Emergency Response - Evacuation Procedures

Building Evacuation

If a decision is made to evacuate a campus building, you will be notified by audible public address announcement, by telephone, or in person.

Once you are notified, evacuation is required.

In preparation for the possibility of evacuation, you should understand the evacuation plan, and know at least two ways out of the building from your regular workspace. If you are notified to evacuate, remain calm but leave quickly; walk—do not run. Gather at a pre-determined location; there, your supervisor can take roll and account for all personnel. As you exit, quickly check nearby restrooms, copy rooms, and storage rooms for personnel who may not be aware of the evacuation. Take only essential personal items with you; do not attempt to take large or heavy items. Close doors behind you as you leave. You should also assist and accompany persons with disabilities. Depending on the nature of the emergency, use of an elevator may be dangerous, especially if there is a possibility of becoming trapped inside due to power outage or mechanical failure. However, under some circumstances when the preferred routes of escape are blocked, it may be necessary to use elevators. On occasion, emergency personnel may operate elevators and instruct you to use it. Once out of the building, Police or Fire Department personnel will instruct you to move to a designated safe area at least 300 feet away from the building.

Campus-wide Evacuation

In most emergencies, complete evacuation of the entire campus is not necessary. If, however, there is a major hazardous materials release, flood, or other major incident, it may be necessary to relocate all University individuals to a safer location. If you are instructed by authorities to evacuate the entire campus, do so immediately. If you are a person with a disability and need assistance leaving campus, contact the Ohio University Police Department at 593-1911. Once the campus is evacuated, it will be secured and no one will be allowed to enter without proper authorization. The campus will remain closed until the decision to reopen is made by the President of Ohio University or designee. Local radio and television stations will broadcast a notification when the campus is reopened.