If you would like to request this form in an alternative format please contact Disability Support Services at
301-934-7614 or via email at ADA@csmd.edu
College of Southern Maryland Emergency
Guidelines for Ind
ividuals with Disabilities
The safety of individuals with disabilities is a shared responsibility. CSM is committed to developing
and implementing procedures to assist individuals with disabilities during an emergency. Likewise,
individuals with disabilities should create a personal emergency plan which addresses their needs
before and during an evacuation.
Development of a Personal Emergency Plan
The development of a personal emergency plan should include the following steps:
Step 1: Register
Students with disabilities who need assistance should register with the Disability Support
Services (DSS) office on the campus they are attending.
Step 2: Develop Personal Evacuation Instructions
Assistance required during an evacuation should be written down on a card and carried by the
individual with disabilities at all times. The card should instruct others on the best ways to
assist and the number of persons needed to help.
Step 3: Develop a “buddy system”
Prepare for emergencies in advance by establishing a primary and an alternate “buddy” for
each class or office location. A “buddy” could be a classmate, instructor, supervisor, or co-
worker. An individual’s personal evacuation instructions should be shared with their “buddies.”
A “Buddy” will assist individuals with disabilities to an evacuation assembly area outside the
building or to a safer area within a building (e.g. stair landing, room away from imminent
danger, another wing, opposite end of corridor). A second person should immediately notify
emergency personnel where an individual is located. Police or Fire/Rescue personnel will decide
if individuals are safe where they are or evacuate them as necessary. A “buddy” should stay
with an individual until the emergency is over.
If an individual with a disability is alone during an emergency, they should contact the campus
security office and provide their present location. The security office can be contacted by a cell
phone, a campus emergency telephone, or an office telephone.
Step 4: Know Your Environment
Become familiar with emergency exits, evacuation routes in campus buildings, and campus
evacuation assembly areas. Elevators are not to be used as an emergency exit unless
instructed by emergency personnel. Determine the building exit nearest your classroom or
office. In the event that this exit is blocked, be familiar with alternate exits.
Step 5: Know Campus Telephone Numbers
Campus Safety and Security
La Plata: 301-934-7888
Leonardtown: 240-725-5333
Prince Frederick: 443-550-6033
Disability Support Services for Students
La Plata: 301-934-7614
Leonardtown: 240-725-5420
Prince Frederick: 443-550-6009
Step 6: Register with Campus Facilities
It is important for campus facilities to maintain a list of individuals with disabilities who may
need assistance in case of an emergency. By registering, you may enable a more efficient
response in the future. You can register by completing the attached form and return it to your
campus’s ADA coordinator.