How to determine if you are in a full evacuation building if you are disabled
There are two ways to find an emergency evacuation buddy if support during the evacuation is requested. Choose the solution that best suits your needs: Self- Ask for help from two friends or coworkers in the places you usually go. Please specify the kind of help you need. If physical effort is required, check with your friends to be sure they are fit enough to help you without endangering themselves.
Some basic emergency procedures that should be in place
- Learn about the structures you often use. Practice using all potential escape routes. If at all possible, look for impediments. Keep in mind that there might be obstacles like smoke, debris, water, lost power, or other situations.
- If you can’t get out of the building, try to find a place where you can take cover. For help with an emergency evacuation, dial 911. Tell another evacuee where you are. Potential locations for refuge places
- stairwells that are enclosed and don’t hamper the evacuation process
- A neighboring building protected by fire doors
- An office with a closed door that is far enough away from the danger
- Leave the hallways or balconies
- For a head count, please report at the designated assembly place.
- Any surviving occupants of the building should be located, and their conditions should be promptly reported to emergency services.
- Re-enter the building only after being given permission to do so by the proper authorities, such as the police, fire department, etc.
Requesting assistance with evacuation planning
For help creating a personal emergency evacuation plan, get in touch with the office of emergency services or a campus building emergency coordinator. Since the volunteers helping with this plan are not certified first responders, they cannot help with lifting or carrying. If feasible, an Assistant Volunteer may accompany you to safety.
Prepare in advance
The department’s building emergency coordinator should plan out the best evacuation routes and procedures with those who need assistance and their designated helpers. Most disabled persons will be able to safely escape if they are on the bottom level without help. However, it’s crucial to make sure anybody using an assistive device can effectively exit the building through emergency routes without assistance.
When establishing an evacuation strategy, take advice for certain disability into account. Some things to keep in mind:
- Blindness or limited eyesight
- Hard of hearing or deaf
- Canes, crutches, or walkers
- Wheelchairs
- The gathering area outside and the evacuation path.
- Areas where the building can take cover.
- Have the evacuation strategy practiced by all parties involved. This is the greatest method to identify unexpected problems and address them in advance of—rather than during—an emergency.
How to Assist Those Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision
When helping someone who is blind or has impaired eyesight during an evacuation, do the following:
- Inform the individual of the emergency’s nature and extend your arm to help. When serving as a “sighted guide,” this approach is the most effective.
- Using estimated distances and directional terminology, provide vocal directions to advise on the safest path or direction.
- Tell the individual where you are and where the difficulties are as you go.
- As soon as you are secure, orient the individual to their surroundings and inquire whether they want any more help.
- If at all possible, make sure a service animal is not taken away from its owner.
Understand How to Assist Deaf or Hard of Hearing People
The audible fire alarm during an emergency may not be heard by certain persons who are hard of hearing or deaf. Use a different alarm system, like:
- Send a letter informing the recipient of the emergency, the closest escape route, and the meeting location outside.
- Script sample: “FIRE! Take the back door, which is on your right. NOW. Meet on the front yard outside “
- To get their attention, flick the light switch on and off. Then, explain what is occurring and what to do using motions or written words. If you detect natural gas nearby, do not utilize the light switch method.
- Pointing toward exits or evacuation maps, provide visual guidance to advise about the safest path or direction.
- If at all possible, make sure a service animal is not taken away from its owner.
- Having the Knowledge to Assist Those Who Use Crutches, Canes, or Walkers
- Find out how you may help the individual leave the area by asking them for advice.
- Examine your choices for evacuation and if transporting the individual is appropriate. Two people can carry anything together in a lock-arm configuration.
- putting the person in a strong chair, ideally one with arms, and lifting and carrying it.
- For additional information on transferring immobile people securely during an evacuation, see the section below on evacuation chairs.
- Help those with limited mobility leave the premises or reach a safe haven.
Learn How to Assist Wheelchair Users
Consider the following suggestions while preparing for and helping persons who use wheelchairs:
- Never lift a person using a wheelchair. For both ordinary rescuers and non-ambulatory people, the danger is too great (back injury, loss of control of the wheelchair and person in it, tripping, falling).
- For additional information on transferring immobile people securely during an evacuation, see the section below on evacuation chairs.
- Be mindful that some people using wheelchairs could have:
- They have very little mobility and raising them might be harmful to their health.
- very little neck and upper trunk strength.
- equipment or respiratory disorders that make them more susceptible to smoke, fumes, or other toxicants in the air.
- Always inquire about the needs and preferences of the person with a disability in relation to.
Final words
Keep these facts in mind and you will be able to determine whether you are in a building with a full evacuation plan for people with disabilities. Then you will be able to keep peace of mind and stay in the building.
