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
Individuals 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
Disability Support Service for Students
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.