Evacuation of the Mobility Impaired
< Emergency Preparedness
Evacuation of the Mobility Impaired
During emergencies, individuals with mobility impairments or handicaps may need assistance with evacuating a building.
Ambulatory Individuals
Ambulatory individuals are those with disabilities that might impair rapid building evacuation. Examples include those who are blind, deaf, or whose mobility is restricted by the use of crutches or a walker. Assistance to ambulatory individuals can be provided by guiding them to a stairwell, waiting until clear passage is established, and helping them either up or down the stairs.
Non-Ambulatory Individuals
Non-ambulatory individuals are those with disabilities that require the use of a wheelchair. To assist these individuals, proceed as follows:
- Contact the Otterbein University Police Department at (614) 823-1222. Provide as much information as possible. Most importantly, provide the individual's location.
- Move the individual near a stairwell and await assistance if no immediate danger exists within the area of the stairwell.
- If the hazard becomes life-threatening, move the individual into a room and close the door. If evacuation is deemed necessary, attempt to gain volunteer assistance and evacuate by way of an established route.
- Immediately inform the Otterbein University Police Department of the individual's new location.