Evacuation Information

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Evacuation Guidelines

Emergency Evacuation Guidelines for Individuals with Disabilities & Others Who May Need Assistance in an Emergency

This site provides evacuation guidelines for individuals with disabilities or others who believe they will need assistance in the event of a fire or other building emergency.

“Individual with disability” is defined as anyone who may need assistance during a building emergency.

Faculty, staff, students and visitors with disabilities who believe they will need assistance in the event of an evacuation, should develop their own emergency plans, and identify a primary and secondary evacuation route from each building they use.

Individuals with disabilities should:
  • Be familiar with evacuation options.
  • Identify individuals who are willing to assist in case of an emergency.
  • Ask supervisors, instructors, safety team members or physical plant staff about evacuation options for buildings.
  • Contact the Campus Physical Plant Superintendent or a member of your Campus Safety Team about any questions or problems.
SCC Buildings
Most SCC buildings have accessible exits at the ground level floor that can be used during an emergency. It is important to remember that during an emergency, elevators are considered unsafe and should NOT be used. Moreover, elevators are normally automatically recalled to the ground floor during a fire or other emergency.

Blindness Or Visual Impairment Emergency Response

  • Most visually impaired persons will be familiar with the immediate area they are in and may have learned locations of exits and fire alarms in advance.
  • Tell the person the nature of the emergency and offer to guide him/her by offering your left/right elbow (this is the preferred method when acting as a "Sighted Guide"). Do NOT grasp a visually impaired person’s arm.
  • Give verbal instructions to advise about the safest route or direction using compass directions, estimated distances, and directional terms or information (i.e., elevators cannot be used or if there is debris or a crowd.)
  • As you walk, tell the person where you are and advise of any obstacles, e.g. stairs, overhanging objects, uneven pavement, curbs, and narrow passageways.
  • When you have reached the designated Emergency Assembly Point, orient the person to where he/she is and ask if any further assistance is needed.
  • Some individuals may have dog guides that may be disoriented during the emergency, and may require additional assistance.
  • White canes and other mobility aids such as walkers should NOT be left behind.

Deafness Or Hearing Loss Emergency Response

Most structures are not equipped with visual (flashing light) evacuation alarms and persons with impaired hearing may not perceive an emergency exists. An alternative warning technique is required. Methods of warning include:
  • Write a note stating what the emergency is and what the evacuation route is -i.e. "Fire - go out the rear door to Parking Lot".
  • Turn the room lights on and off to gain attention - then indicate through hand gestures or writing (i.e. on a blackboard) what is happening and where to go.
  • Offer visual instructions to advise of safest route or directions by pointing toward exits or evacuation map.
  • People who cannot speak loudly, or with voice/speech impairments, may be carrying a whistle or have other means of attracting attention of others.