NOTE: Only in situations of extreme danger should untrained persons attempt to manually evacuate wheelchair users. The person with the disability is the best authority on how to be moved.

GROUND FLOOR

Persons with physical disabilities should evacuate via accessible exits with other occupants of the building.

ABOVE OR BELOW GROUND FLOOR

Visually Impaired:
Explain to the person with the visual impairment the nature of the emergency and offer to guide him/her to the nearest exit. Have the person take your elbow and escort him out of the building. As you walk, advise them of all obstacles. When you reach safety, orient the person to their location and ask if further assistance is necessary.

Hearing Impaired:
Alert the individual to the situation with gestures or by turning the lights on and off. Provide a short note containing information about the emergency and offer assistance as you leave the building.

Mobility Impaired:
Since elevators should not be used during an evacuation, persons with mobility impairments will need assistance, unless they are on the ground floor with accessible exits. Individuals who are ambulatory may be able to evacuate themselves, however, someone should accompany them to provide assistance if necessary. Non-ambulatory persons should be taken to a place of safety and wait for emergency rescue personnel to arrive. Where possible, they should be moved to a room with an outside window and a telephone. Notify 911 of the location and need for special assistance to evacuate a disabled person.