Emergency Preparedness

Evacuation

General Evacuation Procedures It is not always necessary to evacuate a building during an emergency. A power outage, for instance, does not necessarily call for evacuation of a building. The overall safety of the building must first be evaluated: lighting, hazardous materials, ventilation systems, and other hazardous operations. If the building can be safely occupied, evacuation is not necessary.

If evacuation is ordered, follow these procedures:

  • Stay calm, do not rush, and do not panic.

  • Safely stop your work.

  • Gather your personal belongings if it is safe to do so. (Reminder: take prescription medications out with you if at all possible; it may be hours before you are allowed back in the building.)

  • If safe, close your office door and window, but do not lock them.

  • Use the nearest safe stairs and proceed to the nearest exit. Do not use the elevator.

  • Proceed to the designated Emergency Assembly Area (EAA) and report to your roll taker.

  • Wait for any instructions from emergency responders.

  • Do not re-enter the building or work area until you have been instructed to do so by the emergency responders.

Evacuation Procedures for People with Disabilities The following guidelines have been adopted by the Berkeley campus to assist in planning for the evacuation of people with physical disabilities.

After an evacuation has been ordered:

  • Evacuate people with disabilities if possible.

  • DO NOT use elevators, unless authorized to do so by police or fire personnel. Elevators could fail during a fire or major earthquake.

  • If the situation is life threatening, call 9-1-1.

  • Check on people with special needs during an evacuation. A "buddy system," where people with disabilities arrange for volunteers (co-workers/neighbors) alert them and assist them in an emergency, is a good method.

  • Attempt a rescue evacuation ONLY if you have had rescue training or the person is in immediate danger and cannot wait for professional assistance.

  • Always ASK someone with a disability how you can help BEFORE attempting any rescue technique or giving assistance. Ask how he or she can best be assisted or moved, and whether there are any special considerations or items that need to come with the person.

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