| 1. Are you a person with a disability? | If you are a person with a disability, it is your responsibility to plan ahead for emergency situations which could involve building evacuations. |
| 2. Would your disability affect your safety in an emergency situation? | In many emergency situations, elevators will not work, lights will out, or telephones may not be operable. |
| 3. Do you know the "safe places" in the buildings you use? | For many buildings a stairwell is a "safe" area to wait until emergency personnel arrive when stairs or elevators cannot be accessed. However, in some buildings, the stairwell acts as a chimney conducting smoke and flames. (For specific information contact the appropriate office listed below.) |
| 4. Would you require special equipment for evacuation? | If elevators are not operating during an emergency, critical time can be saved when you have made arrangements with supervisors or faculty in the buildings or areas you occupy. Emergency personnel will need to know if you require an evacuation chair or other special equipment. This advance planning may save your life. |
| 5. Do you know who to contact to learn about evacuation and safety? | If evacuation information is not posted in areas you use, then contact one of the following or the assigned person in the building you occupy. |
Emergency Response Actions
Medical Emergency Procedure
- Notify Virginia Tech Police of the location, nature and extent of the injury by calling 911.
- Always call from a safe location.
- Protect the victim from further injury by removing any persistent threat to the victim. Do not move the victim unnecessarily.
- Provide first aid until help arrives if you have appropriate training and it is safe to do so.
- Send someone outside to escort emergency responders to the appropriate location, if possible.
Evacuations
If the building is evacuated in response to a fire or similar emergency, all personnel are to report to the pre-designated assembly point. At the assembly point, supervisors account for personnel and report any that are unaccounted for to the Virginia Tech Police and/or the fire department.
To Assist Visually Impaired Persons:
- Announce the type of emergency.
- Offer your arm for guidance.
- Tell the person where you are going, obstacles you encounter.
- When you reach safety, ask if further help is needed.
To Alert People with Hearing Problems:
- Turn lights on/off to gain the person’s attention, or
- Indicate directions with gestures, or
- Write a note with evacuation directions.
To Evacuate People Using Crutches, Canes, or Walkers:
- Evacuate these individuals as injured persons.
- Assist and accompany to evacuation site if possible, or
- Use a sturdy chair (or one with wheels) to move the person, or
- Help carry the individual to safety.
To Evacuate Wheelchair Users:
- Non-ambulatory persons’ needs and preferences vary. Individuals at ground floor locations may exit without help. Others have minimal ability to move. Remember, lifting may be dangerous to you or them.
- Some non-ambulatory persons have respiratory complications. Remove them from smoke and vapors immediately. Wheelchair users with electrical respirators should get priority assistance.
- Most wheelchairs are too heavy to take down stairs. Consult with the person to determine best carry options and reunite the person with the chair as soon as it is safe to do so.
Emergency Preparedness Brochure (PDF | 297KB)
Students
Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD)
(540) 231-0858 (V)
(540) 231-0853 (TTY)
Employees and Faculty
Office for Equity and Inclusion
(540) 231-7500
Please note: When dialing between on-campus extensions, only dial the last five digits (e.g., 231-5000 - dial 1-5000)
Contact Us
University ADA Services
Southgate Center, Suite 148 (0393)
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Office (540) 231-4638
TTY (540) 231-7227
Fax (540) 231-6479
Email: adainfo@vt.edu
Please alert us if you see any access problems.