Emergency Evacuation & Reunification

Depending on the type of emergency, it may be necessary either to evacuate a building or to shelter in place, that is, to remain in the building until emergency personnel confirm that it is safe to leave.

1. In the event of a fire alarm or if instructed by emergency personnel to evacuate, EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY using the nearest emergency exit.
2. Do not use elevators unless directed to do so. Never use elevators during a fire evacuation.
3. Once outdoors, head to the outside gathering location. Check-in and report missing persons, injuries, damages and/or potentially hazardous conditions to your supervisor or Building Coordinator. Keep streets, fire lanes, and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
4. Supervisors, Building Coordinators and designated points of contact should call Belmont Campus Security to report any immediate emergencies.
5. Do not re-enter the building until authorized to do so by Campus Security or Building Coordinator.

NOTE: Review and practice evacuation routes, assembly areas, and procedures for your office, classrooms, laboratories, residence hall, or other facility BEFORE an emergency happens.

To call Belmont Campus Security in an emergency:

• Dial 6911 from any campus phone
• Dial 615.460.6911 from any other phone

Belmont’s Office of Risk Management and Compliance (ORMC) encourages proactive planning by the entire University community for emergencies. It is recommended that any person with a disability who needs assistance with alerting, evacuation, and sheltering in the event of an emergency self-identify and complete an Emergency Assistance Referral Form (EARF). This will assist ORMC and other appropriate Belmont departments with the development of a personal emergency plan for the individual with a disability. EARF forms for visitors, students, faculty and staff may be found under the "Campus Security & Safety" tab on MyBelmont or you can access it here (EARF).

Evacuating People with Disabilities

1. Visually Impaired Persons:
   • Describe the nature of the emergency and the location if relevant.
   • Offer your arm to assist with guiding the individual.
   • Provide details about where you are going and any obstacles the person may encounter along the route.
   • Once at a safe location, orient the individual to the location and inquire if further assistance is needed before leaving the location.
2. People with Hearing Limitations:
   • Alert the individual. Turn the lights on/off or wave your arms to gain the person's attention.
   • Use gestures or written notes. Indicate directions with gestures or write a note with evacuation instructions.

3. An individual with mobility limitations -- Non-wheelchair bound user:
   • Discuss needs and preferences. Ask if assistance is needed. Inquire if the person is able to evacuate using the stairs without help or with minor assistance.
   • Ensure a clear path of travel. If debris is present, it may be necessary to clear a path to the nearest exit route.
   • No imminent danger. If there is no imminent danger, the person may choose to remain in the building or to be directed to an area of refuge (stairwell) until emergency personnel arrive. Fire department personnel, who are trained in emergency rescue, can then enter the building and assist the person exiting the building, either down the stairs or using the emergency elevator recall.
   • Imminent danger. If danger is imminent, use a sturdy chair, with or without wheels, to move the person, or help carry the person to safety using a carry technique.
   • Mobility aids or devices. Return any mobility aids or devices to the person as soon as possible.
   • Once you safely evacuate, notify your Building Coordinator immediately about any individuals remaining in the building and their locations.
4. Mobility limitations—Wheelchair user:
   • Discuss needs and preferences. Non-ambulatory persons’ needs and preferences vary widely. Ask them how they would like to be assisted.
   • Wheelchair user on the ground floor. Individuals who use wheelchairs may choose to evacuate themselves from the ground floor with minimal assistance.
   • Ensure a clear path of travel. If debris is present, it may be necessary to clear a path to the nearest exit.
   • No imminent danger. If there is no imminent danger, the person may choose to remain in the building or to be directed to an area of refuge (stairwell) until emergency personnel arrive. Fire department personnel, who are trained in emergency rescue, can then enter the building and assist the person in exiting the building, either down the stairs or using the emergency elevator recall.
   • Imminent danger. If danger is imminent and the individual does not wish to be removed from his or her wheelchair, direct the person to the nearest area of refuge (stairwell) and notify emergency personnel immediately. While staying in place, the wheelchair user should keep in direct contact with Campus Security by dialing (615) 460-6911 from a cell phone and relaying pertinent information including location.
   • Carrying wheelchair users. Most wheelchairs are too heavy to carry downstairs. If the person wishes to be carried down the stairs without the wheelchair, ask about the best carry options, i.e., two-person cradle carry, office chair evacuation, or, if available an evacuation chair.
   • Mobility aids and devices. Return any mobility aids or devices to the person as soon as possible.
   • Once you safely evacuate, notify emergency personnel or the Building Coordinator immediately about any individuals remaining in the building and their locations.

Belmont University does not require, but if you are able and willing, here are two carry techniques.

THIS IS TO BE USED ONLY IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS WHERE DEATH OR SERIOUS BODILY INJURY IS IMMINENT.

One-Person Carry technique (The Cradle Lift)

• The Cradle Lift is the preferred carry method when the person to be carried has little or no arm strength. It is safer if the person being carried weighs less than the carrier.
• Place one arm under the upper back and one arm under the knees.

Two-Person Carry Technique (The Swing Carry or Chair Carry)

To use this technique:

• Carry partners stand on opposite sides of the individual. Wrap the individual’s closest arm around one carry partner’s shoulder.
• Grasp the carry partner's forearm behind the individual in the small of the back.
• Reach under the individual’s knees to grasp the wrist of the carry partner's other hand.
• Both carry partners should then lean in close to the individual and lift on the count of three.
• Continue pressing into the individual being carried for additional support in the carry.