EVACUATING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

VISUALLY IMPAIRED PERSONS

Most visually impaired persons will be familiar with the immediate area in which they are located. In an emergency, tell the person the nature of the emergency and offer to guide him/her to the nearest emergency exit. Have the person hold your elbow and escort 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 safety location designated by the Evacuation Wardens, orient the person to where (s)he is and ask if any further assistance is needed. Do not leave the person "stranded." If you must leave, get additional assistance for that person.

HEARING IMPAIRED PERSONS

  • Some of our buildings are equipped only with sound alarms. Therefore, persons with impaired hearing may not perceive emergency alarms, and an alternative warning technique is required.
  • Two methods of warning are:

    • Writing a note describing the emergency and the nearest evacuation route. For example: "Fire out rear door to the right and down. Now!"
    • Turning the light switch on and off to gain attention, then indicating through gestures or in writing what is happening and what to do.

PERSONS USING CRUTCHES, CANES, OR WALKERS

Treat these people as if they were injured persons for evacuation purposes. Carrying options include using a two person lock arm position or having the person sit in a sturdy chair, preferably one with arms, while being removed.

NON AMBULATORY PERSONS

  • Most non ambulatory persons will be able to exit safely without assistance if they are on the ground floor. Some people have minimal ability to move, and lifting them may be dangerous. Non ambulatory persons' needs and preferences will vary. Always consult the person as to his/her preference with regard to the following:
  • Ways of being removed from the wheelchair.
  • The number of people necessary for assistance.
  • Whether a seat cushion or pad should be brought along with him/her if he/she is removed from the chair.
  • Whether to extend or bend extremities when lifting because of pain, catheter, leg bags, spasticity, braces, etc.
  • Being carried forward or backward on a flight of stairs.
  • After care if removed from the wheelchair; i.e., whether a stretcher, chair with cushion pad, car seat, or perhaps paramedic assistance is necessary.
  • Evacu-Traks are available for helping people in wheelchairs go down stairs.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO CONSIDER:

  • Wheelchairs have many movable or weak parts, which cannot withstand the stress of lifting (e.g., the seat bar, footplates, wheels, movable arm rests).
  • Some people in wheelchairs may have electrical artificial respirators attached. They should be given priority assistance if there is smoke or fumes, as their ability to breathe is seriously jeopardized.
  • Some people have no upper trunk or neck strength.
  • If you leave the wheelchair behind, remove it from the stairwell and place it so it does not block others.
  • Remove the batteries from a power wheelchair before attempting to transport it. Make sure the footrests are locked and the motor is off.
  • If a seat belt is available, secure the person in the chair.
  • If carrying a person more than three flights, a relay team arrangement may be needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF PEOPLE IN WHEELCHAIRS

  • Evacu-Traks are available for helping people in wheelchairs go down stairs.
  • In the event of emergency, people in wheelchairs and other disabled persons should observe the following procedure for evacuation:
  • All persons shall move toward the nearest marked exit. As a first choice, the wheelchair occupant or other disabled person may attempt to use the elevator (except in case of fire or earthquake).
  • As a second choice, when a wheelchair occupant reaches an obstruction, such as a stairway, s/he should request assistance from others in the area.
  • Note: It is suggested that the wheelchair occupant or other disabled person, when possible, prepare for emergencies ahead of time by learning the locations of exit corridors and smoke tower stairwells and by showing a classmate or instructor how to assist him/her in case of emergency.
  • If choices #1 or #2 are not successful, the wheelchair occupant or other disabled person should stay in the exit corridor or on the landing in the smoke tower stairwell. S/he should press the emergency call button, if there is one in the stairwell, or continue to call for help until rescued. Persons who cannot speak loudly should carry a whistle or have some other means for attracting the attention of others.
  • Note: All exit corridors and smoke tower stairwells are marked with exit signs and are protected with self closing fire rated doors. These are the safest areas during an emergency.
  • Rescue personnel (Fire and Police) will first check all exit corridors and exit stairwells for any trapped persons.
  • Source: Everest and Jennings, "Safety and Handling," Los Angeles, CA, 1976, pp.18, 19.