Assisting Physically Challenged Persons Students, faculty and staff who have disabilities are encouraged to self-report their status to the Director of Security at 312-261-3050 or the local Facilities Office, so appropriate action can be planned for or taken on their behalf in the event of an emergency situation. Upon contact with Campus Security, the following information will be requested: • Name • Office phone # • Cell phone # • Building • Office room/classroom # • Class schedule information – if student • Hours in building • Days of the week • E-Mail address • Type of assistance needed The steps to follow in an evacuation when dealing with physically challenged persons are as follows: • If possible, assist in moving persons who are physically challenged to the interior of the nearest stairwell (which are designated as safe areas) but away from the suspected fire area. • Alert the responding personnel (Fire Department and CIRT) to the fact that someone is in that stairwell. • Do not move persons with physical disabilities down the stairwell without Police or Fire Department personnel (who are trained in these procedures) present to assist. • When advance arrangements have been made based on knowledge of a disabled person in the building, Physical Plant personnel will assist in moving the person to the stairwell. • When personnel making floor checks observe a disabled person, they will direct efforts to move the person to the stairwell. Considerations for People with Disabilities Note: Individuals who have an unobservable disability may or may not self-identify before an emergency. Such disabilities may include arthritis, a cardiac condition, chronic back problems, asthma, a learning disability, etc. These persons may need additional help during emergency situations. Request that all persons who feel that they may need special assistance notify the appropriate key departmental persons so that arrangements can be made in advance to meet their needs. General Guidelines The safest areas during an emergency are those areas where exit corridors and smoke tower stairwells are protected by self-closing doors. Ambulatory disabled individuals are advised to proceed to them immediately. Campus rescue personnel are instructed to check all exit corridors and exit stairwells first for any stranded persons. No one should attempt to use an elevator to evacuate during an emergency — use the stairs.
Specific Recommendations Visually Impaired Persons
Tell the person the nature of the emergency and offer your arm for guidance. This is the preferred method when acting as a “sighted guide” and leading a visually impaired person from the building. As you walk, tell the person where you are and where obstacles are located. When you reach safety, orient the person to the location and ask if further assistance is needed.
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