Evacuation Procedures

Communication

An evacuation may be communicated via one or all of the following methods:

Fire Alarm: Pulled or initiated whenever a fire emergency occurs or when a full evacuation is required. The initiation of the fire alarm system means an automatic full evacuation of the building.

Public Address Announcement: Utilized when specific directions or information must be issued to all personnel. Generally used when an immediate and complete evacuation is not the designated response to the emergency. Each situation will require specific directions. Each situation has its own pre-designated texts.

Emergency Text Alert: Utilized when specific directions or information must be issued to all or specific personnel. Individuals must subscribe to this system, so only subscribers will receive the alerts and messages. It may be utilized in conjunction with an alarm or PA announcement.

Personal Verbal Request: May be utilized when only a section/s of a building must evacuate. Generally conducted by security, police, or Facilities Management personnel.

Evacuation Procedures

1. Remain calm.
2. Do not use elevators.
3. Proceed safely down the stairs using the handrails.
4. Exit the building using the nearest safe exit and proceed to refuge area (see below).
5. Department heads and security liaisons should ensure all of their staff has left the office. Close your office doors as you leave.
6. If you are a disabled individual and have mobility difficulties, the stairwell landing is a safe zone for you to seek refuge until emergency personnel can safely bring you down.
7. Each department will have its own departmental-specific duties to carry out in the event of evacuation. These procedures may include and are not limited to the following:
   1. Secure cash and files.
   2. Secure all important documents and guest information.
   3. Bring employee emergency telephone list.

Full Evacuation

A full evacuation will occur if the fire alarm is triggered or if the Emergency Action Team or the local authorities determine a situation is highly dangerous. In addition to the fire alarm, a full evacuation can be communicated via the PA system and/or text alert. A fire alarm always means full evacuation.

Partial Evacuation

A partial evacuation will occur when designated by security, the Emergency Action Team, or local authorities. A partial evacuation will be communicated via the PA system, text alert, or in person by security/emergency personnel.

Refuge Area / Assembly Area

In the event of a building evacuation, a refuge or safe area away from the physical hazard has been established. Each department will follow normal evacuation procedures and proceed to the refuge area once they have exited the building. It is extremely important that all employees respond to the assigned refuge point. Department managers and supervisors will account for all employees. A secondary refuge area is established in the event that the primary refuge area is either blocked or inaccessible.

UMGC Adelphi
Primary Refuge Area:

• Administration Building: Grassy area in front of the East Entrance (facing UMD campus).
• College Park Marriott Hotel and Conference Center: East end of the building, in front of the Leroy Merritt Center.

Secondary Refuge Areas:

• Administration Building: East end of the building, in front of the Leroy Merritt Center.
• College Park Marriott Hotel and Conference Center: West, front circle in front of the Hotel.

Dorsey Station:
Primary Refuge Area: Main parking lot in front of the building. Proceed to the back portion of the lot and away from the building.
Secondary Refuge Area: The cul-de-sac (circle) at the end of Deerpath Road and entrance to the parking lot.

Waldorf Center:
Primary Refuge Area: Front of the building in the southeast corner of the parking lot closest to the fire department.
Secondary Refuge Area: Rear of the building in the northeast corner of the parking lot closest to the water tower

Quantico:
Primary Refuge Area: West side of the building in the lawn closest to Corporate Drive.
Secondary Refuge Area: Front of the building across the street on the opposite side of Corporate Drive.

Responding to Needs of the Disabled or Individuals With Mobility Difficulties

1. A list of all staff and faculty members with mobility issues is maintained in the Security Office. The list is updated through Disability Services at least twice a year. The list includes the name of the individual, their building and room number, as well as any important information regarding their disability that would aid security in responding to and assisting them. Security will make these employees a priority during an evacuation.
2. Departments will assign individuals from their department to act as "Assistance Personnel." Generally, there will be enough volunteers for this assignment. Assistance Personnel should be in good health and have the ability to provide the assistance needed. Larger departments should assign several individuals, in case someone is out. In the event of an evacuation, Assistance Personnel will respond to the needs of the employee with mobility issues. Assistance Personnel can assist security in the evacuation or provide security with valuable information (e.g., call security and inform them that the employee who needs assistance is not in or has already evacuated).
3. Stairwell landings are considered a "safe zone" and a place for the disabled and those with mobility issues to escape to and await evacuation from security or emergency services personnel.
4. If a student or visitor with mobility issues happens to be in the building during an evacuation situation, UMGC staff will assist and contact security for assistance.

Please see evacuation instructions for people with disabilities.