The recent revisions and renaming of SafetyNet 534: Building Evacuations for Individuals with Access and Functional Needs (AFN), reflect the Davis campus’ shift toward promoting nationally recognized best practices and emphasizing the need for inclusive evacuation planning.

Key updates to SafetyNet 534:

• 911 as a Standard Protocol: Emphasizes calling 911 in the event of an emergency, which is a nationally recognized protocol. First responders will prioritize the evacuation of individuals who are unable to evacuate themselves and they bring specialized equipment, and undergo regular training on rescue procedures.
• Inclusive Language: This SafetyNet reflects input from our disability issues administrative advisory committee. For example, we’ve updated language from “disabled persons” to “individuals with access and functional needs (AFN)”, terminology that broadens the scope to include not just people with disabilities but also those with temporary or functional limitations.
• Inclusive Planning: The revised SafetyNet encourages AFN individuals to self-identify to be included early in emergency and evacuation planning. This fosters better communication with departments and emergency teams, shifting the focus from simply identifying those needing assistance and providing them “aides”, to more proactive planning and coordination.
• Residential Facilities: A new section explains the evacuation training procedures in residential facilities operated by Student Housing and Dining Services, as well as how these are communicated to students.