Protecting a Child with Disabilities

Updating your school’s emergency evacuation plans? Be sure to pay special attention to students with disabilities, whose unique needs may make them especially vulnerable during critical moments.

The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) recommends that schools develop a personal school emergency evacuation plan for every student with a disability. In addition, each disabled student should have a portable health file that travels with them, so emergency responders have fast and easy access to information about special medical requirements.

Make emergency evacuation part of the district’s Individual Educational Program (IEP), which ideally should include recommendations from a student's parents and physician regarding his or her evacuation during emergencies. Evacuation teams also should be aware of any special equipment, such as rescue slings or chairs, needed to assist in moving a student with disabilities.

Here is the full NFPA guide, Personal School Emergency Evacuation.