Leave your building immediately when an alarm sounds or if you are instructed to do so by authorized emergency personnel.
Evacuation Procedures
- Remain calm.
- Evacuate in a safe and orderly manner.
- If safe to do so, gather personal belongings (medication, keys, purses, etc.).
- Do not use elevators unless authorized emergency personnel tell you to do so.
- Provide assistance for those with disabilities by helping them evacuate or by guiding them to an area of rescue assistance, if safe to do so.
- Go to the identified assembly area which should be at least 500 feet away from the building unless directed to another location by the NIU police or properly identified emergency personnel.
- Remain with your class/office so a full accounting can be made.
- Notify NIU police or emergency personnel of any missing or trapped persons.
- Follow all directions from the NIU Police or other authorities present.
Evacuating Persons with Disabilities
If you are required to leave the building immediately but are unable to (because of a physical disability, injury or obstruction):
- Remain calm.
- Go the nearest area where there are no hazards.
- Call 911.
- Signal out the window to emergency responders if possible.
Instructors and supervisors should be proactive and be aware of people who will need assistance.
Assisting Blind/Visually Impaired
- Clearly announce the type of emergency.
- Offer your arm for guidance.
- Tell the person where you are going, and alert them to obstacles along the way.
Assisting Individuals Who Are Deaf/Hard of Hearing
- Turn lights on and off to gain the person’s attention.
- Indicate directions with gestures or a written note.
Assisting Mobility-impaired/Wheelchair Users
- Elevators should not be used to move people with disabilities.
- Seek volunteers to assist students/personnel with physical disabilities to the nearest enclosed stairway or designated areas for rescue assistance.
- One individual should remain with the person(s) if it can be done without unreasonable personal risk.
- Others should advise emergency personnel of the location so that the evacuation can be completed.
- If an imminent danger situation exists and the person requests assistance in evacuation before emergency personnel can arrive, assist in finding volunteers to evacuate the person per their instructions.