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EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOR STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF
WITH DISABILITIES
It is vitally important for all people on campus to be prepared in
the event of an emergency. The following are suggestions for how people
with disabilities can become better prepared for emergencies and how
other faculty/staff/students can assist them.
TIPS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Talk to instructors or coworkers to let them know you need assistance
getting out of a classroom and/or building in the case of a fire,
earthquake or other disaster. Find out the location of the nearest
stairwell to your location. Ask for their assistance in working out
an evacuation plan. Refer them to the Disability Programs and Resource
Center (DPRC) if they are not sure how to assist you. It is advisable to get to know others in your class or work area
and to ask them to assist you in exiting the building if an emergency
occurs. If you are unable to evacuate a building because of lack of assistance
or inability to use an elevator, and you do not have an evacuation
plan, look for the floor monitor wearing an orange reflective vest
to make your need for assistance known. Go to the nearest stairway
exit and wait for rescue personnel. In emergency situations rescue
workers will go first to stairways to search for people who need assistance.
If other people are around when the emergency occurs, ask someone
to send help for you when safely outside. Complete an Emergency Preparedness Schedule available in the DPRC
and in the Department of Public Safety. This schedule will enable
campus personnel to determine your whereabouts and send rescue workers
if an emergency occurs on campus. Inform rescue workers of the safest and most comfortable way to
assist you in evacuating. If you use a wheelchair and need to be carried
downstairs, let rescuers know how you prefer to be carried and explain
any precautions they need to take in order to avoid causing you any
discomfort or injury. If you take prescription medications on a daily basis, carry a three-
to five-day supply with you at all times. In an emergency situation
you may not be able to get to your home or a pharmacy for several
days. If you have any medical conditions or drug allergies that emergency
personnel would need to know about, keep written information in your
wallet, purse, backpack, etc. Include the names and phone numbers
of friends or relatives who can be contacted in an emergency. If an emergency occurs outside of work or class time, use a campus
courtesy telephone (the emergency number is posted on it) or use a
cell phone to call (415) 338-2222 for assistance.
TIPS FOR FACULTY/SUPERVISORS
Inform all students/employees of the nearest exit to use in case
of an emergency. Faculty can print this information in the course
syllabus and announce it on the first day of class. Encourage students/employees who may need assistance in an emergency
to identify themselves and to make an evacuation plan. Develop a “buddy system” by recruiting at least two
volunteers to assist each person with a disability requesting evacuation
assistance. Inform students/employees with disabilities that they can file an
Emergency Preparedness Schedule with the DPRC and the Department of
Public Safety so that their whereabouts in an emergency can be determined
and rescue personnel can be dispatched.
GUIDELINES FOR EVACUATING PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Be aware of all marked exits from your area and building. Building
Emergency Coordinators have maps showing emergency exit routes for
your building. In all emergencies, evacuate people with disabilities if possible. Do not use elevators (unless authorized) since they could fail during
a fire or a major earthquake. It may be necessary to help clear the exit route of debris (if possible)
so that a person with a disability can move out to a safer area. Always ask someone with a disability how you can help before giving
assistance. Ask how the person can be best assisted and whether there
are any considerations or items that need to come with the person. Do not grasp a visually impaired person’s arm; ask if he or
she would like to hold on to your arm to exit. Warn the person about
steps. Be specific in your verbal instructions (i.e. “ to the
right” rather than “this way”). Keep guide dogs
with owners whenever possible. Get the attention of a person with a hearing disability by touch
and eye contact. Use facial expressions, gestures and body movements
to help in communicating your message. Offer visual instructions to
advise of the safest route or direction by pointing towards exits
or evacuation maps. If people with mobility impairments cannot exit, assist them in
moving to the nearest stairway exit to await rescue personnel. Attempt a rescue evacuation only if you have had rescue training
or the person is in immediate danger and cannot wait for professional
assistance. Evacuating a disabled or injured person yourself is the
last resort. Consider your options and the risks of injuring yourself
and others in an evacuation attempt. Do not make an emergency situation
worse. Once outside, move to a clear area that is at least 500 feet away
from the affected building. Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency
vehicles and personnel.
Back to Other SFSU Disability Resources
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