From fire drills to lockdown procedures, schools are required to maintain clear, practiced emergency plans. But having a plan is only part of the equation. Having the right evacuation tools in place is what truly protects students and staff.
Whether your school serves infants, children with disabilities, or staff with mobility challenges, your emergency evacuation equipment must be tailored to your building layout and population. In this guide, we’ll walk through common gaps and provide a comprehensive evacuation equipment checklist to help your school prepare and comply with safety standards.
Why Schools Need Specialized Evacuation Equipment
School buildings vary widely, from single-story elementary schools to multistory high schools or campuses with special education units and daycare programs. Standard evacuation routes and signage aren’t enough when some students can’t walk, see, hear, or understand instructions without help.
Federal and state regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), require that schools ensure a safe means of egress for all occupants. This includes students who are:
- Infants or toddlers
- Physically or cognitively impaired
- Recovering from injury or illness
- Non-ambulatory or wheelchair-dependent
Without proper equipment, even a well-trained staff may be unable to evacuate everyone safely in time.
School Evacuation Equipment Checklist
Use this list as a guide for evaluating your school’s current readiness. Consider building type, student needs, and local codes when deciding what to add or upgrade.
1. Evacuation Chairs for Multistory Access
- Allow safe descent down stairwells for staff, students, or visitors with mobility limitations
- Compact and easy to store near stairwells or exits
2. Pediatric Evacuation Sleds
- Scaled-down rescue sleds for small children
- Color-coded harnesses and adjustable straps for safety
- Essential for evacuating younger or unconscious children
3. Infant Evacuation Devices
- Evacuation cribs or emergency baby movers allow multiple infants to be transported at once
- Used in daycares, early childhood centers, and schools with parenting programs
4. Evacuation Cribs
- Wheeled, fire-resistant cribs for evacuating multiple babies or toddlers
- Ideal for infant care rooms or integrated daycare spaces
5. Emergency Transport Kits
- Include evacuation sleds, flashlights, first aid kits, and communication tools
- Portable kits should be staged in key locations throughout the building
6. Communication Tools
- Two-way radios, mass notification systems, and visual alerts for hearing-impaired students
7. Accessible Signage and Pathways
- Clearly marked egress paths and refuge areas for individuals using mobility devices
Additional Considerations for Schools
When choosing evacuation tools, consider these factors:
- Building layout: Are there stairwells, long corridors, or tight doorways?
- Student population: Do you have children with IEPs, developmental delays, or medical equipment?
- Staffing: Are tools usable by one person? Are staff trained regularly?
- Storage: Can the equipment be staged in accessible locations?
What Happens Without the Right Tools?
Schools that lack appropriate evacuation devices face serious risks:
- Injury to students or staff during makeshift evacuations
- ADA or state education compliance violations
- Delays in emergency response, especially in fire or active threat situations
In a recent safety audit of public K–12 schools, school safety experts found that less than 40% of schools had evacuation tools designed for students with disabilities.
Ready to Equip Your School?
Advanced Egress Solutions offers school-focused evacuation devices built for safety, simplicity, and compliance. We help schools across the U.S. develop customized emergency equipment plans that meet local code and support every student, no matter their ability.
Contact us today or call 844-847-2387 to schedule a consultation or request a product catalog.
People Also Ask
Are schools required to have evacuation equipment for students with disabilities?
Yes. Under the ADA and federal education law, schools must provide accessible means of egress for students with physical, sensory, or cognitive impairments.
How do you evacuate infants or toddlers during a fire drill?
Use evacuation cribs or emergency baby carriers to quickly and safely move multiple children with minimal staff.
How often should school staff be trained on evacuation tools?
At least annually, and any time new equipment is introduced. Regular drills help ensure proper deployment during real emergencies.