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Americans with Disabilities Act

Emergency Evacuation Procedures for Individuals with Disabilities

Planning – Preliminary Procedures

  • The time to plan for an emergency is before the emergency occurs. You should think about what you will do in the event of an emergency evacuation.
  • Plan ahead – know the areas where you work and study. Check all areas out completely. Is there ground floor access? If there is not, and you normally use an elevator to enter and leave a building, you will need evacuation assistance. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS DURING AN EMERGENCY UNLESS DIRECTED TO DO SO BY EMERGENCY STAFF.
  • Where are the exits on the floor which you live, work, or are visiting? Learn the location of all exits on each floor of the buildings you commonly use. When developing your emergency plan include at least two exits at each location. Examine stairwells and doorways for clearances.
  • Sign up for email and text alerts from MTSU.
  • Document the emergency numbers and contacts from this page and keep them with you.
  • Employees should discuss emergency concerns with their supervisor. Students should discuss concerns with the Disability and Access Center. If you will need some type of assistance, notify the appropriate people. Employees and students are responsible for seeking appropriate assistance.

What to do in an Emergency

  1. Proceed to a designated rescue area for people with disabilities if one is posted. If not, make your way to a clearance at or near the closest emergency exit or stairwell.
  2. Notify others as they leave the building to inform the emergency team on site of your location, your name, and situation (e.g., wheelchair user, blindness).
  3. Use a call box, call or text campus police. Report your name, location, and individual need. If you are going to an emergency exit, give the location of that exit (floor and location, e.g., NW tower, 3rd floor).

Office Contact

Lance Alexis, Ed.D.
Director of ADA Compliance
Cope Administration Building
Room 116
Phone: (615) 898-2185

Dial 711 for TN Relay