Environmental Health & Safety

Each campus building has its own designated Evacuation Assembly Area for individuals to congregate following a building evacuation. These assembly areas are primarily used for an evacuation due to a fire, suspicious odor, or other infrastructure-related emergency, and should not be utilized for severe weather or an active intruder incident which may require greater flexibility.

Please note multiple buildings use the same area where possible for enhanced consistency, while also enabling enhanced safety and visibility for both first responders and those evacuating.

When Evacuating a Building:

1. Do not hesitate - evacuate immediately! Regardless of the nature of the alarm (e.g., drill, false alarm, actual emergency), your safety comes first.
2. Follow your EXIT signs to the closest exit. There may be an exit closer to you than the way you entered the building - look around to locate your available exit options.
3. Move away from the building. Avoid congregating close to the exit door(s) and/or building as there may be many others behind you attempting to evacuate as well.
4. Head to your building's designated Emergency Assembly Area. Doing so facilitates the rapid accountability of building occupants and ensures everyone is a safe distance from the building where first responders are arriving.
5. Do not leave or return to the building until notified. This commonly occurs in the form of an "All Clear" by UPD Officers. Note: A fire alarm that has been silenced does not indicate it is safe to return to the building.

Evacuation for those with a Disability

If you are unable to evacuate the building via traditional methods due to limited mobility or another disability,

1. Follow your EXIT signs to the closest exit. Do not attempt to use an elevator.
2. Assemble in an enclosed stairwell. Enclosed stairwells* offer enhanced protection from a fire, compared to that of the surrounding building, and provide additional opportunities for individuals to potentially assist with your evacuation.
3. Communicate your location. Call 911 or UPD (956.326.2911) and inform the dispatcher of your location (e.g., building, stairwell, floor, and/or other pertinent information).
4. Have a buddy stay with you, if possible. This individual can help ensure your safety such as signaling your location, ensuring stairwell doors are shut, and monitoring for additional hazards.
5. Do not return to the building until notified. This commonly occurs in the form of an “All Clear” by UPD Officers. Note: A fire alarm that has been silenced does not indicate it is safe to return to the building.

Disabilities manifest themselves in varying degrees, and the functional implications of the variations are important for emergency evacuation. One person may have multiple disabilities, while another may have a disability whose symptoms fluctuate. We encourage everyone to have a plan to be able to evacuate a building, regardless of his or her physical condition.

For more information, please reference: NFPA, Emergency Evacuation Planning Guide for People with Disabilities

*Highlighted in green on each building’s floorplan above the first floor, available at tamiu.edu/adminis/safety/emergency-mgmt/building-floorplans.shtml.