Emergency Preparedness

The SAR Center would like to encourage all students with disabilities to be prepared in the event of an emergency.

SUGGESTIONS FOR STUDENTS

Develop an evacuation plan by finding out the locations of emergency exits.

If you take prescription medications on a day-to-day basis, carry a three-to-five-day supply with you at all times. In an emergency you may not get to your home or a pharmacy for several days.

Inform rescue workers of the safest and most comfortable way of evacuating you. If you use a wheelchair and need to be carried downstairs let rescuers know how you prefer to be carried and explain any special precautions they need to take in order to avoid causing you any discomfort or injury.

If you have any medical conditions or drug allergies that emergency personnel would need to know about, keep written information in your wallet, purse, backpack, etc.-including the names and phone numbers of friends or relatives who can be contacted in an emergency.

If you are unable to evacuate a building safely because of your inability to use an elevator and you do not have an evacuation plan, look for the building’s Safety Liaison (wearing a fluorescent green UTA vest) and make your need for assistance known. If other people are present when the emergency occurs, ask someone to send help for you, when safely outside.

Ask

Always ask someone with a disability how you can help before giving assistance. Ask how the person can be best assisted or moved and whether there are any special considerations or items that need to come with the person.

Consider

Attempt a rescue evacuation only if you have had rescue training or the person is in immediate danger and cannot wait for professional assistance. Evacuating a disabled or injured person yourself is the last resort. Consider your options and the risks of injuring yourself and others in an evacuation attempt. Do not make an emergency situation worse.

Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Get the attention of a person who is Deaf or hard of hearing by touch and eye contact. Use facial expressions, gestures and body movements to help in communicating your message. Offer visual instructions to advise on the safest route or direction by pointing towards exits or evacuation maps.

Physically Impaired

If people with mobility impairments cannot exit, assist them in moving into the nearest exit to await rescue personnel.

Visually Impaired

Do not grab a visually impaired person’s arm; ask if he or she would like to hold on to your arm to exit. Warn the person about steps. Be specific in your verbal instructions (i.e. “ to the right” rather than “this way”). Keep guide dogs with owners whenever possible.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Campus Police

Emergency: 817-272-3003
Non-Emergency: 817-272-3381