PURPOSE
This plan aims to outline procedures and responsibilities while enhancing planning efforts and providing necessary training for staff regarding fire and emergency evacuations, in compliance with state and local regulations.
SCOPE
This plan applies to all occupants within the campus facilities.
COORDINATION WITH OTHER EMERGENCY PLANS
UMES EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN
This plan details the procedures and responsibilities for gathering information, coordinating with UMES Police (refer to Section E.4), and addressing non-fire building emergencies, as well as managing other significant or campus-wide emergencies.
OTHER DEPARTMENTAL EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLANS
This departmental plan is coordinated as necessary with other departmental plans.
D COORDINATION WITH DEPARTMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY PLANS
This plan reflects the University’s emergency response procedures and programs and satisfies an element of the Department Health and Safety Plan required by the
Department of Labor and Industries.
E UNIVERSITY EMERGENCY RESOURCES AND CONTACTS
The UMES Police Department maintains an emergency Communications Center
For emergency reporting at any time, including fires, medical emergencies, or hazardous material incidents, call 3300 from any campus phone If using a private line or pay phone, dial 410-651-3300 For non-emergencies, contact Ext 6590 or 410-651-6590.
Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) offers consultation and support for hazardous material spills, temporary controls, and general information to the local Fire Department and UMES departments during regular business hours, which are Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm For assistance outside of these hours, the EH&S Duty Officer system can be contacted through UMES.
EH&S is not an emergency response unit Report all emergencies to UMES Police at EXT
The Physical Plant operates a 24/7 response unit known as the Facility Operations Maintenance Specialists, or On Call This team automatically responds to fire alarms and other emergencies, providing essential support for the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Their services include operating and resetting the fire alarm system, managing HVAC systems, and shutting down utilities such as steam, water, and electricity Requests for On Call support can be made through the Police Department.
In the event of a significant local or regional emergency, the UMES President has the authority to activate the University’s Emergency Operation Center (EOC), located in the Public Safety Building, with the Physical Plant building designated as an alternate EOC EOC staff will manage available resources and coordinate with external agencies For first aid and other essential services, requests must be made through the UMES Police using campus telephones, or by runner if phone systems are inoperable.
5 WESM- Official Emergency Broadcast Station
WESM is the official area broadcast station in case of a major disaster or University closing Tune into this station at 91.3 FM for information.
The campus telephone system will be utilized whenever feasible; however, in the event of a system or power failure, campus phones will be inoperable Some buildings are equipped with emergency single-line phones that can operate during power outages If phone communication is unavailable, personnel will act as messengers to ensure effective communication.
The Campus Police Department’s Communication Center continuously monitors the building fire alarm system, ensuring that any alarms trigger an automatic response from the local Fire Department, UMES Police, and Facility Services.
G EXPECTATIONS FOR DEPARTMENTS AND STAFF
1 Employees, Faculty, & Staff are Responsible for: a Being familiar with and following EEOP procedures when required. b Participating in drills and training as required. c Orientating and informing students and visitors of procedures to be followed in case of a building alarm or emergency Students should have a brief orientation on the first day of class to assure that they are aware that evacuation is required, when the alarm system is activated and that they know where the nearest exits are located Visitors unfamiliar with building procedures should be informed and assisted as appropriate.
When the fire alarm sounds, begin immediate evacuation according to the plan.
The building's Emergency Coordinator, Evacuation Wardens, and their alternates are dedicated employees and occupants who have either volunteered or been appointed to ensure safety during emergencies They undergo specialized training and possess the necessary authority to effectively manage employee safety in crisis situations.
In buildings, the building manager is an ideal candidate for the role of emergency coordinator when the emergency plan encompasses the entire structure Alternatively, if the plan is specific to a single department, the departmental administrator or chair may be a more suitable choice for this responsibility.
3 Emergency Coordinator Responsibility and Control a The Emergency Coordinator acts as the liaison with the responding emergency service, EH&S and other officials if a building emergency occurs
In the absence of primary members, designated alternates are tasked with fulfilling necessary requirements Should an emergency arise when these individuals are unavailable, the most senior employee assumes decision-making authority Additionally, each research group appoints a contact person, designated by their advisor, to oversee laboratories and work areas.
In the event of any issues, they should be reported to the responding emergency personnel, who will then take over Incident Command For community-wide events classified as Level III, the Emergency Coordinator or an alternate will reach out to the UMES Emergency Operations Center (EOC), located primarily in the Public Safety Building, with an alternate site in the Physical Plant Room 1114 (Conference Room) Communication will be established using the standard phone system (ext 3300), single line phones, or runners.
4 Emergency Coordinator and Alternates Duties a Prepare and maintain their building’s Emergency Evacuation Plan in all department reference stations EH&S can help with technical questions. b Coordinate with building/department administrators responsible for employees, student, and visitor health and safety. c Assign Evacuation Wardens (and alternates) for all areas of the building and ensure that they are informed of personnel changes A current list of Evacuation Wardens and alternates is to be maintained in the buildings’ Evacuation Plan (See Appendix A).
The necessity of formally assigning Evacuation Wardens depends on the building's nature and occupancy; for non-public buildings, this role may be fulfilled by managers and supervisors For public events with over 300 attendees, it is crucial to assign staff duties and provide training as specified in Appendix G Classroom instructors should inform students about emergency procedures, exit routes, and assembly points on the first day It is important to schedule Evacuation Warden Training with EH&S assistance and to conduct fire drills in compliance with state fire code The emergency plan must be reviewed annually for currency, with the review date documented All building emergencies should be reported to emergency services, Campus Police, the On Call Unit, and EH&S as necessary During a fire alarm, personnel should gather at the evacuation assembly point to liaise with emergency responders Additionally, Evacuation Wardens or designated personnel should be positioned at all building entrances to prevent reentry until an "ALL CLEAR" is issued by the fire or police department, at which point the Emergency Coordinator will notify them that occupants may return.
Silencing of the alarm is not considered an all-clear signal!
5 Duties of Evacuation Warden a Be familiar with the EEOP It contains the function and activities of building staff during many emergencies, how these activities are to mesh with responding emergency personnel, information on the building and its emergency protection system, emergency equipment testing procedures and a list of all the evacuation wardens for your building b Distribute copies of the complete plan, or appropriate sections of it, to all people in your area of responsibility. c Know where persons with disabilities are located in your area and what their evacuation response will be (See Appendices D and J) Areas of Refuge or individual rooms may be used by persons with mobility disabilities during a fire alarm The Areas of Refuge may be identified on your evacuation plans found in Appendix C IF you have a staff member with a mobility disability and cannot find an area of refuge on your floor plan, contact EH&S Fire Safety at 410-651-6652. d Coordinate with the other Evacuation Wardens to work together and avoid duplication of tasks. e Walk over primary and secondary evacuation routes at least once to familiarize yourself with emergency exits and routes to the re-assembly area f Attend training sessions and meetings to review procedures and duties, if necessary EH&S and Campus Police offer Evacuation Warden training sessions regularly. g Know where hazardous conditions or situations are that exist Know the location of flammable, radioactive and other hazardous materials. h Know where the phones and pull stations are and HOW to activate an alarm. i Know how the alarm system responds For most buildings, the alarm sounds throughout the building and all occupants, except persons with physical disabilities, must evacuate.
6 Instructor’s Responsibility a Provide his or her class or audience with general information relating to emergency procedures This information should be shared during the first week of class or at the start of a seminar Please note the posted information for “Classroom Emergency Procedures” (See Appendix J). b Know how to report an emergency from the classroom being used. c Assure the persons with disabilities have the information they need The instructor should be familiar with the student’s plan and be able to direct visitors with disabilities. d Be the responsible charge of the classroom and follow emergency procedures for all building alarms and emergencies.
UNIVERSITY EMERGENCY RESOURCES AND CONTACTS
UMES POLICE DEPARTMENT
The UMES Police Department maintains an emergency Communications Center
For immediate assistance in emergencies such as fires, medical crises, or hazardous material incidents, call 3300 from any campus phone If using a private line or pay phone, dial 410-651-3300 For non-emergency situations, contact Ext 6590 or 410-651-6590 Our emergency services are available 24/7 to ensure your safety and well-being.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) offers consultation and support for hazardous material spills and releases, including temporary controls, to the local Fire Department and UMES departments during regular business hours, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday For assistance outside of these hours, the EH&S Duty Officer system is available through UMES.
EH&S is not an emergency response unit Report all emergencies to UMES Police at EXT
OFFICIAL EMERGENCY BROADCAST STATION
EH&S is not an emergency response unit Report all emergencies to UMES Police at EXT
The Physical Plant operates a 24/7 response unit known as the Facility Operations Maintenance Specialists, or On Call, which automatically responds to fire alarms and other emergencies reported by Public Safety at UMES Their support encompasses various critical tasks, including operating and resetting the fire alarm system, managing heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, and shutting down utilities such as steam, water, and electricity Requests for On Call support can be made through the Police Department.
In the event of a significant local or regional emergency, the UMES President has the authority to activate the University’s Emergency Operation Center (EOC), located in the Public Safety Building, with the Physical Plant building designated as an alternate EOC EOC staff are responsible for resource allocation and coordination with external agencies For first aid and additional support, requests must be communicated to the EOC via the campus telephone systems or, if those fail, by a runner, as outlined in the Emergency Communications protocol.
5 WESM- Official Emergency Broadcast Station
WESM is the official area broadcast station in case of a major disaster or University closing Tune into this station at 91.3 FM for information.
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
TELEPHONE
The campus telephone system will be utilized whenever possible; however, in the event of a system or power failure, campus phones will be inoperable Some buildings are equipped with emergency single-line phones that may still function during a power outage If phone communication is unavailable, personnel will act as messengers to relay important information.
The Campus Police Department’s Communication Center continuously monitors the building fire alarm system, ensuring a prompt response to any alarms Each alarm triggers an automatic response from the local Fire Department, UMES Police, and Facility Services.
EXPECTATIONS FOR DEPARTMENTS AND STAFF
EMPLOYEES, FACULTY, & STAFF ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR
Familiarity with and adherence to EEOP procedures is essential for safety during emergencies Participation in drills and training is required to ensure preparedness On the first day of class, students should receive a brief orientation about emergency protocols, including evacuation procedures and the locations of nearest exits Additionally, visitors who are unfamiliar with building procedures must be informed and assisted as necessary to ensure their safety during an alarm or emergency situation.
When the fire alarm sounds, begin immediate evacuation according to the plan.
SPECIAL POSITIONS
The building's Emergency Coordinator, along with Evacuation Wardens and their alternates, are designated employees and occupants who have either volunteered or been appointed to these critical roles They undergo specialized training to ensure they are equipped with the necessary authority and skills to enhance employee safety during emergencies.
For effective emergency coordination in buildings, appointing the building manager is ideal when the emergency plan encompasses the entire structure However, if the plan is specific to a single department, the departmental administrator or chair may be a more suitable choice.
EMERGENCY COORDINATOR RESPONSIBILITY AND CONTROL
a The Emergency Coordinator acts as the liaison with the responding emergency service, EH&S and other officials if a building emergency occurs
In the absence of primary members, alternates are tasked with fulfilling essential requirements During emergencies when these key individuals are unavailable, the most senior employee assumes decision-making authority Additionally, each research group appoints a contact person, designated by their advisor, to oversee laboratories and work areas.
In the event of any issues, they should be promptly reported to the responding emergency personnel, who will then take over Incident Command For community-wide events classified as Level III, the Emergency Coordinator or an alternate will connect with the UMES Emergency Operations Center (EOC), located primarily in the Public Safety Building, with an alternate site in Physical Plant Room 1114 (Conference Room) Communication will be facilitated through the standard phone system (extension 3300) or by using runners.
EMERGENCY COORDINATOR AND ALTERNATIVES DUTIES
To ensure the safety of employees, students, and visitors, it is essential to prepare and maintain an Emergency Evacuation Plan at all department reference stations, with assistance from EH&S for any technical inquiries Coordination with building and department administrators is crucial for effective health and safety management Additionally, appointing and updating a list of Evacuation Wardens and their alternates for each area in the building is necessary, ensuring they are informed of any personnel changes, as outlined in the Evacuation Plan (See Appendix A).
The necessity for formal assignment of Evacuation Wardens varies based on the building's nature and occupancy; in non-public buildings, this role may be delegated to managers and supervisors For events with over 300 attendees, ensure staff are assigned duties and trained as per Appendix G Classroom instructors should inform students about emergency procedures, exit routes, and assembly points on the first day Schedule Evacuation Warden Training with EH&S assistance, and conduct fire drills as mandated by state fire code, keeping records Review the emergency plan annually, updating the review date within the document Notify emergency services, Campus Police, and EH&S for all building emergencies During a fire alarm, report to the assembly point and serve as a liaison for emergency responders Assign Evacuation Wardens or personnel at building entrances to prevent reentry until an “ALL CLEAR” is issued by emergency services, after which the Emergency Coordinator will notify the Evacuation Wardens that occupants may reenter the building.
Silencing of the alarm is not considered an all-clear signal!
5 Duties of Evacuation Warden a Be familiar with the EEOP It contains the function and activities of building staff during many emergencies, how these activities are to mesh with responding emergency personnel, information on the building and its emergency protection system, emergency equipment testing procedures and a list of all the evacuation wardens for your building b Distribute copies of the complete plan, or appropriate sections of it, to all people in your area of responsibility. c Know where persons with disabilities are located in your area and what their evacuation response will be (See Appendices D and J) Areas of Refuge or individual rooms may be used by persons with mobility disabilities during a fire alarm The Areas of Refuge may be identified on your evacuation plans found in Appendix C IF you have a staff member with a mobility disability and cannot find an area of refuge on your floor plan, contact EH&S Fire Safety at 410-651-6652. d Coordinate with the other Evacuation Wardens to work together and avoid duplication of tasks. e Walk over primary and secondary evacuation routes at least once to familiarize yourself with emergency exits and routes to the re-assembly area.
DUTIES OF THE EVACUATION WARDEN
Be aware of hazardous conditions and the locations of flammable, radioactive, and other dangerous materials in your environment Familiarize yourself with the locations of phones and pull stations, as well as the procedure for activating the alarm Understand how the alarm system operates; typically, the alarm will sound throughout the building, requiring all occupants, except those with physical disabilities, to evacuate promptly.
INSTRUCTOR’S RESPONSIBILITY
During the first week of class or at the beginning of a seminar, it is essential to provide students with crucial information regarding emergency procedures, as outlined in the "Classroom Emergency Procedures" (See Appendix J) Instructors must also be knowledgeable about how to report emergencies from their classroom Additionally, it is important to ensure that students with disabilities receive the necessary information and support, as instructors should be familiar with their plans and capable of guiding visitors with disabilities Ultimately, instructors bear the responsibility for maintaining order in the classroom and must adhere to emergency protocols for all building alarms and emergencies.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
FOR FIRE – PROCEDURES FOR OCCUPANTS 2 FOR BOMB THREATS
In the event of an alarm, promptly evacuate your area according to the Building Evacuation Plan, ensuring to close doors behind you If you encounter a fire, activate the nearest pull station and call ext 3300; you may attempt to extinguish small fires (no larger than a wastebasket) if you have already called for help, but if the fire is too large or you're unsure about using a fire extinguisher, close the door and evacuate If the fire alarm is non-functional, call ext 3300 and verbally inform others of the emergency, ensuring that Evacuation Wardens confirm all occupants are notified, while shutting down hazardous equipment if safe to do so Evacuate using the nearest stairwell or ground-level exit without propping doors open, as closed doors help keep smoke out and maintain safety for both evacuees and fire personnel, and remember that individuals with physical disabilities have specific evacuation options available.
DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS!!
In the event of an alarm, elevators will automatically return to a designated floor and shut down Proceed to your assigned Evacuation Assembly Point (EAP) as specified in Appendix C, which may vary based on the building's size Once at the EAP, ensure all personnel are accounted for and inform the Evacuation Wardens of any missing individuals who may be trapped; they will relay this information to the Emergency Coordinator or emergency responders If you find yourself trapped by smoke, stay low to the ground, cover your mouth with a wet cloth, and stay near a window—open it without breaking it and signal your presence with an item outside Additionally, seal the gaps around your door and, if possible, call extension 3300 for assistance Specific instructions for Evacuation Wardens should also be followed.
Start evacuating from the farthest point of your area, ensuring that all occupants ahead have left Conduct a quick search to confirm that hazardous equipment is turned off, doors are closed, and no one is left behind In the presence of smoke, stay low, cover your mouth with a damp cloth, visualize exits, and use the wall for guidance to avoid confusion If there is no smoke, encourage reluctant individuals to evacuate firmly and positively, making sure that students and visitors unfamiliar with the evacuation plan are informed of the necessity to leave.
In an emergency, guide occupants to the nearest exits and designate a safe assembly area (refer to Appendix C) If assistance is available, position helpers near the elevator to prevent anyone from using it Avoid accessing the roof unless absolutely necessary, as helicopter rescues are hindered by numerous obstacles If smoke fills the stairwell, seek an alternate stairway for safety.
Do not allow the stairway doors and other exit doors to be blocked/ wedged open (See H.1.d.) Leaving stairway doors blocked or held open makes the stairwells dangerous and unusable.
It is crucial to prioritize the needs of visitors with disabilities, especially those who may not be familiar with the building Implementing a systematic process to ensure they are informed and accounted for is essential for their safety and accessibility For more detailed information, please refer to Appendix D.
University personnel who receive telephoned bomb threats should prioritize gathering detailed information about the threat, including the specific location of the bomb and any identifying details about the caller, such as gender and accent It is also crucial to note any background noises that could provide clues about the caller's location Immediately after receiving the threat, personnel should complete a checklist of pertinent information and report their findings to Public Safety without delay.
Department at (410) 651 – 3300 or ext 3300 Bomb threats received through the mail or by other means are also to be reported immediately to the University Police Department
Exact date and time for call:
1 When is the bomb going explode?
3 What does it look like?
4 What kind of bomb is it?
5 What will cause it to explode?
6 Did you place the bomb?
8 Where are you calling from?
11.What is your telephone number?
CALLER’S VOICE: (circle all that apply)
Calm Disguised Nasal Angry Broken
Stutters Slow Sincere Lisp Rapid
Giggling Deep Crying Squeaky Excited
Stressed Accent Loud Slurred Normal
If voice is familiar, who did it sound like?
Date: Telephone number call received at:
REPORT CALLS IMMEDIATELY TO: CAMPUS POLICE (410) 651 – 3300
FOR CHEMICAL SPILLS OR RELEASE
Laboratory personnel trained by their principal investigator (PI) or lab supervisor may clean up spills that do not pose an immediate danger to workers nearby It is essential that these personnel are properly equipped and follow safety protocols established by the PI or lab supervisor during the cleanup process.
(1) The hazards of the chemical(s) involved.
(2) The amount of the chemical(s) spilled.
(4) Availability of spill cleanup materials or kits.*
For guidance on assembling a spill cleanup kit, refer to Section III.B.7 of the Laboratory Safety Manual In cases of a large spill, if the chemical is difficult to identify, or if it poses extreme hazards, take immediate action to ensure safety.
(1) Evacuate all personnel from the area.
(3) When placing an emergency call:
Give your location (room and building)
Give the phone number you are using.
In the event of a chemical spill, stay nearby but away from danger to support emergency responders The campus police will alert the local fire department, which is responsible for stabilizing and containing the spill If the hazardous waste is not adequately cleaned and packaged by the fire department, do not return to the area For further assistance, contact Environmental Health & Safety at (410)-651-6652.
Please note that packaged waste must be handled according to policies and guidelines established in the UMES Hazardous Waste Management Manual Please contact EH&S at (410)-651-6652 for assistance.
FOR EARTHQUAKES
During an earthquake, stay indoors and protect yourself from falling objects by seeking shelter under sturdy furniture or in a safe corner away from windows Avoid rushing to exits, as they may be unsafe, and do not use elevators After the shaking ceases, assess for injuries and provide first aid if necessary, but do not move seriously injured individuals unless they are in immediate danger Check for fire hazards and turn off ignition sources if it's safe Once it's safe to exit the building, proceed to the designated assembly point to report injuries and hazards, and notify the Emergency Operations Center of any emergencies Use the telephone only for urgent communications and do not re-enter the building until it has been deemed safe by emergency personnel.
EMPLOYEE ORIENTATION
New employees should receive information about the Emergency Evacuation and Occupant Protection (EEOP) during their safety orientation It is essential that this initial plan, along with any significant updates, is communicated to all personnel Faculty and staff are encouraged to regularly remind their teams, students, and visitors about the plan To ensure the safety of everyone in the building, the Emergency Coordinator and Evacuation Wardens will collaborate to ensure that all departmental employees, as well as students and visitors, are properly oriented as outlined in Section G.5.
FIRE EXIT DRILLS
Evacuation drills will be scheduled, conducted and recorded by the Emergency
Coordinator after coordination with the EHS Manager A copy of the Fire Drill Report is provided to the EHS Officer within 15 days of the drill.
ABOUT THE UW EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN (EOP)
Name Title Physical Location (room number) Phone Number
2 Alternates for the Emergency Coordinator
For each alternate including the following information:
Name Title Physical Location (room number) Phone Number
For each Evacuation Warden, list the following:
For each assigned or volunteer contact for First Aid and CPR, list the following
Name Room Number/Phone Number
UNUSUALLY HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS AND KEY LABORATORY PERSONNEL
Certain locations have been identified as particularly dangerous In the event of an emergency, your primary responsibility is to ensure your own safety If circumstances allow, operators should shut down all hazardous processes, gas, and power in these areas before evacuating the building.
List unusually hazardous locations and who the Principal Investigator and lab contacts are each location and how to contact them.
Evacuation routes must be clearly displayed in multiple locations for easy access by employees and students For building evacuation floor plans or help in locating assembly points, please reach out to the Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) Section at (410)-651-6652.
Fire exit drills are necessary to refine the evacuation procedure
Floor plans clearly mark exits and exit routes within a building When an alarm is activated, occupants should immediately head to the nearest exit If the nearest exit is blocked, they should use an alternate exit instead.
Establish inside and/or outside assembly points for your building Indicate each floor’s designated assembly point(s) on or below the floor plan.
In the event of an emergency, occupants working on floors above grade should proceed to an inside assembly point For buildings designed for partial evacuation, where only the fire floor and the floor above the alarm are evacuated, it is essential for occupants to have a designated inside assembly point located below their original floor.
The assembly point must be a safe, open area located away from the building and clear of emergency responders After evacuation, occupants gather at this designated spot to ensure everyone is accounted for and to provide assistance if necessary Depending on the building's size and exit locations, multiple assembly points may be required.
APPENDIX D EMERGENCY EVACUATION FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
This Appendix outlines essential evacuation procedures for individuals with disabilities who may face challenges during fire and other emergencies It is crucial for faculty, staff, students, and visitors with disabilities to create personalized evacuation plans, identifying both primary and secondary exit routes for each building they frequent These plans should be communicated to the building's Emergency Coordinator for approval and subsequently verified with the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) department.
Be familiar with evacuation options.
Seek evacuation assistants who are willing to assist in case of an emergency.
Ask supervisors, instructor, Disabled Student Services, or Environmental Health & Safety about evacuation plans for buildings.
Most UMES buildings feature accessible ground-level exits for emergencies, allowing individuals to evacuate safely In structures such as Carver Hall and Kiah Hall, occupants can relocate to unaffected wings instead of exiting However, in most cases, individuals must utilize stairways to reach exits, as elevators are deemed unsafe during emergencies and may automatically return to the ground floor.
Persons without disabilities must evacuate to the nearest exit Persons with disabilities have four basic evacuation options.
Horizontal Evacuation: Using building exits to the outside ground level or going into unaffected wings of multi-building complexes.
Stairway Evacuation: Using steps to reach ground level exits from the building
In the event of an emergency, it is crucial to stay in a room with an exterior window, a telephone, and a solid or fire-resistant door, unless immediate danger is present This strategy allows individuals to maintain communication with emergency services by dialing ext 3300 to report their location, which will be relayed to on-site personnel to assess the need for evacuation Typically, phone lines remain operational during most building emergencies; however, if they fail, signaling for help by waving a cloth or other visible object from the window is an alternative method to attract attention.
The Stay in Place strategy is ideal for buildings equipped with sprinklers or those lacking nearby areas of refuge, particularly for individuals who are alone when an alarm activates Identifying a fire-resistant door is crucial; look for a fire label on the jam and frame, or consider non-labeled 1 ⅜ inch thick solid core wood doors mounted on a metal frame, which also provide effective fire resistance.
In an emergency, individuals with disabilities can seek safety in an area of refuge, accompanied by an evacuation assistant This assistant will guide them away from immediate danger and proceed to the building's evacuation assembly point to inform on-site emergency personnel about the individual's location Emergency responders will then assess whether additional evacuation is needed.
The safest areas of refuge in high-rise buildings include pressurized stair enclosures and open-air exit balconies Other viable options are fire-rated corridors or vestibules near exit stairs, as well as pressurized elevator lobbies Many campus buildings have fire-rated corridors that provide safe refuge Positioning oneself in a rated corridor next to the stair is preferable to a crowded stair landing with other occupants For help identifying Areas of Refuge, contact EH&S Fire Safety at (410)-651-6652.
Individuals with disabilities may not need to evacuate during false alarms or contained fires, as the evacuation decision rests with the local Fire Department (LFD) The LFD will communicate their decision directly to the individual or through the UMES Police Department.
Prior planning and practicing of emergency evacuation routes are important in assuring a safe evacuation.
In the event of an alarm, individuals using wheelchairs should remain in place or move to a designated area of refuge with the help of an assistant The assistant must then proceed to the evacuation assembly point and inform the Local Fire Department (LFD) or campus police of the wheelchair user's location If the person with a disability is alone, they should call emergency services at extension 3300, providing their current location and the area of refuge they are heading to.
When selecting a stair landing as a refuge area, it's important to consider that many campus buildings feature small stair landings Wheelchair users should wait for heavy traffic to clear before entering the stairway to ensure their safety.
Evacuating wheelchair users from stairways must be carried out by trained professionals, such as LFD personnel In extreme emergencies, untrained individuals should only assist if absolutely necessary It is crucial to understand that moving a wheelchair down stairs is inherently unsafe.