Evacuation of Persons with Disabilities

All CSN personnel are responsible for the evacuation of persons with disabilities in their respective areas.  CSN personnel must obtain the assistance necessary to evacuate these persons.  CSN personnel must ensure the persons with disabilities are attended until the "ALL CLEAR" is given or until relieved by emergency personnel.

PERSONS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT

1. Tell the person the nature of the emergency.
2. Offer to guide them to the nearest exit.
3. Have the person take your elbow and escort them.  This is the preferred method when acting as a 'sight guide'.

PERSONS WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENT
1. Write a message indicating the nature of the emergency and the nearest evacuation route.
OR
2. Tap the person's shoulder and point to the strobe lights on the fire alarms.
OR
3. Turn the room lights on and off to get the person's attention.
4. Indicate through writing a note or gesturing what is happening and what to do.

PERSONS WITH MOBILITY IMPAIRMENT AND CARRYING OPTIONS
1. Escort to the nearest exit or stairwell assembly point.
2. At least two persons should remain to assist if further evacuation becomes necessary.
3. Do not attempt to carry persons with mobility impairments unless there is IMMINENT DANGER. Lifting a person with minimal ability to move may be dangerous to their well being.
4. Do not attempt to move a wheelchair without asking the persons using the chair.  The chair may have movable parts that may not be designed to withstand the stress of lifting.  Batteries may have to be removed.  Life support equipment may be attached.

CARRYING OPTIONS
1. Two people lock-arms and move the person
OR
2. The impaired person sit in a sturdy chair, preferably one with arms and two persons carry the chair.

ALWAYS CONSULT WITH persons with mobility impairment regarding:
1. The number of people necessary for assistance.
2. The preferred way to be removed from the wheelchair.
3. Whether the seat cushion pad should be brought along with the person if the person is removed from the chair.
4. Whether to extend or bend extremities when lifting because of pain, catheter, leg bands, spasticity, braces, etc.
5. Being carried forward or backward down a flight of stairs.
6. The type of assistance necessary after evacuation.