Evacuation Procedures

Evacuations will be directed by Los Rios Police or college officials. Follow directions closely. Building evacuation routes are posted in hallways of all multi-story buildings. Assembly areas will be directed based on the nature of the emergency or threat.

Evacuation Procedures for Faculty and Staff

Upon activation of a building fire alarm, activation and direction of the Los Rios Alert System or at the direction of the Los Rios Police Department (LRPD), all occupants (employees, students, and others) within affected buildings are required to quickly and quietly evacuate those buildings.

Each division dean or manager or designee should ensure that all employees are informed of the proper procedures and precautions to be followed during drills or actual emergency events. It is each employee’s responsibility to make sure they know the primary and secondary evacuation routes from their office, classroom, building, and campus. In general, each employee should plan ahead for possible evacuations.

Emergency Exits and Lights

All college buildings have clearly marked and illuminated emergency exit signs that indicate evacuation routes. In some buildings, these signs remain illuminated at all times; in other buildings, they become illuminated when a fire alarm is activated. The District regularly tests the lighting in these signs to assure that it is adequate day and night. Buildings have emergency lighting systems which provide illumination for a short period of time, but sufficient to permit evacuation.

Faculty and Supervisors Take the Lead

Faculty members and supervisors will take the lead in evacuating their students and employees during drills or actual emergencies. Therefore – as preparation for an emergency evacuation – faculty members and supervisors should be ready to perform the following tasks:

• Inform students and employees of primary and alternate building exits.
• Remind students and employees to use the stairs during evacuation – not elevators.
• Instruct students and employees to evacuate quickly and take only essential belongings.
• Instruct students and employees to walk – not run – as they evacuate.
• Ensure that classroom/office doors are closed and overhead lights turned off after everyone has evacuated.
• Inform students and employees to assemble at least 150 feet away from the building.
• Ensure evacuees do not assemble near fire lanes, fire hydrants, doors, streets, and other areas that could impede the access of emergency responders.
• Immediately notify LRPD of any people who refused to evacuate and their last known location.
• Ask that evacuees remain together and await further instructions, but do not attempt to stop anyone who chooses to leave.
• Not re-enter the building until directed by LRPD or college officials. Silenced or reset fire alarms are not signals to re-enter evacuated buildings.

Evacuation Preparedness for Students and Employees with Disabilities

Employees shall make every effort to follow guidelines concerning students and employees with disabilities in an emergency situation.

Assisting Individuals Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

1. Tell the individual who is blind or visually impaired the nature of the emergency.
2. Guide the person to an emergency exit.
3. Inform the person where you are and advise them of obstacles.
4. After reaching the safety area, tell the person to where they are and ask if they need further help.

Assisting Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

A student or employee who is deaf or hard of hearing may not perceive emergency sound alarms, so an alternate warning technique is necessary. One suggestion is to turn the light switch on and off to get the person's attention and then indicate on the white board or by written note what the emergency is and the nearest evacuation route.

Assisting Students or Employees Using Crutches, Canes, or Walkers

People using crutches, canes, or walkers should be treated as if they are injured for evacuation purposes. Carrying techniques include:

• Using a two-person lock arm position
• Having the person sit in a sturdy chair, preferably one with arms

Assisting the Non-Ambulatory

Some people have minimal ability to move and lifting them may be dangerous to their well-being. Consult with the person about whether it is safe to remove them from a wheelchair. In any event, determine:

• The number of people necessary for assistance.
• Whether to bend extremities when lifting due to pain, catheter, leg bags, spasticity, braces, and so on.
• Whether to carry a person forward or backward on a flight of stairs. Some people may have no upper trunk or neck strength.

The following items are guidelines to be considered during evacuation of non-ambulatory persons:

• Wheelchairs have movable parts which are not constructed to withstand the stress of lifting (for example, foot plates, arm rests, wheels, and leg rests).
• If a seat belt is attached to wheelchair, then secure the person in the chair.
• Emergency devices for moving disabled persons on stairs have been provided in multi-story buildings – please see the area staff for location and proper use.

Campus Evacuations

If necessary, then Los Rios Police or college officials will issue evacuation orders in response to a threat or emergency situation. If evacuation is necessary, then Los Rios Police and/or college officials will work their way through all campus buildings and spaces to warn everyone. They will also share the nature of the threat, recommend evacuation routes or assembly areas, and suggest protective measures. Pay careful attention and follow instructions, including those provided via the Los Rios Alert system.