Preparing for On-Campus Emergencies 101

Taking some time to prepare for an emergency can keep you safer while living on-campus!

Share these tips with those you live with and prepare for an emergency today!

Graphic of college student on campus. Description: PREPARING FOR ON-CAMPUS EMERGENCIES 101 College should be a time to make new friends, learn more about yourself and explore new opportunities - but it should also be safe. While it can be the furthest thing from your mind, preparing in advance for emergencies and natural disasters can save you valuable time and stress. TAKE ACTION TODAY AND FOLLOW THESE TIPS TO HELP KEEP YOU SAFE WHILE ON CAMPUS:Graphic of student using a phone and recieving an emergency notification. Description: 1. STAY NOTIFIED Sign up for your campus emergency alerts. Follow the instructions of Resident Assistants, Floor Evacuation Coordinators or any safety official giving directions.Graphics of person heading towards emergency exit and of emergency supplies. Description: 2. BE READY TO ACT Know where the nearest emergency exits are and plan at least two exit routes (in case one is blocked during an emergency). Should you need to evacuate from your residence halls or apartment make sure to assemble at the designated meeting point and await further instructions from staff. IF YOU HAVE A DISABILITY, ensure that your college is aware and make an emergency response plan with housing staff. Have an emergency kit with important essentials like nonperishable food, water, a flashlight with fresh batteries. Learn more here.Graphics of electrical outlet and student cooking food. Description: 3. BE AWARE OF POTENTIAL FIRE DANGERS! Keep lights and lamps away from anything that can burn and use surge protectors or power strips to not overload outlets. When cooking, make sure to never leave food unattended and to turn burners off if you leave the room. Do not take elevators, if there is a fire in your residence halls or apartment building. If smoking is permitted on campus, make sure to always smoke outside and always put cigarettes out in an ashtray or bucket of sand.Graphics of a student seeking shelter underneath a desk and of books falling. Description: 4. DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON! Should there be an earthquake, drop to the floor and go under a table or desk or interior wall; cover your head and neck with your arms and hold on to your shelter. Steer clear of heavy objects like cabinets, bookshelves and mirrors and avoid windows. Once the shaking has stopped, check in on roommates and evacuate if necessary.Graphics of emergency system and a key. Description: 5. OBSERVE YOUR SURROUNDINGS Get to know your campus safety office and learn what resources your campus offers. Use a buddy system when walking at night, call campus security if you need a ride after dark and always walk along well-lit areas. Keep an eye on property and always lock doors and windows. Pay attention to trends and crime happening in your area.Description: For more emergency preparedness tips, visit CAL FIRE's Ready.gov/wildfire.