Evacuation Procedures

Campus Evacuation

If a complete campus evacuation and closure is necessary, it will be announced and coordinated by the University of Minnesota Rochester Assistant Vice Chancellor for Finance/Operations or the Chancellor. Notifications will arrive via Txt-U, phone calls, general announcements, or via email.

Building Evacuation

Evacuation may not be necessary unless the incident has generated a hazardous materials incident or there is an immediate health and safety risk, such as fire. Any fire alarm requires an IMMEDIATE EVACUATION. 

IF EVACUATION IS NECESSARY:

• Secure your workstation. Close door but DO NOT LOCK.
• If time allows consider taking your car keys, coat, purse, etc. with you, as you may not be able to reenter the building.  If danger is imminent, evacuate immediately without taking the time to gather these items.
• Know and use the closest evacuation route and emergency exits. DO NOT use elevators.
• Exit in a single line, keeping to the right on stairs, to allow emergency personnel to pass.
• Remain quiet and listen for any instructions.
• Assist in moving disabled persons to exits or leave them in a safe area and inform emergency personnel of disabled person’s location immediately.
• Go immediately to Peace Plaza for a head count to be sure all employees have evacuated. Contact emergency personnel if an employee is missing.

Assist People With Disabilities During An Evacuation

We are all responsible for assisting a person with a disability to the nearest safe emergency exit. Please help the people in your area. Specifically, the Director of Human Resources (the Disabilities Contact for your building) is responsible for planning for the safety of known persons with disabilities. If you are unable to help the person exit, please leave them in the designated Point-Of-Rescue Location. Immediately inform emergency personnel of disabled person’s location in the building.

The designated Point-of-Rescue Location for University Square is the Just Ask Center on 3rd floor and the top of the stairs on 4th floor. The designated Point-of-Rescue Location for Broadway Hall is the reception area.

Visually Impaired Persons

• Announce the type of emergency.
• Offer your arm for guidance and tell persons where you are going.
• Name obstacles they will encounter.
• When safe, ask if they need additional help.

People With Hearing Limitations

• Turn lights on/off
• Indicate directions with gestures, or write a note with evacuation directions.

People Using Crutches, Canes, Or Walkers

• Assist and accompany to evacuation site or point of rescue;
• Use a sturdy chair (or one with wheels) to move person or;
• Help carry individual to safety.

Wheelchair Users

• The needs of those who use a wheelchair vary. At ground floor locations they may exit without help.
• Wheelchair users with electrical respirators get priority assistance.
• Followed by persons with respiratory complications. Remove from smoke/vapors immediately.
• Most wheelchairs are too heavy to take down stairs, so consult with person to determine best carry options.
• Others have minimal ability to move, so lifting them may be dangerous.
• Reunite person with the chair ONLY when it is safe to do so.

If You Are Not Able To Assist A Person Out Of The Building

• Leave them in an identifiable location out of the path of exiting people.
• Immediately find emergency personnel and give concise location of and directions to disabled person.
• Emergency personnel will assist with evacuation of disabled persons.

The appropriate emergency authority will issue an "All Clear" when it is safe to return to the building. Do not return until the “All Clear” is given!

NEVER ENDANGER YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY

1st, 3rd, 4th Floors University Square, 111 S. Broadway – Rochester, MN 55904
4th Floor Broadway Hall, 102 S. Broadway – Rochester, MN 55904
Lower Level, 1st through 8th Floors, 318 Commons, 318 First Avenue SW – Rochester, MN 55902