Evacuating Buildings

Anytime You are in a Building and You Hear and Alarm Sounding . . .

Leave the building immediately and proceed to the nearest Rally Point. Walk, don't run.
Use stairs to evacuate! Elevators can jam and trap you inside.
Help people around you. Knock on doors, check bathrooms and call out to others as you leave. Assist anyone who is physically limited or disabled.
Wear shoes to protect your feet from debris.

In Case Of Fire . . .

If you smell smoke or detect a fire, pull the nearest alarm and once outside the building call UPD at 911.
Before opening any door, feel it to see if it is hot. If it is hot, leave it closed and stuff towels or clothing in the cracks around the door, and open the window. If the window is too high for a safe exit, turn on the lights and signal for help. If the door is not hot, open cautiously. Be prepared to close it immediately if you discover a fire.
Be cautious when leaving a building on fire. Carry some type of cloth or piece of clothing to cover your mouth to protect yourself from smoke. If you can see or smell smoke in a hallway or stairway, use another exit route if you can. But if you must escape through smoke, stay close to the floor where the air is clearer.
Go directly to a Rally Point if safe to do so. If not, find a common safe place to gather and notify someone in charge wearing an orange safety vest of any missing persons.

In Case Of an Earthquake . . .

Immediate evacuation may not be advisable, as injuries may occur from the shaking and falling debris. If possible, cover your head and neck with your arms. Get close to interior walls, stay away from windows or shelves.
If outdoors, find cover in a wide open space away from falling debris.
After the shaking stops, exit buildings immediately and go to your Rally Point outside your building and wait for instructions.

Evacuating of Persons with Disabilities

Emergencies can strike at any time, prompting an immediate evacuation depending on its nature. For this reason, individuals with functional disabilities/impairments should consider their needs, alternate means of communication, identification and barriers that could impede evacuations.

Mobility Impairment (How Can I Prepare)

Persons with mobility impairments or using wheelchairs should prepare for emergencies ahead of time by instructing classmates or faculty on how to assist her/him in case of emergency
In the case of fire or earthquake when the elevators should not be used, persons using wheelchairs or with mobility impairments should move toward the nearest stairwell and request assistance from others in the area

Mobility Impairment (How Can I Help)

Ask if the persons require help and what kind (wheelchair support, crutch support, shoulder support, etc.)
Identify if you'll need another hand. In some cases, one individual may not be enough to fully support the other person's needs
Learn about different devices and their alternatives. Knowing how to operate a wheelchair can aid in evacuation if said persons is unable to communicate

Visual Impairment (How Can I Prepare)

Learn two or more evacuation routes from every building you frequently visit — home, work, friends' places — and practice them regularly (at least twice a year)
Pre-select and train one or more “buddies”—colleagues, neighbors, roommates—who will know how you like to be guided and will assist calmly during an emergency
Have back‑up mobility tools ready: an extra white cane (longer length helps detect floor changes), tactile markers on key paths, and any necessary magnifiers or low-vision aids marked with fluorescent tape or Braille

Visual Impairment (How Can I Help)

Describe the nature of the emergency and offer to guide the person to the nearest exit. Have the person take your elbow and escort him or her, advising of any obstacles, such as stairs, narrow passageways or overhanging objects. When you have reached safety, orient the person to where you are and ask if further assistance is needed.

Hearing Impairment (How Can I Prepare)

Carry extra hearing-aid batteries, charging cables, backup hearing aids, waterproof cases, and cleaning supplies
Flashlights to aid lip-reading in low light
Pen, paper, and pre-printed communication cards (e.g., “I am deaf: ASL interpreter needed”)

Hearing Impairment (How Can I Help)

Many buildings are not equipped with flashing light alarms, and persons with impaired hearing may not perceive that an emergency exists. Communicate with the person by writing a note or using simple hand gestures.

Other Impairments

While many impairments may present themselves in a stereotypical view, there remains a need to accommodate the wider variety of invisible disabilities/impairments such as ; cognitive/psychiatric, respiratory, speech/communication and other neurological conditions.

What I Can Do to Prepare

Create a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) with simple, pictorial instructions or color-coded routes
Build in rest breaks into evacuation plan; avoid strenuous routes when possible
Carry pre‑printed cards or devices indicating “I can’t speak—help me evacuate” or directions for evacuation
Carry a seizure action plan or medication reminders if needed
Practice handling locks, latches, doors in evacuation scenarios

What I Can Do To Help

Communicate calmly and slowly, using clear, simple language and reassurance
Ensure smoke-free paths; notify emergency responders of someone with breathing difficulties
Tell the person slowly, write simple messages, or use their communication device
Escort them calmly along known routes; disable distractions that might cause confusion
Be aware seizures or disorientation may occur; stay with them and seek medical help if needed
Assist physically within your capability: guiding, carrying via proper techniques or equipment like evacuation chairs

And above all else…

Always ask what assistance is needed and follow the individual’s lead
Notify emergency services promptly of anyone waiting in refuge points or with special needs

In the event of an emergency, it is expected that all students and staff work together during an evacuation. However, there may be circumstances that prevent you from being able to fully assist others or get to a safe place. If assistance is not immediately available, the person should remain in the area and call for help until assistance arrives. Persons who cannot speak loudly should carry a whistle, bang on a metallic object or have other means of attracting the attention of others.

Rescue personnel, fire and police will first check all exit corridors and exit stairwells for trapped persons first, if you know a location of someone left behind – let emergency personnel know immediately

For more information on how to better prepare yourself or support others during an emergency, please visit the following resources provided by CPH and external sources;

Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities | Emergency Preparedness and Disability Inclusion | CDC

Evacuation Procedures | Cal Poly Humboldt

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Diversity Resource Guide - Students with Disabilities | Cal Poly Humboldt

Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities - YouTube

Preparedness for All: Emergency Planning for People with Disabilities

Evacuating People with Disabilities from a High-Rise Building 1987 - YouTube