An evacuation is defined as the emptying of an occupied area and the transfer of its occupants to a safe location. A critical element in any evacuation is transportation. The location of Buffalo State, dense surrounding population, number of resident students, number of commuter students and use of alternative means of transportation all need to be taken into account when planning the steps necessary to evacuate all campus occupants.
In a major emergency, the decision to implement evacuation procedures rests with the President, or Agency Executive. In situations requiring immediate action, public safety responders (Police, Fire, Environmental Health & Safety) can also order an evacuation. When evaluating a possible evacuation, consideration will be given to the specific threat (bomb, fire, storm, explosion, hazardous materials incident, etc.), its context (time of day, likelihood, etc.) and the recommendation of first responders.
Every Buffalo State University department/building should develop, and practice, an evacuation plan.
Types of Evacuations
When ordered to evacuate a building or work area:
- Stay calm. Do Not Rush. Do Not Panic.
- Safely stop your work.
- Gather all your personal belongings if it is safe to do so. Remember to take prescription medications with you, it may be hours before you are allowed back in the building.
- If safe, close any windows and the door when you leave, but do not lock them.
- Use the nearest safe stairs and proceed to the nearest exit. Do Not Use the Elevator.
- Listen to instructions from emergency responders.
- Do Not re-enter the building until you are notified that you can.
A building occupant is required by law to evacuate when the fire alarm sounds.
Faculty and Staff
- In the event of an authorized general evacuation, all faculty, staff, and campus visitors should leave the campus and return to their homes, or other safe and appropriate intermediate destinations, unless instructed otherwise.
Students
- In the event of an authorized general evacuation, all students who can provide their own transportation should leave the campus and return to their homes, or other safe and appropriate intermediate destinations, unless instructed otherwise.
- Students should remember to take medications and any other essential personal items which may be needed during the evacuation period.
- Students who cannot travel home will be transported to a designated shelter. All available modes of transportation will be utilized for students in need of transportation.
Evacuation Policy for People with Disabilities
The following guidelines have been adopted by Buffalo State to help evacuate people with physical disabilities or limited mobility. Evacuating a disabled or injured person yourself is the last resort. Consider your options and the risks of injuring yourself and others in an evacuation attempt. Do Not make an emergency situation worse.
Evacuation is difficult and uncomfortable for both the rescuers and the people being assisted. Some people have conditions that can be aggravated or triggered if they are moved incorrectly. Remember that environmental conditions (smoke, debris, loss of electricity) will complicate evacuation efforts.
The following guidelines are general and may not apply in every circumstance:
- Occupants should be invited to volunteer ahead of time to assist disabled people in an emergency. If a volunteer is not available, designate someone to assist who is willing to accept the responsibility.
- Volunteers should obtain evacuation training for various types of lifting techniques.
- Two or more trained volunteers, if available, should conduct the evacuation.
- DO NOT evacuate disabled people in their wheelchairs. This is standard practice to ensure the safety of disabled people and volunteers. Wheelchairs will be evacuated later if possible.
- Always ASK someone with a disability how you can help BEFORE attempting any rescue technique or giving assistance. Ask how they can best be assisted or moved, and whether there are any special considerations or items that need to come with them.
- Before attempting an evacuation, volunteers and the people being assisted should discuss how any lifting will be done and where they are going.
- Proper lifting techniques (e.g. bending the knees, keeping the back straight, holding the person close before lifting, and using leg muscles to lift) should be used to avoid injury to the rescuers. Ask permission of the evacuee if an evacuation chair or similar device is being considered as an aid in an evacuation. When using such devices, make sure the person is secured properly. Be careful on stairs and rest at landings if necessary.
- Certain lifts may need to be modified depending on the person's disabilities.
- DO NOT use elevators, unless authorized to do so by police or fire personnel. Elevators could fail during a fire.
- If the situation is life threatening, call University Police at 716-878-6333.
- Check on people with special needs during an evacuation. A "buddy system", where people with disabilities arrange for volunteers (co-workers/ neighbors) to alert them and assist them in an emergency, is a good method.
- Attempt a rescue evacuation ONLY if you have had rescue training or the person is in immediate danger and cannot wait for professional assistance.
- If a power outage occurs during the day and people with disabilities choose to wait in the building for electricity to be restored, they can move near a window where there is natural light and access to a working telephone.
- If an evacuation has been ordered during a power outage occurs, or at night, call University Police at 716-878-6333 to request evacuation assistance from the Fire Department.
Blind or Visually Impaired
- Give verbal instructions to advise about the safest route or direction using compass directions, estimated distances, and directional terms.
- DO NOT grasp a visually impaired person's arm. Ask if he or she would like to hold onto your arm as you exit, especially if there is debris or a crowd.
- Give other verbal instructions or information (i.e. “Elevators cannot be used”).
