For Students with Mobility Impairment

  1. Informing Instructors: Students with mobility impairments must communicate their safety needs to their instructors. This includes explaining the type of assistance they would require in an emergency.
  2. Knowing the Environment: Students should acquaint themselves with the locations of firewalls in buildings where they have classes. For this information, they should contact the Safety and Security office or maintenance personnel.

For Instructors

  1. Communication with Students: Instructors should converse with mobility-impaired students to understand the type of emergency assistance they need.
  2. Seeking Volunteer Assistance: Instructors should request class volunteers to aid mobility-impaired students during emergencies. If no volunteers are found, contact the director of Safety and Security for alternative arrangements.
  3. Emergency Preparedness: Instructors must be aware of the locations of firewalls within their buildings and should instruct their classes accordingly. They can obtain this information from Safety and Security or maintenance personnel.

For Staff and Instructors with Mobility Impairment

  1. Communication is Key: Staff and instructors should inform their supervisors and colleagues about their emergency assistance requirements.
  2. Familiarize with the Building: Knowing the locations of elevators, stairways, and firewalls is essential for personal safety. This information can be found by contacting Safety and Security or maintenance personnel.

Evacuation Procedure

  1. Volunteer Assistance: At least two individuals should volunteer to help each person with a mobility impairment during evacuations.
  2. Understanding Needs: The mobility-impaired individual will guide the volunteers on the assistance required.
  3. Elevator Use: In fire emergencies, elevators can be used if they are protected by a firewall. Do not use elevators if the building lacks a firewall or if the fire is nearby.
  4. Stairway Procedure: If elevators are not an option, the impaired person and volunteers should wait until the stairway is clear. One volunteer and the impaired person should stay inside the closed fire doors at the top of the stairs for visibility to rescue teams.
  5. Alerting Authorities: The second volunteer should inform Safety and Security or fire rescue personnel of the impaired person’s location.
  6. Remaining in Place: In certain situations, staying in the classroom or office may be safer. Instructors should then notify the appropriate authorities of the location and individuals waiting for rescue.
  7. Last Resort Evacuation: Carrying the mobility-impaired person should only be considered if no other viable options and the impaired individual agrees to this method.

Special Note for Graff Hall Occupants

  • Wheelchair Lift: Those who use Graff Hall should familiarize themselves with the mechanical wheelchair lift designed for emergency evacuations. For assistance, contact Safety and Security.

Further Assistance

  • For any questions or clarifications, contact the director of Safety and Security at 447-6911 or via email at safetyandsecurity@otc.edu.

Updated: 2/28/2024