to any other floor.
4.	Escalators can also be used as stairs.

Elevators are a convenience and NOT to be used as an egress route in the event of a fire. Elevators can become unreliable and can actually take trapped occupants directly to the fire floor!

•

Remember that many persons using wheelchairs may be very fragile. They may be unable to move independently and may have a wheelchair that includes medical devices they are dependent upon. They may also use a power wheelchair that includes a heavy battery. Trying to lift the wheelchair down stairs with the person in it could result in injuries to both the person with the disability and the person(s) attempting to assist them.

For more information, please call:

Environmental Health & Safety (818) 677-2401 or Disability Resources (818) 677-2684 (v/tty)