Event Emergency Planning

Event Planning

When planning an event, prepare for emergencies including how to the needs of participants with disabilities will be addressed: 

  • Meet with building managers for general emergency information about the venue. 
  • If elevators will not be available during an evacuation and any participants are unable to exit the building, an area of refuge should be identified.  A staff person should be identified who will inform first responders of the location of any participants who remain in the building. 
  • Inform all on-site event staff of emergency evacuation procedures. 
  • Announce pertinent safety information at the start of the event. 

Never assume that all individuals with disabilities need special help in an emergency; always ask before providing assistance.