Safety Aspects of the Disability Empowerment Center AUDIBLE

Safety Aspects of the Disability Empowerment Center

AUDIBLE AND VISUAL EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION The fire alarm system includes a siren and flashing strobe lights throughout the Disability Empowerment Center (DEC) to notify those with and without hearing disabilities.

EMERGENCY LIGHTING Battery backup emergency lighting enables visibility in the event of a power outage.

FIRE SUPPRESSION The DEC has the following fire suppression systems: • A sprinkler system throughout • Fire extinguishers in every suite and in common areas

EVACUATION EGRESS The accessible design and systems of the DEC present multiple evacuation options: • Restrooms • Evac-Chairs • Multiple Exit Points • Manual wheelchairs • Bridges • Shelter In Place

RESTROOMS Fully accessible restrooms allow for quick, unobstructed egress in the event of a fire or other evacuation.

MULTIPLE EXITS – From Roof Top Patio Those using the roof top patio have two stairways and a bridge to elevators. Evac-Chairs and manual wheelchairs would be employed to evac those with mobility issues.

MULTIPLE EXITS – From Second Floor Including stairways and exits to the bridges, there are 8 exits from the second floor!

MULTIPLE EXITS – From First Floor Including stairways and doorways, there are 8 exits from the first floor!

MULTIPLE EXITS – From First Floor (cont’d) A walkway goes around the entire building, creating multiple avenues away from the building.

MULTIPLE EXITS – From Conference Center Visitors using the Conference Center can exit through each of eight (four on each side) doors.

BRIDGES Two second floor bridges provide quick, easy, and safe egress to the parking garage for wheelchair users or others with mobility issues.

West Bridge - from Building West Bridge - from Parking Garage

East Bridge - from Building East Bridge - from Parking Garage

West Bridge - from Street Level East Bridge - from Street Level

EVAC-CHAIRS EVAC-CHAIR is a safe, quick, and relatively easy way to transport someone down stairs who is not able to negotiate the stairs.

EVAC-CHAIRS The Disability Empowerment Center has two EVAC-CHAIRS – one in the ABIL suite and one in the 2 nd floor northwest stairwell.

MANUAL WHEELCHAIRS The Disability Empowerment Center has manual wheelchairs staged in stairwells to supplement the EVAC-CHAIRS in evacuating those with mobility issues.

SHELTER IN PLACE If employees or visitors with mobility issues are not able to safely evacuated the building they can shelter in place in the fire-rated stairway landings.

EASY ACCESS TO ASSEMBLY POINTS To Garage To Washington Street • 2 nd Floor - across bridges • From stair way exits • Cross main entrance • The walk / roll-way

QUICK EMS ASSISTANCE The closest Phoenix Fire Department station - Station 29 - is just 2. 03 miles away!

The Virginia G. Piper Sports and Fitness Center for Persons with Disabilities, slated to open in November 2011, will incorporate similar safety aspects. In addition, the large gymnasium can be used as an emergency shelter for the community in the event of a disaster.