Title
Environment, Health and Safety Manual - Chapter 04.01: Fire Safety - Emergency Planning and Evacuation
Scope
It is the responsibility of every department and work unit to establish emergency plans in the event of fire, chemical spill, or personal injury.
Responsibilities
Employees
Employees are responsible for following the procedures outlined in the UNC Environment, Health and Safety Manual.
Work Unit
Develop site-specific emergency plans for workplaces in the event of an emergency and/or evacuation alarm. Laboratory units are to incorporate the emergency plans in their Laboratory Safety Plan.
Department
Develop department-specific emergency action plan using established University format: https://emp.unc.edu/emergency-action-plan/.
UNC Police
Carry out safety and security responsibilities described in the University Emergency Plan.
Environment, Health and Safety
Carry out responsibilities described in the University Emergency Plan. Respond to small chemical spills as outlined in the Environment, Health and Safety Emergency Response Procedures and Hazardous Materials Facility Contingency Plan. Report to Incident Commander for emergencies reported to University Police. Provide first responder support to the Chapel Hill Fire Department in the event of an incident involving hazardous materials.
Protecting the Physically Impaired During an Evacuation Notice
People with disabilities frequently have additional needs and challenges when considering how to handle an emergency situation. In addition to the other information found on this website, more information can be found on the Carolina Ready and Accessibility Resources and Opportunity and Compliance Office websites. Below are general guidelines based upon best practices for evacuations for people with disabilities. It is imperative to know the layout of the buildings you frequent and any special emergency features.
When an evacuation is required, REMAIN CALM and DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS. Evacuations generally have two options, horizontal or vertical evacuation.
- Horizontal Evacuation: Some buildings may be connected to other buildings via ramps, tunnels, or bridges. Utilizing these features would be a safe an acceptable evacuation method.
- Vertical Evacuation: This typically uses stairwells to transverse to an area to access the outside. This may not be an option depending upon the individuals mobility needs.
If you are unable to evacuate via the two options, then: Shelter-in-Place or go to an Area of Refuge.
NOTE: There are very few buildings on campus with designated Areas of Refuge within the building’s construction. This is not the preferred option but can be utilized in the event of an emergency. We urge individuals who would like to utilize this option to also notify 911 communications via cell phone.
- Area of Refuge: These are areas fabricated in stairwells during building construction. They contain an area to fit a manual wheelchair and a two way walkie-talkie style communication system linked to the fire alarm control room. Call 911 from your cell phone and provide them with your location and name.
- Shelter-In-Place: If the danger is not imminent, remain in a room with an exterior window and a solid or fire-resistant door. The majority of buildings on campus are equipped with sprinkler systems. This provides another layer of protection between you and the fire emergency. Call 911 communications and provide them with your name and location. Communications will remain in contact with you and relay your information and location to emergency responders. This is the preferred option when other options are not available.
Contact Information
Policy Contact
Environment, Health and Safety
1120 Estes Drive
Campus Box #1650
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-1650
Phone: 919-962-5507
Back to Chapter 03.08 - Travel Immunization Program
Proceed to Chapter 04.02 - Fire Emergency Procedure