Emergency Evacuation Information
Individuals with disabilities may have special needs in emergency situations. The best way for students with disabilities to ensure that they are safe on campus is to plan ahead by taking into account their own needs and limitations. Springfield Technical Community College has a comprehensive system for emergency planning to assist individuals in the event of an emergency. We recommend that if you are in need of evacuation assistance, that you register with the Office of Disability Services.
Types of Emergencies:
- Fire
- Tornado
- Chemical Spill
- Bomb Threat
- Hurricane
- Earthquake
Emergency Procedures
1. Remain calm - do not panic.
2. Do not use an elevator in a fire or tornado emergency. (However, it is permissible to use the elevator during a bomb threat or chemical spill)
3. If it is unsafe to use an elevator, proceed to the designated Areas of Safe Refuge.
4. Report all campus emergencies to campus police by dialing 3911 from an on campus phone. There are campus phones in each Area of Safe Refuge. If you are able to call campus police, do so and let them know where you are located and that you are in need of assistance to be evacuated.
5. If an area is filled with smoke, drop to the floor if you are able to do so.
Areas of Safe Refuge are designated areas for individuals who are in need of evacuation assistance. These areas are on each floor of every building on campus. Each door is labeled with an "Area of Rescue Assistance" decal including Braille signage. College Safety, police, and fire personnel will respond to these areas to assist you in moving to a safe location.
What you can do
Contact the Office of Disability Services to discuss building evacuation procedures for individuals with disabilities.
Know the safest method people could use to assist you. Be aware of how many people you need to provide you that assistance.
If you use a wheelchair, be prepared to explain how and where persons should support you. Practice instruction beforehand.
If you have difficulty being understood, prepare a wallet-sized card containing all appropriate instructions and carry it with you. (Include medical and transportation information)
Carry a loud whistle or similar device you can operate for use in the event you become trapped.
While attending classes or meetings, position yourself near a doorway for easier exit. Do not block the doorway.
Plan ahead by familiarizing yourself every semester with the Areas of Safe Refuge in each building.
Additional contacts
For additional information regarding evacuation assistance for individuals with disabilities, please contact:
Jonathan Miller, Chair of the Emergency Response Team and Director of Health Services (413) 755-4230
Dave Siano, Chief of Campus Police (413) 755-4444