911 for SECURITY, FIRE, AMBULANCE, PARAMEDIC  EMERGENCIES

(760) 327-1441

POLICE NON-EMERGENCY

(760) 323-8181

FIRE DEPT

FACILITIES EMERGENCIES:

760-320-7488

Rev. Daniel Kline

(760) 770-0777 dispatch

Maximum Security

(760) 327-5288

Desert Protection Patrol

(760) 834-3593 

URGENT CARE--Eisenhower on Sunrise

(760) 323-6511

HOSPITAL--Desert Medical Center on Indian Canyon

SUICIDE PREVENTION:

DIAL 9-8-8 NATIONAL SUICIDE EMERGENCY 

(760) 863-8455

SUICIDE CRISIS LINE--Riverside County 24 hour

(800) 784-2433      

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE

POISON CONTROL: 

(800) 222-1222      

NATIONAL POISON CONTROL HOTLINE 

OPIATE OVERDOSE PREVENTION:  

(855) 726-9505

NATIONAL OPIATE ADDICTION COUNSELING

Definition: To rapidly increase the level of security in the facility. Exterior doors and main interior doors are locked to make it more difficult for an intruder or a dangerous person to gain access to staff, volunteers and guests who can then continue productive activities, in a limited fashion.

General Response:

1. Immediately move all staff, volunteers and guests from outside into the building

2. If you are located in an area with a lockable door, gather people in the vicinity into the room and close and lock your door. 

3. Account for all staff, volunteers and guests (take roll-call)

4. Continue with normal activities as much as the situation allows.

5. Keep in mind that an incident elsewhere in the building may have triggered a Room Clear followed by a Lockdown.

6. If staff, volunteers, or guests  must move about in the building, first obtain permission from the Emergency Response Team.

7. Be prepared to rapidly implement an Evacuation or Lockdown if directed to do so.

8. To maintain security, all outside doors should be kept locked at all times.

Definition: To rapidly increase the level of security in the facility when danger is imminent. Lockdown requires that all staff guests and volunteers seek as much physical safety from physical assault as possible by using barriers to sight as well as physical barriers.

General Response:

1. Immediately clear common areas, hallways and restrooms and move to a secure room . If you are not in a location with a lockable door, move people to a more secure area if possible.

2. Gather staff, volunteers and guests  by an interior block wall out of sight and turn out lights.

3. Keep all persons away from the doors and windows to limit visibility.

4. If possible, barricade door, and pull window shades.

5. Allow no one in or out of the room until a uniformed policeman opens your door.

8. REMAIN QUIET!!

9. When safe to do so, account for staff, volunteers ans guests.

Be ready for the dynamic involvement of law enforcement. An immediate rescue attempt may be required and staff may hear orders from the police to the suspect or even gunfire. At some point law enforcement will conduct a "sweep" of the building. If law officers search your room, all occupants of the room should lay on the floor with their hands extended. This will facilitate a quick search of all the occupants.

Definition: To provide safety whenever it is determined that it is safer outside the building rather than inside.

General Response:

1. Close your doors but leave them unlocked. Evacuate the building and move to the EMERGENCY MEETING LOCATION IN THE FAR WEST END CHURCH PARKING LOT.

2. Ensure that special needs and disabled persons are provided assistance.

3. During the Evacuation, remain alert to any potential hazards in the area. If you encounter fire or any other significant hazard, or find the designated pathway blocked, seek an alternate route.

4. Upon reaching the central meeting location, account for all staff, volunteers and guests and immediately report any missing people to first responders.

5. Stay in place. Do not let people back into the building for any reason!

6. Remain alert to potential dangers in the area. Wait for clearance before returning to the building.

Definition: When there has been a chemical or biological release or radiological incident outside of, but in proximity to a facility, and available information indicates that there is not adequate time to evacuate building occupants to a safe location before the dangerous contaminants reach the facility.

General Response:

1. If outdoors, instruct others to go inside immediately to an interior area without windows, if possible.

2. Close all windows and doors leading to hallways, common areas and outside.

3. If this is a "Shelter for Hazmat! Seal the Room" use duct tape and plastic sheeting from the  Emergency Kits to cover all windows and doors to help reduce airflow into the area. Tape can also be used to cover any cracks, crevices, electrical outlets, cable television connections or other openings. Wet towels can be used to reduce airflow under doors.

4. Be sure all A/C, heating and ventilation is turned off and ducts sealed.

Examples of possible Shelter-in-Place types and methods: 

Shelter for Dangerous Person:  Run - Hide - Fight

Shelter for Earthquake: Drop, Cover and Hold on

Shelter for Fire: Drop and Crawl

Shelter for Dangerous Winds: Drop, Cover and Hold.

General Response:

1. Activate fire alarm (located next to most exit doors and in hallways). Call 911.

2. Evacuate to designated area at least 300 feet from the building.  EMERGENCY MEETING LOCATION IS THE FAR (West) END CHURCH PARKING LOT.

3. Close doors as you exit  but do not lock them.

4. Assist any individuals with special needs.

5. Fire Safety Reminders:

 • If you encounter fire remind people to "Evacuate! Drop and Crawl".

 • If someone has flames on their body, remind them to, "Stop, Drop & Roll". If possible, use a blanket to smother flames.

 For Fire Extinguishers - P- A - S - S (Pull the pin - Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire - Squeeze the handle - Sweep retardant at base of fire).

 Do not attempt to fight a fire with a fire extinguisher unless you have been trained.  Even a small fire can grow rapidly.

GENERAL BUILDING FIRE INFORMATION:

In just two minutes a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes a building can be engulfed in flames.

Learn About Fires:

Fire is FAST! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house or for it to be engulfed in flames.

Fire is HOT! Heat is more threatening than flames. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super-hot air will scorch your lungs and melt clothes to your skin.

Fire is DARK! Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness.

Fire is DEADLY! Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns by a 3-to-1 ratio.

WILD FIRES:

Wildfires can ruin homes and cause injuries or death to people and animals. 

Definition:

A wildfire is an unplanned fire that burns in a natural area such as a forest, grassland, or prairie. 

Wildfires can:

Often be caused by humans or lightning.

Cause flooding or disrupt transportation, gas, power, and communications.

Happen anywhere, anytime. Risk increases with in periods of little rain and high winds.

Cost the Federal Government billions of dollars each year.

IF YOU ARE UNDER A WILDFIRE WARNING, GET TO SAFETY RIGHT AWAY

Leave if told to do so.

If trapped, call 9-1-1.

Listen for emergency information and alerts.

Use N95 masks to keep particles out of the air you breathe.

ARE YOU READY TO EVACUATE?

READY FOR WILDFIRE

CAL FIRE INCIDENTS

WILD FIRE INFORMATION SHEET

HOW TO PREPARE FOR WILDFIRES?

PREPARING FOR A WILDFIRE EVACUATION

WILDFIRE EVACUATION CHECKLIST

Often there is no warning other than tremors or a low rumbling sound.

General Response:

1. Keep calm and remain where you are. Assess the situation. Then act.

2. Remember that falling and flying debris causes injuries and death. Seek shelter under desks or other heavy furniture. Move away from windows and overhead hazards.

3. If outdoors, move away from buildings, gas and electrical lines.

4. If indoors, advise everyone to drop down and seek cover under sturdy furniture or against a wall near the center of the building and away from glass and hold on.

5. Do not allow the use of open flames such as matches or candles due to possible gas leaks in the area.

6. After tremors have stopped, if it is safe to do so, Evacuate buildings. Do not reenter.

7. Upon reaching the emergency meeting location, take roll-call and notify first responders immediately of any missing people.

8. Prepare for aftershocks. EMERGENCY MEETING LOCATION IS THE FAR (West) END CHURCH PARKING LOT.

EARTHQUAKE RESPONSE ACTIONS

EARHQUAKE GUIDE FOR SENIORS & THE DISABLED

EARTHQUAKE SITUATIONAL RESPONSE

EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS & RESPONSE GUIDE

EARTHQUAKE TOOLKIT

FLOODING:

Definition: Caused by heavy rains or dam breaks.

Alert Signal: 

Flash flood warnings issued by National Weather Service to the public by radio and television.

General Response:

1. Follow the directions of local emergency management officials.

2. Unplug all appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment. Avoid downed electrical lines.

3. If there has been flooding in the community, do not drink tap water due to possible contamination.

4. Do not stack sandbags against the facility as this may lead to structural damage.

5. Keep everyone indoors.

LANDSLIDE:

Definition:  A downhill movement of earth that can move slowly and cause damage gradually, or move rapidly, destroying property and taking lives suddenly.  Usually caused by natural forces or events, such as heavy rain, snow melts, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and gravity.

General Response:

1. Evacuate immediately.  Inform affected neighbors,if possible and call 9-1-1.

2. Listen for unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees or boulders knocking together.

3.  Stay alert and awake.  Many landslide deaths occur while people are sleeping.

4.  If you live near a  stream or channel, be alert for any sudden increase/decrease in water flow and water changing from clear to muddy which indicates debris flow activity upstream. 

5. When driving, be alert for collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks and other indications of debris flow.

6.  Watch for flooding  which often follows landslides and debris flows.

FLOOD RESPONSE GUIDE

DEFINITION:

Extreme heat or heat waves occur when the temperature reaches extremely high levels or when the combination of heat and humidity causes the air to become oppressive. 

HOW TO AVOID RISK:

Stay hydrated with water, avoid sugary beverages

Stay cool in an air conditioned area (i.e. libraries, malls, grocery stores,  government designated cooling centers)

Wear light-weight, light colored, loose fitting clothes

During extreme heat the temperature in your car could be deadly.

Warning Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness

TUNDERSTORM & LIGHTNING:

Alert Signal: 

Signs of imminent thunderstorm activity are darkened clouds, high winds, and thunder or lightning activity.

General Response:

1. Postpone or suspend activity if a thunderstorm appears imminent before or during an activity or contest (regardless of whether lightning is seen or thunder heard) until the hazard has passed.

2. Designate a safe shelter. Do not use dugouts or under trees where lightning can still strike. An alternate emergency safe shelter is a car (solid roof, not a convertible) with windows rolled up completely.

3. Wait at least 30 minutes following the last sound of thunder or lightning flash prior to resuming an activity or returning outdoors.

4. Assume the lightning safe position (crouched on the ground, weight on the balls of the feet, feet together, head lowered and ears covered) for individuals who feel their hair stand on end, skin tingle or hear "cracking" noises. Do not lie flat on the ground.

5. Keep away from water pipes and electrical equipment including corded phones. Sensitive electronics should be unplugged well in advance of thunderstorms.

6. Observe the following basic first aid procedures in managing victims of a lightning strike:

•          Call 911
•          Survey the scene for safety.
•          Lightning victims do not carry a charge and are safe to touch. If necessary, carefully move the victim to a safer location.
•          Evaluate airway, breathing and circulation, and begin CPR if necessary.
•          Care and treat the injured or ill victim as  needed.

"When thunder roars, go indoors."

WIND, TORNADO & OTHER SEVERE WEATHER:

Definition: Used when a severe weather watch or warning has been issued. 

The major dangers of severe weather are intense cold and heat and the breakdown of transportation due to poor visibility and road conditions.

Severe Weather Watch

General Response:

1. Bring all persons inside building(s).

2. Close windows and blinds.

3. Review severe weather procedures and location of safe areas: under desks, in hallways and interior rooms away from windows.

4. Review "Shelter! Drop, Cover and Hold" procedures.

5. Avoid areas with wide free-span roofs and large areas of glass windows.

Key Points:

1. Whenever clergy are present, call upon them to assist with any person exhibiting disruptive behavior.

2. Stay calm, don’t escalate the situation by becoming defensive or argumentative.

3. Try to calmly get the person to a quieter, more secluded place to offer a pastoral response.

4. Never touch someone when attempting to get them to a less public, quieter space. If a person needs to be physically removed, call law enforcement.

5. The ideal space is one that is quiet, and where those involved can be seen by others from a distance. In no case should anyone be in a space with a disruptive person if anyone feels unsafe.

6. Individuals being disruptive before entering the church should be asked to remain outside.

7. If the situation involves threats of physical harm, contact law enforcement.

8. In case of deliberate and intentional disruption, contact law enforcement. Sometimes music can be used to deprive the individuals of their goal of disrupting the service or event.

Summary:

1. Calm the situation.

2. Move to a quiet space.

3. Assess needs.

4. Offer a pastoral response.

DE-ESCALATION TIPS

Definition: Weapons use is defined as the unauthorized discharge of a firearm or other use of a weapon to assault, threaten, or injure another person on or in close proximity to the facility.

General Response:

1. If you witness a weapons use incident, call for an Evacuation (RUN) or Shelter -In-Place (HIDE) and call 911 as rapidly as it is safely possible.

2. If you are outside, move immediately to the EMERGENCY MEETING AREA area and be prepared to Evacuate the area if necessary.

3. Immediately clear all people  from hallways and restrooms and urge them to RUN - HIDE - FIGHT.

4. Close and lock doors leading to hallways, commons areas and outside.

5. Move people to designated Shelter-In-Place rooms or to an  interior wall, turn off lights and pull shades on windows to limit visibility.

6. BARRICADE DOORS, if possible.

7. TURN OFF CELL PHONES AND REMAIN SILENT

8. Allow no one in or out of rooms until a uniformed officer opens your door.

9. If there is an immediate threat (shooter is entering your  area), tell people  to “RUN - Get Out” to a place of safety.

10. If the weapon(s) has been dropped or discarded, secure the area where it is located. It is normally best not to attempt to handle it yourself.

11. Remember that a weapons use scene is a crime scene. No attempt should be made to clean up blood or other evidence without the approval of the senior law enforcement official.

12. Remember that there may be hazards from blood or other bodily fluids at the scene.

BE PREPARED FOR AN ACTIVE SHOOTER

RUN. HIDE. FIGHT. Surviving an Active Shooter Event 

Definition: When one or more individuals use a weapon, the threat of a weapon, or the threat of violence to hold or move persons against their will.

General Response:

If you are not among those taken hostage:

1. If you are outside, move others away from the building to the emergency meeting location and be prepared to move off-site if necessary.
2. Implement Lockdown or Evacuation as appropriate.
3. If you have a safe means to do so, call 911. Provide as much information as possible.
4. Try to keep people calm and quiet.
5. If you are instructed to follow Lockdown procedures, be prepared to Evacuate when instructed to do so by first responders.

If you are among those taken hostage:

1. Do not attempt to negotiate with a hostage-taker.
2. Do not make suggestions to a hostage-taker. You may be blamed for resulting problems.
3. It is generally not advisable to attempt to disarm a hostage-taker or to try to escape.
4. Try to remain calm and keep the other hostages under your care as calm and quiet as possible. Ask permission from the hostage-taker(s) prior to taking any action.
5. Try not to make any unexpected or sudden movements.
6. Follow instructions given by first responders.
7. Do not point out law enforcement officers if you become aware of their presence.
8. If a law enforcement rescue attempt is made, listen to what officers instruct you to do and do it immediately.
9. Remember, most people who are taken hostage survive; and most injuries and deaths in hostage situations occur within the first minutes of the situation. The longer the situation lasts, the greater the odds that you will survive.

Definition: Any crime of a sexual nature.

General Response:

1. Notify the church leadership immediately of any reported sexual assault.

2. Attempt to dissuade the victim from washing, cleaning up or use of the rest room, if possible.

3. Attempt to provide the victim privacy.

4. Secure the crime scene.

5. Do not use the victim's name on any communication device or release the victim's identity to anyone other than law enforcement officials.

6. Remember that sexual assaults are very serious crimes. Do not attempt to conduct an investigation, question victims, witnesses or suspects; and do not disturb any potential physical evidence.

STOP SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Definition: Indications are such that a child/person who should be at the facility has run away, is lost, or has been abducted.

General Response:

1. Search your area of responsibility for the missing child/person. Any potential hiding places should be searched, including crawl spaces, rest rooms, storage closets, cabinets and storage containers. Missing children have frequently been found hiding in these types of areas.
2. Advise church leadership of the results of the search as soon as it is completed.

SUSPECTED BIOLOGICAL EMERGENCY:

Definition: An outbreak is reported by a credible source (usually by the public health system).

General Response:

If Outside:

1. Notify church leadership.

2. Move everyone away from immediate vicinity of danger (If outside, implement "Lockout! Secure the Perimeter.")

3. Segregate individuals who have been topically contaminated by a liquid from unaffected individuals. Send affected individuals to a designated area for medical attention.

4. Decontaminate as appropriate (specific procedures provided by public health, fire department or EMT).

If inside:

1. Notify church leadership.

2. Segregate individuals who have been topically contaminated by a liquid from unaffected individuals. 

3. Send affected individuals to a designated area for medical attention.

3. Prepare a list of those who are in the affected area for emergency resources personnel.

ANTHRAX:

Definition: In recent years, threats and actual incidents of anthrax spores being mailed to target people and organizations have occurred.

General Response: 

If you have been exposed to the suspected substance—

1. Attempt to remain calm. Remember that anthrax exposure is treatable and public safety and medical officials have plenty of time to react to suspected anthrax exposure cases.

2. Do not continue to handle any item(s) that may contain anthrax spores or evidence.

3. Leave the room where the exposure occurred and isolate yourself from other people. Walk calmly and think of an isolated area that you can move to. If possible, close and lock the doors to the room where the suspected exposure occurred.

4. Notify church leadership, or call 911 and request assistance.

5. Be sure to report the situation accurately and provide information on the number of people exposed.

CHEMICAL AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RELEASE:

Definition: Accidents may occur during use, processing or transporting of chemical and other hazardous materials, exposing people to the dangers of contaminants. In other instances, individuals or groups may cause the intentional release of chemicals or other hazardous materials.

General Response:

1. If the substance released is inside a room or building, you may be instructed to Evacuate. If so, evacuate staff, volunteers and guests to a safe location at right angles to and upwind of the agent.

2. If it is too dangerous to evacuate the facility, implement "Shelter-In-Place for Hazmat! Seal the Room" protocol.

o Secure the building, including closing all windows and doors.

o Shut off all heating, cooling, and /or ventilation systems. Cut "OFF" all motors, fans, and appliances.

o Place wet towels in door cracks and/or tape around the doors and windows to block air from the outside.

3. Listen to emergency alert broadcasts on all available media, and follow their instructions.

4. After evacuation, persons who have come into direct contact with hazmat substances should be taken to a decontamination area.

5. Be prepared to render first aid, if necessary.

COMMON CHEMICAL RELEASE CAUSES

HOW TO DECONTAMINATE

Definition: During use, processing or transporting of radioactive materials, accidents may occur that will expose the facility to the dangers of contaminants. The chances of illness are decreased when people know what to do and how to protect themselves. In addition, individuals or groups could cause the release of radioactive materials through a variety of means including an explosive device designed to scatter radioactive materials (commonly referred to as a "dirty bomb"), the scattering or distribution of radiological materials without the use of explosives or the use of a nuclear device. Keep in mind that radiological materials could be disseminated via food or water supply.

Possible indications of a radiological attack include:

• Unusual numbers of sick or dying people or animals.

• Radiation exposure symptoms include reddened skin and in severe cases, vomiting.

• Casualties may happen hours, days or weeks after an incident.

• Time elapsed between exposure and appearance of symptoms depends on the material used and dosage of exposure.

• Unusual metal debris that could indicate devices or munitions-like material.

• Radiation symbols on containers.

• Heat-emitting materials without any visible energy source.

• Glowing material or particles including Radiolumineacence and/or colored residue at the scene.

(Source: Jane's Unconventional Weapons Response Handbook-Jane's Information Group).

General Response:

• Call 911 and take directions from your local emergency management officials immediately. Listen to emergency alert broadcasts on all available media and follow their instructions.

• If instructed to Evacuate (or depending upon the situation), evacuate staff, volunteers and guests to a safe location at right angles to and upwind of the apparent contaminated area.

• In the event that it is dangerous to evacuate the facility or property conduct "Shelter-In-Place for Hazmat! Seal the Room" protocol.

• Move everyone to nearest safe areas. If outside, direct staff, volunteers and guests to nearest building interior Safe Area. If movement into the building would expose persons to hazardous chemical plume, remain outside, cover mouth and nose and find the nearest suitable shelter.

• Be prepared to render first aid, if necessary.

In the event of a nuclear device being employed rather than a dirty bomb, the electromagnetic pulse created by the device may render electronic communications devices, computer based equipment and modern vehicle ignition switches inoperable. This could necessitate that all communications at the building level be handled by runners and other means not reliant upon technology affected by the blast.

WHERE TO GO IN A RADIATION EMERGENCY?

HOW TO RESPOND TO AN IMPROVISED NUCLEAR DEVICE?

NUCLEAR POWER PLANT ACCIDENTS

HOW TO RESPOND TO A DIRTY BOMB?

HOW TO RESPOND TO A NUCLEAR WEAPON

HOW TO DECONTAMINATE?

Definition: 

A situation in which multiple staff, volunteers and/or guests become ill due to the consumption of contaminated food or beverage. This could involve accidental contamination or intentional contamination that could involve biological organisms, toxins, chemicals or radiological contaminants.

General Response:

1. Staff members may be the first to realize that a contamination incident has occurred. In this situation, notify the church leadership immediately.

2. Take immediate action to prevent others from consuming food or beverages until the actual source of contamination can be determined.

3. Follow the directions of first responders.

SIGNS OF SEVERE FOOD POISONING

WHO CAN GET FOOD POISONING

FIRST AID - CPR - AED

PLAN AHEAD FOR PEOPLE WHO MAY NEED SPECIAL ASSISTANCE:

Request that individuals who feel they may need special assistance self-identify so arrangements can be made in advance to meet their needs. Note that individuals with unobservable disabilities may or may not self-identify before an emergency. These individuals may need additional help during emergency situations. 

Such disabilities may include:

• A learning disability
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Cardiac condition
• Chronic back problems
• Psychological disability

Prepare a personal evacuation plan for individuals requiring special assistance during an evacuation. Incorporate the recommendations on this page, and include:

• Intended route and means of evacuation
• Who will assist them
• Areas of refuge where they can wait for assistance

HOW TO HELP PEOPLE WITH LOW VISION OR BLINDNESS:

1. Tell the person the nature of the emergency and offer your arm for guidance. This is the preferred method when acting as a "sighted guide."
2. Give verbal instructions to advise about the safest route or direction, using estimated distances and directional terms.
3. As you walk, tell the person where you are and where obstacles are located.
4. When you reach safety, orient the person to their surroundings and ask if they need further assistance.
5. Ensure that a service animal is not separated from its master, if possible.

HOW TO HELP PEOPLE WHO ARE DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING:

Some people who are deaf or hard of hearing may not perceive the audible fire alarm during an emergency. Use an alternative warning system, such as:

1. Write a note to tell the person of the situation, the nearest evacuation route, and where to meet outside. (Sample script: "FIRE! Go out the rear door on your right. NOW. Meet outside on the front lawn.")
2. Turn the light switch on and off to gain their attention, and then indicate through gestures or in writing what is happening and what to do. Do not use the light switch technique if you smell natural gas in the area.
3. Give visual instructions to advise about the safest route or direction by pointing toward exits or evacuation maps.
4. Ensure that a service animal is not separated from its master, if possible.

HOW TO HELP PEOPLE USING CRUTCHES, CANES OR WALKERS:

1. Ask the person how you can best assist them in evacuating the area.
2. Consider the evacuation options and the suitability of carrying the person. Carrying options include: Using a 2-person, lock-arm position; Having the individual sit on a sturdy chair (preferably with arms) that is then lifted and carried

HOW TO HELP PEOPLE USING WHEELCHAIRS:

Follow these recommendations when planning for and assisting people who use wheelchairs:

1. Do not lift an individual in a wheelchair. There is too much risk involved for both the lay rescuer and the non-ambulatory person (back injury, loss of control of the wheelchair and person in it, tripping, falling).
2. Wheelchairs have many movable or weak parts that are not constructed to withstand the stress of lifting (e.g., the seat bar, foot plates, wheels, movable arm rests, etc.).

Be aware that some individuals in wheelchairs may have:

• Minimal ability to move, and lifting them may be dangerous to their well-being
• Very little upper trunk and neck strength
• Respiratory conditions and/ or equipment that increase their vulnerability to smoke, vapors, or other airborne toxicants.

Always ask the person having a disability what their needs and preferences are regarding:

• Ways of being moved
• Whether to extend or move extremities when lifting because of pain, braces, etc.
• Whether a seat cushion or pad should be brought along
• Aftercare, if the individual will be removed from the wheelchair

EVACUATING DISABLED/INJURED PEOPLE:

Check the intended evacuation route for obstacles, if possible. Remember: smoke, debris, flooding, loss of electricity, or other impediments may be present.

Move people who are unable to leave the building to an area of refuge.

RESOURCES