News from Around the Region
Emergency Preparedness in State Run Buildings
In response to the events surrounding September 11, 2001, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has taken a proactive stance on emergency preparedness and procedures for emergency evacuations of state run buildings. The Commissioner and the Head of Security of the Bureau of State Buildings have worked very closely with the Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) to establish evacuation policies and procedures including a means of self identification of persons with disabilities, the creation of a "buddy system", and modifications to evacuation routes and evacuation destinations for persons with disabilities.
MOD worked closely with security personnel to establish a process for people with disabilities to self-identify in a respectful and confidential way. With this information, everyone involved in the planning process can establish emergency procedures that will leave no one behind. The plan also addresses how to help people who have not self-identified prior to an emergency so that they are also safely evacuated.
After engaging all the stakeholders in discussions a "buddy system" was developed so each agency is responsible and can ensure all of the employees are accounted for during an evacuation. Each agency works with their staff to pair up a person needing assistance with someone who can assist them during the procedure. For example, MOD has paired a sighted person with a person who is blind to assist that person along the appropriate evacuation route.
And finally, MOD worked with the Commonwealth's security in modifying evacuation routes and evacuation destinations that would otherwise be inaccessible for people with disabilities. In some cases the central meeting locations for evacuees are very difficult to get to if someone has a disability involving mobility. In these situations alternate locations have been established and emergency personnel have been advised of this change.
The Commonwealth is very aware of its obligations and responsibility to ensure the safest and appropriate way to evacuate state run buildings and is taking steps to ensure everyone is included so that no one is left behind. With the new task issued by President Bush last year which charged the Department of Homeland Security to conduct a review, in cooperation with local counterparts, of emergency plans in every major city in America, we believe the discussions will continue in Massachusetts as the awareness to include people with disabilities in all emergency evacuation plans has been highlighted.
Connecticut Department of Public Health Website on Emergency Preparedness and Persons with Disabilities
For comprehensive tips and information for the state of Connecticut, go to:
Special Populations Emergency Preparedness Planning 
(www.dph.state.ct.us/bt/specialpop.htm)
