During Emergencies When an Elevator is Not Available for Use, the Following Procedures Have Been Developed to Handle Situations in Multistory Buildings for Those Unable to Use the Stairs:

  1. When the fire alarm is activated, designated personnel should assist/escort individuals with mobility disabilities to a safe location (enclosed stairwell landing that leads to an exterior exit at the ground level).
  2. Someone should remain with the individual while another person notifies arriving emergency personnel of the location of anyone who needs assistance.
  3. The instructions of the emergency responder should be followed, and no attempt should be made to move the individual to another building level unless there is imminent danger in the safe refuge, e.g., there is heavy smoke in the stairwell.
  4. Individuals unable to utilize the stairs and working alone should call 911 (or 9-911 from a campus phone) and report the location of their planned refuge (stairwell landing).
  5. Anyone unable to reach a stairwell (for instance due to smoke), should close all doors into their area, call 911 (or 9-911 from a campus phone) and wait for emergency personnel to arrive.

 

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Emergency Response Program for Access and Functional Needs

As part of the campus Emergency Preparedness Program, we encourage members of the campus community with access and functional needs to evaluate their individual situation and determine the level of assistance they may require during an emergency. A person with one or more of the following concerns is encouraged to follow the recommendations of the Emergency Assistance Program:

  • Limitations that interfere with walking or using stairs
  • Reduced stamina, fatigue, or tire easily
  • Emotional, cognitive, thinking, or learning difficulties
  • Vision or hearing loss
  • Temporary limitations (surgery, accidents, pregnancy)
  • Use of technology or medications that could interfere with response times.

The Emergency Response Program for Access and Functional Needs provides an opportunity for faculty, staff and students to create an emergency response action plan, identify a support team for special evacuation situations, download an Emergency Assistance Response ID Card and enroll in an automated emergency notification and response system.

If you have a access and functional needs which could impact your ability to promptly respond and evacuate a building or facility during an emergency, please review the following planning and resource information and contact the appropriate campus departments for advice and assistance.

Download the Emergency Assistance Program

Campus Emergency Preparedness Manager

Jim Caesar, (805) 450-1437
james.caesar@ehs.ucsb.edu

Staff and Faculty

Elizabeth Hammond, Disability Services Manager, Human Resources, (805) 893-8571

Students

Disabled Students Program, (805) 893-2668

General Public

ADA Compliance Office, (805) 893-2184