Evacuation Assistance

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En Español

Arlington’s Community Connect Program alerts fire units about the location of persons with disabilities or who need help evacuating during an emergency.

How It Works

  • Create a profile on Community Connect, then add the Functional Need for each person needing assistance. If unable to create a profile, seek help from a trusted friend or relative.
  • Participants are added to a secure database used by your first responders.
  • When fire & EMS are dispatched, they will be notified of the person’s location within the building and the functional need(s) you describe.

How to Use the Functional Needs Registry in Case of a Fire

  • Call 911 to report the emergency.
  • Inform the call taker about your particular circumstance, such as: “I am confined to a bed. I am to the right as you enter my residence.”
  • If you live in a mid or high-rise building, and the incident is close to your location, firefighters will come to assist in your evacuation.
  • If you are in a mid or high-rise and the incident is not in close proximity, firefighters will contact you only if the situation deteriorates.

If you need help, email our Community Risk Reduction Program or call 703-228-0267 to get assistance.