Emergency Response Plan for Employees Requiring Accommodations

Worker Name
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Plan Completed By & Title

Emergency Response Plan for Evacuation

Emergency Response Plan for Lockdown/Shelter in Place

Next Review Date:

*A copy of this form must be given to the worker and anyone involved in the emergency response plan for the individual.

Things to consider when creating individualized Emergency Response Plans
Deaf and hard of hearing disabilities affect a person’s ability to hear alarms.

    • Consider alternative methods for notify the individual of an emergency situation such as:
      • Flashing lights.
      • Individual pagers/devices that can vibrate when alarms are set off.
      • Have individuals in the area assigned to notify the person.

Visual disabilities may affect a person’s ability to identify escape routes, directional information, and objects/hazards in their path.

    • Consider the following:
      • Mark all emergency supplies with fluorescent tape, large print or braille.
      • Have canes available to help the induvial maneuver around obstacles
      • Have individuals in the area assigned to assist the person during an emergency. 

Mobility disabilities may affect a person’s ability to independently leave the worksite, use the stairs or open doors.

    • Consider the following:
      • Assistive devices may need to be used to transport the worker throughout the workplace.
      • Have individuals in the area assigned to assist the person during an emergency. 

Respiratory disabilities may affect a person’s ability to walk long distances to shelter or evacuation. These limitations may be made worse by smoke, dust, fumes or chemicals.

    • Consider the following:
      • Emergency Equipment may need to be used (i.e. masks, respirators).
      • The persons medication needs to be readily accessible (i.e. inhalers, EpiPen)
      • Have individuals in the area assigned to assist the person during an emergency. 

Speech disabilities (i.e. difficulty with articulation, voice strength and language) may affect a person’s ability to communicate during an emergency.

    • Consider the following:
      • Have tools for written communication readily available (i.e. pen & paper, cell phone, table, small white board)
      • Have instructions written in clear language.
      • Have emergency cards with pictograms available so employees can communicate by pointing to various pictograms.
      • Have individuals in the area assigned to assist the person during an emergency. 

Cognitive disabilities (i.e. memory loss, problems with orientation, perception) may affect a person’s ability to respond to emergencies properly.

    • Consider the following:
      • Have clear and simple signage and instructions.
      • Have alternative methods for notifying individuals of emergency situations. 
      • Have individuals in the area assigned to assist the person during an emergency. 

Mental illness disabilities may be triggered or made worse in emergency situations.
Consider accommodations for service animals if any are present.
During an emergency there may not be any power – consider alternatives for assistive devices when needed.
For evacuations, normal means of exit may be blocked so consider alternate exits.
*Remember all individualized emergency plans need to be practiced during regular drills.