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 College Security 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 College Security Department of the individual's new location.