Evacuation Procedures

Individuals who have Mobility Limitations

If a person in a wheelchair or with a mobility issue is in your area when the fire alarm sounds, help the individual to the designated Area of Rescue. The designated Area of Rescue is typically the nearest stairwell. However, emergency personnel may designate another Area of Rescue (i.e., alternate stairwell or room) depending on the location of the emergency situation or hazard, so it is important to always be alert.

During a drill: Evacuation will proceed from top floor to bottom floor. Members of the Emergency Operations Campus First Response Team will immediately go floor to floor to determine the location of individuals who have mobility limitations.

During an actual emergency evacuation: Emergency responders will go floor to floor, upon arrival, to determine location of individuals with disabilities and evacuate safely.

It is the responsibility of emergency personnel to evacuate the individual. DO NOT attempt to evacuate an individual in a wheelchair unless there is imminent danger. In this case, ask the individual for input regarding the best way to transfer him/her from the wheelchair to make the exit. Remember: Always wait on emergency personnel to evacuate, if possible.

Individuals who have Visual Limitations

If a person who is blind or has low vision is in your area when the fire alarm sounds, help the individual to safely evacuate the area by walking with them to the stairwell and down the stairs. Remove obstacles in the way and act as a buffer for the individual in congested areas. Give verbal cues such as “we are walking through a door” or “take two steps down” to help the individual. If the individual is not able to safely navigate the stairs, have him/her wait in the designated Area of Rescue (see above instructions for those who have mobility limitations).

Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

If a person who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing is in your area when the fire alarm sounds and he/she does not see the flashing light, get the individuals attention and point to the flashing fire alarm and motion to leave the space. Remember, the individual will not hear verbal commands given by emergency personnel.

College Emergency Management Handbook

Rowan-Cabarrus has an emergency management handbook for students & visitors to help the community be prepared for emergencies while on one of our campuses.