Emergency Evacuation Procedures

It is the goal of Tompkins Cortland Community College to plan for the safe and orderly evacuation of persons with disabilities during an emergency.

Hearing Impairments

If you are a student with a hearing impairment, please note that alarms are equipped with strobes which flash in the event of an emergency. However, outside of the main hallways, the strobes may not be noticeable; in this case, be aware of visual cues, such as eye contact, gestures, and touch.

Mobility Impairments

If you are a student with a mobility impairment, please note that some first floor exits may pose a problem; look for the "not accessible" symbol to be sure.

If you are on the second floor during an emergency, you should assemble near the elevators in the red and yellow sections of the building. Trained personnel will report to these designated assembly areas and provide appropriate evacuation assistance by elevator (if safe), evacuation chair, or carry technique.

At no time may an elevator be used during an emergency (real or drill) except under direction of designated emergency personnel. The elevators are programmed to shut off during an alarm.

Your Responsibilities

As a student with disabilities or medical conditions who may require assistance with emergency evacuation, you are responsible for:

• Identifying yourself to supervisors, faculty, roommates, and/or residence assistants, indicating the nature of your disability and the type of assistance required in the event of an emergency
• Knowing campus evacuation routes and being capable and willing to communicate such information
• Instructing assistants in the correct method of rendering assistance both in training sessions and during an actual emergency
• Making use of a "Buddy System."
• During the first week of classes or employment, make several acquaintances with fellow students or staff members. Inform them of any special assistance that may be required in the event of an alarm or emergency and secure their agreement to provide or obtain that assistance.