Emergency Evacuation of Persons with Limited Mobility/Special Needs
IF YOUR MOBILITY IS LIMITED:
Pre-planning is essential for a safe evacuation. If you are a person who has special needs, know your limitations and consider what you would do in an emergency. If you need to evacuate, help yourself and your rescuers by providing them with the information they need about the best ways they can assist you since people may not be aware of your circumstances or how to help. Consider having a primary person to assist, but have a back-up person just in case the primary person may not be available in an emergency.
Offering Assistance to Others:
Visually impaired persons:
In an emergency, tell the person the nature of the emergency and offer to guide them to the nearest emergency exit. Have the person take your arm and escort them out. This is the preferred method when acting as a “sighted guide.”
Hearing impaired persons:
- Write a note telling what the emergency is and the nearest evacuation route. For example: “Fire - go out rear door to the right, and down, NOW.”
- Turn light switch off and on to gain the person’s attention and then use gestures to show what to do.
Ambulatory persons using crutches, canes, or walkers:
Carrying options include a two-person locked arm position or having the person sit in a sturdy chair, preferably one with arms. If time permits call University Police at 942-2071 for assistance.
Non-ambulatory persons (e.g., wheelchairs):
Contact University Police at 942-2071, then move to an area of refuge such as a stairwell, if possible.
There are many considerations when moving someone who is in a wheelchair. For example, wheelchairs have moveable parts and some are not designed to withstand the stress of lifting a person. You may have to remove chair batteries. Life support equipment may also be attached. Because lifting a person with minimal ability to move may be dangerous to them, pre-planning for individual needs is best.
When lifting a person, remember to use proper lifting techniques:
- Never try to lift someone alone. Always get two persons to help lift a person.
- Place one foot a little ahead of the other with toes pointed out slightly.
- Place your feet about shoulder width apart.
- Bend at your knees and lift yourself and the person with your legs, keeping your back straight.