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Emergency Evacuations for Individuals with Disabilities

Employees and students with disabilities who live, work, or attend courses are encouraged to develop an individualized evacuation plan tailored to their specific needs. Students seeking individualized evacuation plans should email the Point Park Accessibility Office at accessibility@pointpark.edu.

If a person with a disability is alone, they should call the Police Dispatch Center at 412-392-3960 with their present location and the Area of refuge they are heading toward. (An area of refuge is a safe location, such as a fire-resistant stairwell or protected corridor, where individuals unable to evacuate can wait for emergency personnel.)

General Guidelines for Assisting Individuals with Disabilities During Evacuations

The following information provides general guidelines for assisting individuals with disabilities during an evacuation. In an emergency, it is critical that everyone takes deliberate action. If you encounter a person with a known disability experiencing difficulty evacuating, always ask if assistance is needed before intervening. Inquire how best to assist the individual and whether any specific precautions need to be taken or personal items need to accompany them.

Individuals Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision:

  • Describe the nature of the emergency and any relevant details about the location.
  • Offer your arm to assist in guiding the individual to safety.
  • Explain where you are going and mention any obstacles they might encounter on the route.
  • Once in a safe location, orient the individual to their surroundings and ask if any further assistance is needed.

Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing:

  • Gain the individual’s attention by turning lights on/off, waving your hand, or using other visual signals.
  • Use gestures or written notes to communicate clearly.
  • Indicate directions visually or write a note with evacuation instructions.

Individuals with Mobility Limitations (Non-Wheelchair Users):

  • Discuss needs and preferences—ask if assistance is needed and whether the individual can use the stairs with or without minimal help.
  • Ensure a clear path of travel. If debris is blocking the exit route, clear a path if possible.
  • If there is no imminent danger, the individual may choose to remain in the building or move to an area of refuge (e.g., stairwell) until emergency personnel arrive.
  • If danger is imminent:
    1. Assist the individual in evacuating via the safest route.
    2. If the person prefers not to use stairs, escort them to an area of refuge and notify emergency responders immediately.
  • Mobility aids or devices: Ensure that mobility aids (canes, walkers, etc.) are returned promptly once the individual is evacuated.
  • Notify emergency personnel about any individuals remaining in the building and their exact locations.

Individuals with Mobility Limitations (Wheelchair Users):

  • Ask the individual how they would like to be assisted and follow their instructions.
  • Ground-floor evacuation: If on the ground floor, wheelchair users may choose to evacuate independently with minimal help.
  • Ensure a clear path of travel. Clear any debris from the exit route if necessary.
  • If there is no imminent danger, the person may choose to remain in the building or move to an area of refuge until emergency personnel arrive.
  • If danger is imminent:
    1. If the individual does not wish to be removed from their wheelchair, direct them to the nearest area of refuge (e.g., stairwell) and notify emergency responders immediately.
    2. If the individual agrees to be carried, ask them about their preferred carry options (e.g., two-person carry, seated carry).
  • Mobility aids: Ensure that wheelchairs and other mobility devices are returned as soon as possible after evacuation.
  • Notify emergency personnel about any individuals remaining in the building and their exact locations.

This policy aims to promote safety, dignity, and respect for all individuals, ensuring that those with disabilities receive the assistance they need during emergencies. For further support, please contact the Accessibility Office at accessibility@pointpark.edu.