Evacuation Procedures

Evacuation is necessary when any building becomes uninhabitable because of an event such as a fire, flooding, gas leak, contamination, pandemic flu, extreme weather conditions or the loss of critical services. The response depends on the extent of the emergency. Hofstra community members should familiarize themselves with the evacuation routes posted in the buildings that you live in or use frequently. If an evacuation order is issued for your building, fully cooperate with Public Safety/emergency personnel and:

• Take keys, wallets and essential belongings with you
• If possible wear weather appropriate clothing
• Do NOT use elevators
• Close, but do NOT lock doors
• Provide assistance to those with physical disabilities
• Evacuate in a safe and orderly fashion to the nearest staging area (as determined by University personnel) and await additional instructions.

General Evacuation Procedures

Public Safety Officers will decide whether immediate evacuation is necessary. Evacuees will be moved to a staging area where University personnel will conduct a census to establish that the evacuation is complete.

Evacuation of Individuals with Physically Disabilities

Public Safety Officers will assist individuals with physical disabilities in an evacuation, making every attempt to lead them to safety. Hearing-impaired students have TTY phone capability in their residence hall rooms and the fire alarm system is connected to strobe lights.

If you have a disability that could impair your ability to perform any of the above:

• Please inform Public Safety or the Services for Students with Disabilities Office of your circumstances upon arrival to campus and request a meeting to discuss any special emergency response accommodations needed.

If you are a resident student:

• Please note that a master list of all resident students requiring assistance during a building evacuation is maintained by the Department of Residential Programs. Please contact your Resident Assistant to insure inclusion on that list.

Any student may:

• Call the Department of Public Safety at x36789 or 911 and tell them where you are and what assistance is needed.
• Notify their professor that assistance will be needed if an evacuation is deemed necessary

Short Term/Medium Term/Long Term Evacuations