General Evacuation
Depending on the type of emergency, it may be necessary either to evacuate a building or to shelter in place, that is, to remain in the building until emergency personnel confirm that it is safe to leave.
In the event of a fire alarm or if instructed by emergency personnel to evacuate,
EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY using the nearest emergency exit.
Do not use elevators unless directed to do so. Never use elevators during a fire evacuation.
Once outdoors, report to your designated rally point. Check in and report missing persons, injuries, damages and/or potentially hazardous conditions to your supervisor or designated point of contact. Keep streets, fire lanes, and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
Supervisors and designated points of contact should call the Vanderbilt University Police Department (VUPD) to report any immediate emergencies.
Do not re-enter the building until authorized to do so by Vanderbilt University Police Department (VUPD) or on-site emergency personnel.
NOTE: Review and practice evacuation routes, assembly areas, and procedures for your office, classrooms, laboratories, residence hall, or other facility BEFORE an emergency happens.
Evacuation for persons with disabilities
See also Emergency Evacuation - General.
When an emergency occurs, it is critical for everyone to take appropriate and deliberate action. If you observe a person with a disability having difficulty evacuating, remember to ask if assistance is needed before taking action. Inquire how best to assist the individual and whether any precautionary measures need to be taken or items need to accompany the person. Consider the following suggestions when assisting individuals with disabilities in an emergency:
Individuals who are blind or have low vision
- Describe the nature of the emergency and the location if relevant.
- Offer your arm to assist with guiding the individual.
- Provide details about where you are going and any obstacles the person may encounter along the route.
- Once at a safe location, orient the individual to the location and inquire if further assistance is needed before leaving the location.
Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing
- Alert the individual. Turn the lights on/off or wave your arms to gain the person’s attention.
- Use gestures or written notes. Indicate directions with gestures or write a note with evacuation instructions.
Individual with mobility limitations—non-wheelchair user
- Discuss needs and preferences. Ask if assistance is needed. Inquire if the person is able to evacuate using the stairs without help or with minor assistance.
- Ensure a clear path of travel. If debris is present, it may be necessary to clear a path to the nearest exit route.
- No imminent danger. If there is no imminent danger, the person may choose to remain in the building or to be directed to an area of refuge (stairwell) until emergency personnel arrive. Fire Department personnel, who are trained in emergency rescue, can then enter the building and assist the person in exiting the building, either down the stairs or using the emergency elevator recall.
- Imminent danger. If danger is imminent, use a sturdy chair, with or without wheels, to move the person, or help carry the person to safety using a carry technique (see carry techniques below), or, if available, use an evacuation chair.
- Mobility aids or devices. Return any mobility aids or devices to the person as soon as possible.
- Once you safely evacuate, notify emergency personnel immediately about any individuals remaining in the building and their locations.
Mobility limitations—Wheelchair user
- Discuss needs and preferences. Non-ambulatory persons’ needs and preferences vary widely. Ask them how they would like to be assisted.
- Wheelchair-user on the ground floor. Individuals who use wheelchairs may choose to evacuate themselves from the ground floor with minimal assistance.
- Ensure a clear path of travel. If debris is present, it may be necessary to clear a path to the nearest exit.
- No imminent danger. If there is no imminent danger, the person may choose to remain in the building or to be directed to an area of refuge (stairwell) until emergency personnel arrive. Fire Department personnel, who are trained in emergency rescue, can then enter the building and assist the person in exiting the building, either down the stairs or using the emergency elevator recall.
- Imminent danger. If danger is imminent and the individual does not wish to be removed from his or her wheelchair, direct the person to the nearest area of refuge (stairwell) and notify emergency personnel immediately. While staying in place, the wheelchair user should keep in direct contact with VUPD Communications by dialing 615-421-1911 from a cell phone and reporting directly pertinent information including location.
- Carrying wheelchair users. Most wheelchairs are too heavy to carry down stairs. If the person wishes to be carried down the stairs without the wheelchair, ask about the best carry options, i.e., two-person cradle carry, office chair evacuation, or, if available, an evacuation chair.
- Mobility aids or devices. Return any mobility aids or devices to the person as soon as possible.
- Once you safely evacuate, notify emergency personnel immediately about any individuals remaining in the building and their locations.
CARRY TECHNIQUES
TO BE USED ONLY IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS WHERE DEATH OR SERIOUS BODILY INJURY IS IMMINENT.
One-person Carry Technique (The Cradle Lift)
- The Cradle Lift is the preferred carry method when the person to be carried has little or no arm strength. It is safer if the person being carried weighs less than the carrier.
- Place one arm under the upper back and one arm under the knees.
Two-person Carry Technique (The Swing Carry or Chair Carry)
To use this technique:
- Carry partners stand on opposite sides of the individual. Wrap individual’s closest arm around one carry partner’s shoulder.
- Grasp carry partner’s forearm behind the individual in the small of the back.
- Reach under the individual’s knees to grasp the wrist of carry partner’s other hand.
- Both carry partners should then lean in close to the individual and lift on the count of three.
- Continue pressing into the individual being carried for additional support in the carry.
Residence Hall Evacuation Locations
In the event of a fire or building evacuation, persons should report to the following evacuation points. Click the cards below to download a PDF map for the evacuation locations for each Residence Hall.
Ingram Commons
Branscomb
Blakemore
Morgan
Mayfield
Chaffin/Lewis
Warren & Moore College Halls
Cole, Tolman, McGill
E. Bronson Ingram Hall
McTyeire
Nicholas S. Zeppos College
Rothschild College
Villages at Vanderbilt
West End Neighborhood
Alpha Tau Omega, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Sigma Nu, Pi Beta Phi
Phi Delta Theta, Zeta Beta Tau, Multicultural Community Space, Zeta Tau Alpha, NHPC
Student Engagement Space, Chi Omega, Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Baptist Collegiate Ministries, Leadership & Service Space, Kappa Sigma
Phi Kappa Psi, Kappa Alpha, Kappa Delta, Alpha Epsilon Pi
Delta Delta Delta, St. Augustine Chapel, Kappa Alpha Theta, Lambda Chi Alpha, Community Event Space, Beta Theta Pi
Create your family’s plan
A family emergency plan isn’t just a document—it’s a lifeline that can make a critical difference when seconds count.
Follow the steps below or use the “Make a Plan” Form from Ready.Gov.
Step 1: Be aware
There are several different types of emergencies and disasters that could affect you. Examples of some of the disaster situations you should plan for include fire, wildfires, tornado, flood, severe thunderstorms, winter storms, earthquake, and other hazards. Once you’ve identified the potential hazards that could affect you, be prepared by making a plan. Discuss the following questions with your family:
- How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
- What is my shelter plan?
- What is my evacuation route?
- What is my family/household communication plan?
- Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?
Step 2: Consider specific needs in your household
Tailor your plan to your family’s specific needs. Keep in mind some of these factors when developing your plan:
- Different ages of members within your household
- Dietary needs
- Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment
- Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment
- Languages spoken
- Cultural and religious considerations
- Pets or service animals
- Households with school-aged children
Step 3: Create a Family Emergency Plan
Include information about the following:
- Your household information (home number, address)
- Evacuation plan/route
- Shelter-in-place area
- Family members
- Emergency plans (for schools, childcare, workplace, etc.)
- Emergency communication & contacts
- Emergency meeting places/rally points
- Utility information (emergency shut-off, electrical panels, etc.)
- Medical information (doctor office, allergies, prescriptions, insurance, etc.)
- Pet information (veterinarian office, medications, foods, allergies, etc.)
Step 4: Assemble your emergency supplies
You may need different supplies for some types of emergencies, but there are some supplies that are useful in any situation. Food, water, medicine, hygiene and first aid supplies are things you will need to have available. Depending on the situation, additional supplies may be needed. Following are suggestions for the items you should include in your emergency supplies.
At Home:
- Food and water (3-day supply minimum)
- First aid kit
- Medicines and medical devices
- Blankets and/or sleeping bags
- Spare keys for car and home
- Flashlights
- Back-up chargers for electronic devices
- Pet supplies
- Important documents (medical ID, copies of birth certificate, identification, insurance policies, etc.)
For Your Car:
- First Aid Kit
- Flashlights
- Blanket
- Bottled water
- Maps
- Jumper cables
More information on emergency kits can be found on Ready.Gov.
Step 5: Practice and maintain your plan
You never finish preparing for emergencies. After you have developed your plan and gathered your supplies:
- Once a year, review your plan and make necessary updates.
- Practice the plan at least twice a year and whenever you have had to make changes.
- Fire Safety:
- Test and recharge your fire extinguisher according to manufacturer's instructions.
- Test your smoke detectors monthly.
- Change smoke detector batteries yearly.
Step 6: Activate your plan
If disaster strikes, stay calm and activate your plan.
- Assess for injuries
- Listen for instructions from local authorities on your battery powered radio
- Assess your home for damage
- Sniff for gas leaks
- Call your “family contact”
- Check on neighbors, especially elderly or disabled
- Confine or secure pets
- Shut off damaged utilities
- Check for fire hazards using flashlights, not matches
If evacuation is necessary:
- Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes
- Lock your home
- Use travel routes outlined by local authorities
- Post a note telling others when you left and where you are going