Office of Environmental Health & Safety
Fire/Occupational Safety Section

Evacuation Procedures for Individuals with Disabilities

*        A disabled individual is defined as anyone with a permanent or temporary disability, who for whatever reason, is unable to evacuate a building using the stairwell.

*        Physically disabled persons who are unable to evacuate, should be advised to remain in the room.  Preferably with a volunteer, and close the door to the corridor.

*        If the individual is unable to remain in the room, because of smoke or another danger, advise the individual to to go to the nearest stairwell.  Ask a volunteer to remain in the stairwell with the individual.

*        Exit the building and immediately notify the VCU Campus Police, or Richmond Bureau of Fire (or as soon as they arrive on the scene) of the exact location of the disabled individual.  (You must, of course, assure that the fire has been reported by activating a pull station prior to leaving the building.)

*        The fire department will arrive within minutes to help complete the evacuation.  The messenger should communicate you location to the Evacuation Coordinator, VCU Police or Richmond Bureau of Fire.
 

If you have any questions about the evacuations procedures for individuals with disabilities you may call OEHS at 828-0040.


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