If you need assistance because of mobility, visual, or hearing issues (even temporarily), you should do the following:
- Be aware of your own capabilities and limitations
- Let Human Resources know of your needs. The information you give to Human Resources will be given to SUPD and to OEHS. OEHS will give your information to the floor warden for your area.
- SUPD and OEHS will contact you to help identify an exit strategy or safe place of refuge during an emergency.
During an evacuation, if you are unable to exit the building, tell your floor warden or a co-worker giving your exact location. Also call the University Police giving your exact location. (617-573-8111)
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Individuals who need assistance during an evacuation are encouraged to identify and discuss with staff in advance who might assist them in leaving the building and/or who will inform emergency personnel of their presence and where they are located so that further assistance can be provided.
The reported emergency in the building may be such that evacuation may not always be necessary for persons with special needs or disabilities. The individual with special needs and/or disabilities should contact the University Dispatcher at (617)573-8111 for information and instructions.
If the University Police or Fire Department personnel determine that evacuation is necessary:
- Tell the Dispatcher your location
- Go to the nearest stairwell away from danger
- If you are not in immediate danger, allow the majority of the traffic to pass before entering the stairwell. Then enter the stairwell and wait on the landing for emergency personnel
- If the stairwell cannot be used, enter the safest area, away from danger and call (617)573-8111. Tell the University Dispatcher your exact location and wait for assistance. Telephones will often work in a burning building. If the telephone does not work, try signaling at a window by waving a cloth or other visible object.
The University Police and Security will notify the emergency response personnel of any special needs and/or disabled individuals. Registration by special needs and/or disabled individuals is a voluntary recommendation. Individuals with special needs and/or disability - or who become mobility impaired are strongly advised to register. Individual evacuation plans can be developed, consistent with individual requirements.
Floor wardens will notify emergency response personnel of any other non-ambulatory individuals or persons with special needs and/or disability they know about who are unable to exit the building unassisted. Transporting of individuals with special needs and/or disability up or down stairwells should be avoided without the assistance of emergency response personnel. Unless imminent life-threatening conditions exist in the immediate area occupied by a non-ambulatory or disabled person, relocation of the individual should be limited to an area of refuge on the same floor separated by a set of closed fire doors preferably in close proximity to an evacuation stairwell.
Reminders for persons with special needs or disabilities:
- Take control without depending on others to take the first step
- Do not be afraid to let others know you need assistance
- Do not hesitate to communicate what your special needs are in order to make the evacuation easier and safer
- Plan ahead. Be prepared
- When entering the building, look and locate the most available telephones. Note EXIT signs, stairwells, and location of fire alarm pull stations
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