Sonoma State University - Disability Services for Students

Develop a "buddy" system with classmates (at least 2 in order to have backup) or instructor. Discuss the assistance you need in an emergency and plan how the two/three of you would work together.

Example

Make a list of any specific Do's and Do-Not's that will expedite your evacuation from the classroom/building. Also list your medications, allergies, special equipment, names, addresses, phone numbers of your doctors, pharmacy, family members, friends, and other important information. Give each buddy a copy and carry a copy at all times.

Prepare

Familiarize yourself with several exit routes from your classrooms and the building. In an earthquake or fire you will not be able to use the elevator. Check hallways and exits for possible hazards or obstructions that might impede your safe exit after an earthquake.

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Blindness or Visual Impairment

1. Most visually impaired persons will be familiar with the immediate area they are in and may have learned locations of exits and fire alarms in advance.

2. Tell the person the nature of the emergency and offer to guide him/her by offering your left/right elbow (this is the preferred method when acting as a "Sighted Guide"). Do NOT grasp a visually impaired person’s arm.

3. Give verbal instructions to advise about the safest route or direction using compass directions, estimated distances, and directional terms or information (i.e., elevators cannot be used or if there is debris or a crowd.)

4. As you walk, tell the person where you are and advise of any obstacles, e.g. stairs, overhanging objects, uneven pavement, curbs, narrow passageways.

5. When you have reached the designated Emergency Assembly Point, orient the person to where he/she is and ask if any further assistance is needed.

6. Some individuals may have dog guides that may be disoriented during the emergency, and may require additional assistance.

7. White canes and other mobility aids should NOT be left behind.

Source: CSU Sacramento

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Deafness or Hearing Loss

1. Most structures are not equipped with visual (flashing light) evacuation alarms and persons with impaired hearing may not perceive an emergency exists. An alternative warning technique is required. 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 Parking Lot".

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

2. Offer visual instructions to advise of safest route or directions by pointing toward exits or evacuation map.

3. People who cannot speak loudly, or with voice/speech impairments, may be carrying a whistle or have other means of attracting attention of others.

Source: CSU Sacramento

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Mobility Impairments

1. Mobility-impaired persons should NOT be evacuated by untrained personnel unless the situation is life-threatening. It may be necessary to help clear the exit route of debris (if possible) so that the person with a disability can move out or to a safer area.

2. If people with mobility impairments cannot exit, they should move to a safer area, e.g., most enclosed stairwells, or an office with the door shut which is a good distance from the hazard (and away from falling debris in the case of earthquakes.)

3. Notify police or fire personnel immediately about any people remaining in the building and their locations.

4. Police or fire personnel will decide whether people are safe where they are, and will evacuate them as necessary.

5. If people are in immediate danger and cannot be moved to a safer area to wait for assistance, it may be necessary, only if you have had rescue training, to evacuate them using an evacuation chair or a carry technique. Carrying options include using a two-person lock-arm position, or having the person sit in a sturdy chair - preferably with arms. Before taking action, always ask the person their preferred method of assistance. Refer to the following illustrations for evacuation options. Check with the BUILDING COORDINATOR for the availability of an evacuation chair if needed.

Source: CSU Sacramento

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People Using Crutches, Canes, or Walkers

The same procedure outlined for the Mobility Impaired should be used. Crutches, canes and walkers should NOT be left behind.

Source: CSU Sacramento

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Non-Ambulatory

1. Most non-ambulatory people will be able to exit safely without assistance out of single story buildings.

2. All 2+ story buildings will require persons to be carried out If evacuation assistance is required, always ask the person what method of assistance they prefer. Some people have minimal ability to move and lifting them may be dangerous to their well being. If the person prefers to be moved in their wheelchair see illustrations and procedures for Bumping On a Series of Steps. (See Attachment A.) (The wheelchair user will be carried facing away from the stairs.)

3. Some people have no upper trunk or neck strength to assist in being carried out. If a seatbelt is available, secure the person if use of a chair is the method employed to carry the person to safety.

4. If moving a person more than three (3) flights, a "relay team" arrangement is needed. If a wheelchair is left behind, do NOT leave it in an exit path or doorway to become an obstacle.

5. Wheelchairs have many movable weak parts which were not constructed to withstand the stress of lifting (e.g., the seatbar, footplates, wheels, movable armrests - see illustrations and Wheelchair Nomenclature attached) (See Attachment B.)

6. Frequently, non-ambulatory persons have respiratory complications or rely on electric artificial respirators. They should be given priority assistance if there is smoke or fumes, as their ability to breathe is seriously in danger.

7. Power wheelchairs may have heavy batteries, which are difficult to remove. In this situation, the best response may be to ask the person to transfer to an evacuation chair, if one is available, so that they can be moved immediately. If it is not possible for the person to be removed from the chair (i.e., if the person uses respiratory equipment that is attached to the chair), wait for assistance. If attempting to move a power wheelchair, remove the batteries. Make sure the footrests are locked, the motor is off, and it is in neutral gear. Some power wheelchairs and scooters may not have heavy battery packs, and may be moved with little difficulty.

8. If the person prefers to be removed from their wheelchair, their needs and preferences will vary. Always consult the person as to his/her preference with regard to:

1. Ways of being removed from a wheelchair

2. The number of people needed for assistance

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

4. If a seat cushion or pad should be brought along with him/her if he/she is removed from the wheelchair

5. Being carried forward or backward on a flight of stairs.

6. After-care. If a person is removed from the wheelchair (i.e. a stretcher, chair with cushion pad, or car seat) perhaps paramedic assistance might be needed

9. The person will want their wheelchair retrieved as soon as possible. The wheelchair is essential to the person's mobility and should be given a high priority to be retrieved as soon as possible. Inform Public Safety of the location of wheelchairs to be retrieved.

Source: CSU Sacramento

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