Evacuation Procedures

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

1. Describe the nature of the emergency and the location if relevant.
2. Offer your arm to assist with guiding the individual.
3. Provide details about where you are going and any obstacles the person may encounter along the route.
4. 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

1. Alert the individual. Turn the lights on/off or wave your arms to gain the person’s attention.
2. Use gestures or written notes. Indicate directions with gestures or write a note with evacuation instructions.

Individual with mobility limitations—non-wheelchair user

1. 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.
2. Ensure a clear path of travel. If debris is present, it may be necessary to clear a path to the nearest exit route.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Mobility aids or devices. Return any mobility aids or devices to the person as soon as possible.
6. Once you safely evacuate, notify emergency personnel immediately about any individuals remaining in the building and their locations.

Mobility limitations—Wheelchair user

1. Discuss needs and preferences. Non-ambulatory persons’ needs and preferences vary widely. Ask them how they would like to be assisted.
2. Wheelchair-user on the ground floor. Individuals who use wheelchairs may choose to evacuate themselves from the ground floor with minimal assistance.
3. Ensure a clear path of travel. If debris is present, it may be necessary to clear a path to the nearest exit.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Mobility aids or devices. Return any mobility aids or devices to the person as soon as possible.
8. 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)

1. 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.
2. 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:

1. Carry partners stand on opposite sides of the individual. Wrap individual’s closest arm around one carry partner’s shoulder.
2. Grasp carry partner’s forearm behind the individual in the small of the back.
3. Reach under the individual’s knees to grasp the wrist of carry partner’s other hand.
4. Both carry partners should then lean in close to the individual and lift on the count of three.
5. Continue pressing into the individual being carried for additional support in the carry.