Residence Hall Fire Safety for Individuals with Disabilities
Residence Hall Fire Safety for Individuals with Disabilities
Source: Department of Environmental Health & Safety
Getting Personalized Support
Schedule a one-on-one meeting with EHS. Environmental Health & Safety staff are available to help you develop a personalized safety plan. Contact EHS to schedule a private meeting to discuss your needs and questions, including:
- Evacuation procedures specific to your situation.
- Location of your building's designated area of refuge.
- Option to notify the fire department or public safety about your needs and location for emergency assistance.
Accommodations Through Disability Support Services (DSS)
Room Accommodations
- Automatic door openers
- Private bathroom access
- Emergency warning strobe lights
- Air conditioning
Room Location Options
- Ground floor placement
- Proximity to elevators
Additional Support
- ADA parking spaces near your residence hall
Who May Need Special Arrangements
Special arrangements are available for various needs, including:
- Hearing impairments
- Visual impairments
- Physical disabilities or mobility limitations
Note: If you experience a temporary disability due to injury or illness during your time at UD, contact the DSS Office for assistance. Many of UD's 40 residence halls can accommodate a wide range of accessibility needs.
Personal Emergency Preparedness
- Know at least two exit routes from your location
- Keep a phone within reach of your bed for emergency calls
- Maintain clear pathways to exits for quick evacuation
- Register with the Department of Environmental Health & Safety so emergency responders can be informed of your location during an emergency
Fire Safety Features in Campus Housing
On-campus housing includes safety features that may not be available in off-campus housing:
Strobe Lights
Visual warning devices for fire emergencies, located in common areas and some ADA-equipped rooms.
Areas of Refuge
Designated safe spaces for those who cannot evacuate during emergencies, typically located in or near stairwells. Important: Never use elevators during fire emergencies. Many stairwells have Blue Light Phones for contacting Public Safety.
Blue Light Phones
Direct connection to the University Police Dispatch Center, which can identify your exact location. When reporting emergencies, provide as much detail as possible.
Emergency Evacuation Maps
Located in hallways and on dormitory room doors, these maps show exits, gathering locations, areas of refuge, and when available, Automated External Defibrillator (AED) locations.
Fire Sprinklers
Installed in all campus dormitories, these activate individually based on temperature (not smoke) when fire is detected. Sprinklers are the most effective method for controlling or suppressing fires.
Contact Information
Department of Environmental Health & Safety
132 General Services Building
302-831-8475
fire-safe@udel.edu
Office of Disability Support Services
Suite 130 Alison Hall
302-831-4643
dssoffice@udel.edu
Residence Life & Housing
302-831-4663
reslife-housing@udel.edu