The success of any evacuation is dependent on common sense, logic, and presence of mind; all evacuations should follow the fastest and safest route the particular emergency allows.

All building evacuations will occur when a fire alarm sounds or upon notification from authorized personnel. All personnel will evacuate to at least 75 feet from the building. Evacuation maps are posted and exits are marked. Once a building is evacuated, people may not reenter until approval is given by the University President. In the President’s absence, the Chief of Security, Director of Plants and Operations, or Dean of Students shall act as the Official University Representative.

Upon discovery of a fire or other significant emergency:
1.) A building evacuation will occur when a fire alarm sounds, or upon notification from Security.

2.) Evacuation Monitors or other SMU officials will: Announce evacuation in a clear, calm voice; Oversee orderly evacuation of room; Shut doors and windows and turn lights off (if time allows); Escort evacuees to designated assembly area. Evacuation Monitor is the last to leave a given zone of responsibility. Evacuees will go to, and remain at, designated assembly area until released by authorized SMU official (President, Chief of Security, Director of Plants and Operations, or Dean of Students). CAUTION: FIRE ALARMS MAY STOP RINGING…. ALWAYS CONTINUE EVACUATION.

3.) At all doorways, evacuees will look both ways to determine direction of emergency and then proceed with evacuation. Special consideration will be given to persons with disabilities.

4.) EVACUATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: Evacuation Monitors will:

A.) Communicate the nature of the emergency to the person.

B.) Ask how the person would like to be assisted.

C.) Evacuate mobility aids with person, if possible.

FOR PERSONS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS: Offer to guide person to the nearest exit. Have the person take your elbow and advise of any obstacles such as stairs, narrow passageways, or overhanging objects. At the assembly area, orient the person and ask if further assistance is needed.

FOR PERSONS WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENTS: Communicate with the hearing disabled person through writing, hand gestures, or lip-reading.

FOR PERSONS USING WHEELCHAIRS, CRUTCHES, CANES, OR WALKERS: Ask what method of assistance the person prefers. Evacuate mobility aids with the person if possible. If the person prefers to be moved in the wheelchair, remember:

* Ask if the person wants to move forward or backwards down stairs
* Wheelchairs have many moveable or weak parts
* Some persons have no upper trunk or neck strength
* An evacuation chair may be needed; the regular wheelchair can be retrieved later
* If a seat belt is available, use it!

If the person prefers to be removed from the wheelchair, ask his/her preference on the following:
* Way of being removed from the wheelchair
* Whether to move extremities or not
* Being moved forward or backward down stairs
* Whether to bring seat cushion or pads
* What is necessary for after-evacuation care
Mobility aids will be retrieved as soon as possible. Contact Security for location of mobility devices.

PRIMARY ASSEMBLY AREA and COMMAND POST: Evacuees will assemble in that area by the Food Services Loading Dock on the northwest side of Old Main. Keep streets, fire lanes, hydrants, and walkways clear for emergency personnel. Evacuation Monitors will report completion of evacuation to Security or other designated SMU official at the Assembly area Command Post. Evacuees must remain at the Assembly area until released by a University official. Evacuees may be requested to move to an alternate site. If requested, evacuees will assist emergency personnel. Names of persons not accounted for in the evacuation are to be given immediately to the Chief of Security. A designated official will remain at the Command Post to facilitate communications with SMU Administrators, Evacuation Monitors, etc. The Primary Assembly Area Command Post is located at the double doors on the North end of Old Main.

Alternate Assembly Areas and Command Posts include:
1.) North end of Lynch Employee Parking Lot. COMMAND POST: South entrance to lot.

2.) Visitor (Tower) Parking Lot. COMMAND POST: Entrance to lot.

5.) POINT OF CONTACT: Security, or other designated SMU official, is the Point of Contact (POC) for arriving fire/police officials and will report nature and location of emergency and status of evacuation.

6.) RETURN TO BUILDING: People may not return to the building until released by the University President, Chief of Security, or Director of Plants and Operations.

7.) EARTHQUAKE PROCEDURE: DROP, COVER, and HOLD!

* Take immediate cover under the nearest sturdy desk or table, inside wall, or doorway. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LEAVE THE BUILDING UNTIL THE EARTHQUAKE STOPS. EXPECT AFTERSHOCKS FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AFTER THE INITIAL EARTHQUAKE.
* Protect your head and neck, and hold on until the shaking stops.
* Stay away from windows, outside walls, and large office furnishings or equipment during the earthquake.
* Evacuate the building by the quickest and safest route available as soon as the earthquake stops. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE ELEVATORS… USE STAIRWAYS ONLY.
* Assemble at the designated Safe Area for your building. Remain there until released by University Officials.
* Assist emergency personnel as requested.
* Stay away from buildings, power lines, light poles, etc. Protect your head and neck.
* As quickly and safely as possible, assemble at the designated Safe Area for your building. Remain there until released by University Officials.

EVACUATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR FACULTY

1.) INSTRUCT students to meet you at the designated assembly area after completing evacuation.

2.) ANNOUNCE evacuation and remove everyone from your classroom as quickly and safely as possible. If time allows, close windows and doors, and turn lights off.

3.) MEET your class at the designated Assembly Area.

4.) PROVIDE information concerning injuries or other emergency conditions to University officials at the designated Assembly Area Command Post.

5.) REMEMBER: Remain calm. Your students will be looking to you for direction and leadership in an emergency situation. Be prepared to help them!

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Last updated: February 27, 2003

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Evacuation Procedures