Emergency Evacuation Information

In the event of an emergency, please follow the guidance of U.S. Capitol Police Officers.

If an evacuation is ordered, the strobe lights and fire alarms will activate.

When locating an exit, you may need to use stairways to go up to the nearest exit.

Designated elevators located throughout the Capitol Visitor Center are used to evacuate individuals who are unable to climb the stairs to an exit. These evacuation elevators are marked with blue signs that read Emergency Staging Area.  A U.S. Capitol Police Officer will take control of the emergency evacuation elevator and will stop at each floor and will look for individuals waiting at the Emergency Staging Areas.  

When you hear the alarm sound:

  • Go to the closest designated Emergency Staging Area. 
  • A U.S. Capitol Police Officer will assist you onto the Emergency Evacuation Elevator and take you to the exit level.
  • If you need to request assistance, utilize a marked phone at the Emergency Staging Area.

To report an emergency or suspicious activity, please inform the nearest U.S. Capitol Police Officer.

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