Every year a special needs questionnaire is distributed to students living on campus and to staff members for preparedness purposes. Additionally, each semester an e-mail discussing information on Georgetown's policies regarding individuals with disabilities is sent to all members of the Georgetown community.

Protocol for Emergency Evacuation from Residence Halls

Georgetown University anticipates that some students with physical disabilities living in residence halls may require special assistance to respond to emergency situations. If students have not already been contacted by a representative from the Academic Resource Center (ARC) and the Department of Public Safety, they should do so to obtain information on steps to follow should their building need to be evacuated.

Students are expected to understand that they will likely have some personal responsibility for implementing their plan, and discussion with DPS is designed to ensure that all parties understand what their respective roles are in the event of an emergency.

Students who live off-campus must develop and practice their own evacuation plans as part of a comprehensive fire safety plan. These students should consult the office of Off Campus Student Life for information, including a web page detailing Home and Fire Safety Tips.

Protocol for Emergency Evacuation from Academic Buildings

In the event of an evacuation from a campus building that is not your residence hall, you should proceed to the nearest stairwell and wait for a D.C. Fire Department officer to help you get out of the building. Become familiar with the fire exits in the buildings you frequent, including where you have classes scheduled. Building and Floor Marshals are instructed to check all exit corridors and stairwells first for any stranded persons.

If an evacuation is required, alert your professor or a co-worker/classmate who can tell others that you are going to the stairwell to await assistance from DPS. If possible, ask another person if they are willing to accompany you to the stairwell and to ensure that a DPS or Fire Department officer is aware of your exact location. You should also call DPS using your cell phone and tell the operator where you are and what assistance you will need to get out of the building.

Do not use elevators during an evacuation. All stairwell towers are resistant to fire and smoke for approximately 1½ hours. These are the safest areas during an emergency evacuation. Disabled persons are advised to proceed to these areas. Stay calm as help arrives. If help has not arrived within 5-10 minutes, call DPS again.

Protocol for Emergency Evacuation of Faculty & Staff

Faculty and staff members with disabilities should notify their Floor Marshal immediately upon beginning work at Georgetown or transferring to a new location. If you have not done so before, make sure to do this now. During an evacuation, follow the same protocol outlined above for academic buildings.

Additional Resources

Consult the following links for further information:

• FEMA: A Checklist for People with Mobility Problems (PDF)
• FEMA: Emergency Procedures for Employees with Disabilities (PDF)
• Red Cross: Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities (PDF)
• Prepare.org: People with Disabilities website