myBama
Emergency Management

Evacuation

Depending on the emergency, there may be a need to evacuate a building, an area, or the entire campus.

Building evacuations are the most common and are typically associated with fire alarms.  An area evacuation refers to a part of campus and could include multiple buildings.  A gas leak could trigger an area evacuation.

A campus evacuation is more complicated and requires everyone to leave the property.  To avoid traffic congestion, a traffic plan with an emergency evacuation map has been created.

In the event of an evacuation, anticipate additional instructions from university officials.

Building Evacuation

For safety purposes, it may be necessary to order a building or campus evacuation.  Follow these guidelines when directed to evacuate.

Building Evacuation

  • Everyone is required to evacuate a building when the fire alarm is activated or when ordered to do so by university or public safety personnel.
  • Remain calm.
  • Be aware of exits in your building.
  • If time permits, take your belongings with you.
  • Quickly shutdown any hazardous operations if possible.
  • Walk, do not run.
  • Do not use elevators.
  • Leave through the nearest exit.
  • Alert others as you leave.
  • Close windows and doors.
  • Do not reenter the building until authorized to do so.
  • Keep sidewalks, streets, fire lanes clear for responders.
  • Move away from the building and meet at a rally point
  • Account for your classmates.
  • Notify first responders (UAPD) of location and source of problem. Call UAPD at 205-348-5454 or 911.

If you are unable to leave a building due to smoke, fire, etc.

  • Keep room door closed.
  • Call UAPD at 205-348-5454 or 911 and provide your location.
  • Hang an object or cloth on a window to let others know your location.
  • Seal door cracks and ventilation with wet towels or clothes.
  • If smoke enters your room, open exterior window.
  • If smoke enters from outside, close exterior window.
  • Stay close to the floor for clean air.
  • Place a cloth around the nose and mouth to filter smoke.
Campus Evacuation

In the event of an emergency where a campus evacuation is necessary, motorists should be familiar with the University’s Emergency Evacuation Map for vehicles.

The map is based on a traffic plan designed to minimize congestion and facilitate a speedy departure.  It divides the campus into areas and directs motorists to leave using specific routes, typically away from the other areas.  For the plan to work, motorists should leave using the recommended routes, even if it is not the direction they would prefer to travel.

The plan assumes that all roads are available for evacuation.  Adjustments will have to be made should the emergency impede a particular egress route.   In this case, the University will tell motorists the areas to avoid.

Motorists should avoid University Boulevard as it will likely be congested with non-university traffic as well as first responders.  Moreover, it provides law enforcement with another option to detour traffic in case one of the recommended egress routes is eliminated due to the emergency.

Unless needed elsewhere, UAPD will assist with traffic control at select intersections.

See Emergency Evacuation Map for vehicles below or view a printable map.