Montgomery County Community College (the College) acknowledges that individuals with mobility, auditory, or visual disabilities may require assistance during emergencies. The college will not assume a student automatically requires emergency evacuation assistance. This information will assist Campus Safety and emergency responders in providing appropriate evacuation assistance during an emergency.
- Students should complete the link Evacuation Assistance Form at the beginning of every academic semester when taking courses in person.
- If during the semester, students no longer require emergency evacuation assistance they should email the Office of Disability Services at [email protected]
If you need immediate help, please contact Campus Safety.
Blue Bell Campus: 215-641-6666, or phone extension 6666
Pottstown Campus: 610-718-1913, or phone extension 1913
Evacuation Best Practices for Community Members to Assist
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Individuals who are blind or have low vision
- Describe the nature of the emergency and the location if relevant.
- Offer your arm to assist with guiding the individual.
- Provide details about where you are going and any obstacles the person may encounter along the route.
- Once at a safe location, orient the individual to the location and inquire if further assistance is needed before leaving the location.
Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing
- Alert the individual. Turn the lights on/off or wave your arms to gain the person’s attention.
- Use gestures or written notes. Indicate directions with gestures or write a note with evacuation instructions.
Individual with mobility limitations—non-wheelchair user
- Discuss needs and preferences. Ask if assistance is needed. Inquire if the person is able to evacuate using the stairs without help or with minor assistance.
- Ensure a clear path to travel. If debris is present, it may be necessary to clear a path to the nearest exit route.
- If conditions do not present an immediate threat, the individual may remain in place or relocate to an area of refuge, such as a stairwell, and await assistance from emergency personnel trained in rescue and evacuation procedures who will help them exit the building safely.
- In the event of an imminent threat, use a sturdy chair, either wheeled or non-wheeled, to assist in moving the individual, or help carry them to a safe area. If an evacuation chair is available, it should be used. Campus Safety will be notified to provide assistance during the evacuation process.
- Return any mobility aids or devices to the person as soon as possible.
- Once you safely evacuate, notify emergency personnel immediately about any individuals remaining in the building and their locations.
Mobility limitations—Wheelchair user
- Discuss needs and preferences. Non-ambulatory persons’ needs and preferences vary widely. Ask them how they would like to be assisted.
- Individuals who use wheelchairs may choose to evacuate themselves from the ground floor with minimal assistance.
- Ensure a clear path to travel. If debris is present, it may be necessary to clear a path to the nearest exit.
- If conditions do not present an immediate threat, the individual may remain in place or relocate to an area of refuge, such as a stairwell, and await assistance from emergency personnel trained in rescue and evacuation procedures who will help them exit the building safely.
- In the event of an imminent threat, use a sturdy chair, evacuation chair, or help carry them to assist in moving the individual. If the individual does not wish to be removed from his or her wheelchair, direct the person to the nearest (stairwell) and notify emergency personnel immediately. Campus Safety will be notified to provide assistance during the evacuation process.
- Most wheelchairs are too heavy to carry down the stairs. If the person wishes to be carried down the stairs without the wheelchair, ask about the best carry options, i.e., two-person cradle carry, office chair evacuation, or, if available, an evacuation chair.
- Return any mobility aids or devices to the person as soon as possible.
- Once you safely evacuate, notify emergency personnel immediately about any individuals remaining in the building and their locations.