Phone: (818) 677-2401 - Fax: (818) 677-5853 - Mail Drop: 8284

Emergency Procedures: Assisting Persons with Disabilities:

• VISUALLY IMPAIRED PERSONS

   Most visually impaired persons will be familiar with the immediate area they are in. In    the event of an emergency, tell the person the nature of the emergency and offer to    guide him/her (this is the preferred method when acting as a "Sighted Guide"). As you    walk, tell the person where you are and advise of any obstacles. When you have    reached the Designated Evacuation Area, orient the person to where he/she is and    ask if any further assistance is needed.

• HEARING IMPAIRED PERSONS

   Most of the buildings on campus are equipped with visual evacuation alarms, however,    some are not. Therefore, persons with impaired hearing may not notice emergency    alarms and will need to be notified by an alternate method. Two (2) methods of    warning are:

      1. Write a note stating what the emergency is and what the evacuation route is - i.e.          "Fire - go out the rear door to the Parking Lot".

      2. Turn the room lights On & Off to gain attention - then indicate through hand          gestures or writing (i.e. on a blackboard) what is happening and where to go.

• PERSONS USING CRUTCHES, CANES OR WALKERS

  Ask the person what assistance they need, and if unable to use the stairs, follow   directions for persons using wheelchairs.

• PERSONS USING WHEELCHAIRS

      1. Seek the assistance of a Floor or Building Warden (orange vest) when           attempting to evacuate persons using wheelchairs from a multi story building.           Immediate evacuation should only be attempted if a life-threatening situation           imminent. Do not use the elevators.

      2. If you cannot locate a Floor or Building Warden, move the person in the           wheelchair or persons using crutches, canes or walkers into the exit stairwell           landing. If possible, have someone stay with the person until emergency personnel           arrive. Keep the door ;closed (to keep smoke out) and report the location to           emergency personnel (Police/Fire Department).

      3. Frequently, persons in wheelchairs have respiratory complications: remove them           from smoke and fumes immediately. Non-ambulatory persons' needs and           preferences will vary. If a person must be removed from a wheelchair,           always consult with the person to determine his / her preference with regard to:

      4. Ways of being removed from the wheelchair.

      5. Whether to extend or move extremities when lifting because of pain, catheter leg           bags, spasticity, braces, etc.

      6. What to do if removed from the wheelchair (i.e.if a stretcher, chair with cushion,           pad, car seat, or perhaps paramedic assistance is needed).

• ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

      1. Wheelchairs have many movable or weak parts which are not constructed to           withstand the stress of lifting (e.g. the seat bar, foot plates, wheels, movable arm           rests)

      2. Some people in wheelchairs may have electric artificial respirators attached. They           should be given priority assistance if there is smoke or fumes, as their ability to           breathe is seriously in danger.

      3. Some people have no upper trunk or neck strength.

      4. If a wheelchair is left behind, DO NOT leave the wheelchair in an exit path or           doorway.

      5. If attempting to move a power wheelchair, remove the batteries. Make sure the           foot rests are locked and the motor is off.

      6. If a seat belt is available, secure the person in the chair.