Emergency Evacuation Preparedness: Taking Responsibility For Your Safety A Guide For People with Disabilities and Other Activity Limitations

Get Involved in the Planning Process

Create, Review and Practice Emergency Plans

Seek out the risk management team to determine if there is a CURRENT plan. Review the plan. Make sure your site is not just using a boilerplate, nonspecific or generic disaster plan. Each building and sometimes each area [in large buildings] is unique and should have its own plan.  It is important to treat all people with disabilities as individuals. Do not "lump" all people with disabilities into one category. For example, there are some emergency plans where all people with disabilities were "directed" to go to the area of rescue assistance to await members of the emergency team to escort them to safety. As a general rule there is no reason that individuals with hearing or vision loss cannot use the stairs to make an independent escape as long as they are effectively notified of the need to evacuate and can find the stairway. (Bondi 2001)

When there is no plan, or when the plan is not current, encourage management to develop one and become involved in the planning process.

Include yourself and others with or without disabilities who:

• have a user's perspective and are knowledgeable about the relevant federal, state and local accessibility building codes;

• can share information from a cross‑disability perspective, (they have experience  and can consider the needs of those with different types of disabilities [hearing, vision, mobility, speech, cognitive and sensitivity to airborne chemicals]);

• can provide concrete, practical knowledge.

Make sure you are included in the decisions regarding which equipment and procedures will work for you.

You need to be a part of the discussion regarding the selection of and use of the accommodation, procedures, equipment and assistive devices that will work for you to provide a safe evacuation. You are the best provider of information regarding your specific abilities and limitations and how best to provide you appropriate and effective assistance.  (Cameron)

Individuals with disabilities don't always agree on the best ways to provide accessibility services. Be prepared for some debate. Usually there is an easy, appropriate solution that provides adequate accommodation options.

Talk to the emergency services coordinator regarding how qualified people with disabilities can be recruited. Sometimes you can find qualified people with disabilities by contacting a disability‑related organization such as an ATA (Alliance for Technology Access) Center or Independent Living Center (ILC).  ATA centers are community‑based, consumer‑directed centers focusing on technology. Independent living centers (ILCs) are private, nonprofit corporations that provide advocacy and services to maximize the independence of individuals with disabilities and the accessibility of communities. To contact an ATA Center or an ILC in your area, and for a listing of other disability related organizations (see References and Resources.)