Main Content Region

Preparedness Reference Guide

Purpose of Guide

Emergencies can occur at any time with little or no warning.   All CSUSB students, faculty, and staff are expected to be familiar with basic emergency protocols and what to do in the event of a disaster on campus, whether small or large. Every campus community member should be prepared for emergencies by learning basic emergency procedures and maintaining a small personal emergency kit in their office and/or vehicle. In the event of any emergency, each individual should react calmly and rationally. The success of these plans will depend on the thoughtful and cooperative response by the entire campus community.
The guidelines on the following pages provide information and instructions on how to report an emergency and how to obtain assistance, no matter your location on campus.
These guidelines should be reviewed BEFORE an emergency occurs.
 
Area, Building, and Floor Marshals should make themselves known to all faculty and staff in their area of responsibility. Employees with disabilities should identify themselves to their Marshals so that their needs can be included in evacuation planning. 

Non-Emergencies:
(909) 537-7777
Student Health Center:
(909) 537-5241
Environmental Health Services:
(909) 537-5179
Emergency Management:
(909)537-7477
Recorded Emergency Information:
(909) 537-5999

Notify University Police

Call 911 from any on-campus phone, immediately.

NOTE: It is possible that 911 calls made from cellular phones could be routed to the CA Hwy Patrol and then to the University Police.

Evacuation Procedures

Campus Evacuation

  • Follow the officers' or campus officials' instructions.
  • Move to your vehicle when instructed, quickly and calmly.
  • Students and employees should follow their usual procedures for exiting campus, such as arranging transportation as they would under normal circumstances, or using local public transportation. During an evacuation, it may be necessary to reach out to the Emergency Operations Center to arrange transportation.


Children's Center, Infant Toddler Lab School, and UCDD staff will evacuate children per site protocols.

Terms to Understand

A campus closure occurs when a decision has been made to close the campus due to a specific event which makes normal operations impossible or unsafe. A closure may be campus wide or may involve only specific areas of the campus.  Such closures are not considered to be immediate emergency situations; emergency evacuation procedures are noted in a separate document.

Procedures:

  1. The university president or designee may authorize a closure of the San Bernardino and/or Palm Desert campus.
  2. CSUSB will notify the campus community using the Emergency Notification System (ENS) upon confirmation of the decision to close the campus. The campus community should be prepared to follow the messaging as to how and when to begin exiting campus.
  3. Employees required to remain on campus after the official closure will be notified by their immediate supervisor.
  4. Departments with operations involving external groups are responsible for communicating information regarding the campus closure to these groups.
  5. Students living in campus residence halls may remain in the housing units, unless instructed otherwise.
  6. Students and employees should follow their usual procedures for exiting campus, such as arranging transportation as they would under normal circumstances, or using local public transportation. In a closure to campus, ingress is not restricted.

Campus Evacuation


A campus evacuation will occur when a decision has been made that all persons must leave campus immediately in the interest of public safety.

  1. The university president or designee may authorize an evacuation of the San Bernardino and/or Palm Desert campus.
  1. CSUSB will notify the campus community using the Emergency Notification System (ENS) upon confirmation of the decision to evacuate the campus. The campus community should follow the messaging as to how to immediately exit the campus.
  1. Employees required to remain on campus after the official closure will be notified by the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
    Evacuation may involve a tiered system of egress based on location or impact.     The administrator in charge may elect to declare an evacuation from campus in the following manner:
    1. Students may be asked to leave the campus immediately.
    2. Employees may be instructed to remain on campus until students have exited the campus.
    3. Employees may be instructed to leave campus immediately thereafter.
  2. Detailed egress routes can be found on the Traffic Evacuation Map.
  3. Departments with operations involving external groups are responsible for communicating the status of campus to these groups.
  1. Students living in campus residence halls will receive specific direction from the Office of Housing and Residential Education.
  1. Depending on the nature of the evacuation, points of egress from campus may be limited. The Emergency Notification System (ENS) will provide information on egress controls and the location of a pickup zone for those awaiting transportation off campus. During an evacuation, ingress to campus will be restricted. OmniTrans bus routes may be modified depending on the nature of the evacuation.
  1. Notice will be provided via ENS as to when campus will reopen. Instructions for attendance and payroll will be provided to the campus community via e-mail after the closure.

Wind Advisory Reference

The  Office of Risk Management monitors wind/weather reports whenever such conditions appear to threaten the University community and identifies three  stages of sustained wind conditions:

P - Preliminary Wind Advisory: 19-24 mph. Effect: May experience some difficulty walking.

H - High Wind Advisory: 25-31 mph. Effect: Will experience some difficulty walking.

A - High Wind Alert: 32-46 mph Effect: Progress impeded; difficult to maintain balance during gusts.

W - High Wind Warning: 47-54 mph. Effect: Extremely dangerous conditions; high potential for personal injury and property damage.

Please refer to the following matrix for measures to be taken under each condition.

Measures to be taken under different conditions
Precautionary Action P H A W
Call 911 to report injury, building damage, or hazardous situation. Use Caution Use Caution Use Caution Use Caution
Use necessary safeguards when walking between vehicles and buildings. Use Caution Use Caution Use Caution Use Caution
Remain alert for blowing dust and moving debris. Use Caution Use Caution Use Caution Use Caution
Take personal responsibility for your safety. Use Caution Use Caution Use Caution Use Caution
Be mindful of on-going wind advisories warnings Use Caution Use Caution Use Caution Use Caution
High wind ADVISORY will be sent out campus wide via e-mail     Use Caution Use Caution
Use caution when entering and exiting buildings.     Use Caution Use Caution
Use handrails where possible.     Use Caution Use Caution
When driving, keep a safe distance from the car in front of you.     Use Caution Use Caution
Reduce outdoor traveling to a minimum       Use Caution
High wind WARNING will be sent out campus wide via email       Use Caution
Use EXTREME caution when entering and exiting buildings       Use Caution
Use EXTREME caution when walking between vehicles and buildings       Use Caution
Policy Group/Command Staff may consider a 'campus closure' if sustained winds exceed 58 MPH.       Use Caution
The President or his designee may authorize a campus closure.       Use Caution

Flood Procedures

Flash floods have occurred when water-laden clouds have collided with the mountains and dropped large volumes of water in a short time. Moderate to severe flooding often causes road closures, disruption of utilities, contamination of the potable water supply, mudslides and extensive property damage. Severe flooding may require evacuation of the campus community and residents from affected areas.

Fast or Deep Water

  • Call 911 from a campus phone, if possible.
  • If evacuation is ordered follow the instructions of the University Police or emergency personnel.

Possible Campus Closure

  • Based on current conditions and predicted rainfall amounts the University President or his/her representative will consider ordering a campus closure.
  • If the campus is ordered closed, follow the instructions of University Police or emergency personnel.
  • If the campus is ordered closed, the Office of Strategic Communication will use all available media to inform students, staff, faculty, and the general public.

Return to Normal Operations

If the incident has resulted in the evacuation of any area of the campus then that area will remain closed until the University determines:

  • The area is safe to occupy.
  • All immediate police and rescue activity has been completed.
  • Any and all investigations and/or necessary repairs have been completed.
  • There is no longer a need to keep the area closed.

Note : Some areas may remain closed longer than others.

Procedure for Explosions

In the event of an explosion in your immediate vicinity, perform the following actions:

Take Cover

  • Take cover under or behind any object which will give protection against flying glass and debris.

Give Alarm

  • Call on-campus 911 to report the incident.
  • If possible, pull the emergency fire alarm.

Evacuate

  • After the effects of the explosion have subsided, evacuate the area of the explosion. The University Police department will determine if an evacuation is needed.
  • If evacuation is ordered, exit the building as directed by emergency personnel. Seek out any person with physical disabilities and provide assistance.
  • Report to the nearest safe evacuation site from your immediate location and wait for further instructions from emergency personnel.
  • Note: If an evacuation site is unsafe, then go to an alternate site, check-in with a Building Marshal / Floor Marshal and wait for further instructions. Do not re-enter any building until directed to do so by emergency personnel.

Earthquake Procedures

Drop, Cover, Hold on

  • Stay in the building.
  • DO NOT immediately evacuate during an earthquake.
  •  Drop under a desk, table, doorways and similar places, or up against a wall.
  • COVER the back of your neck with your hands.
  • HOLD ON to the object. If it moves, move with it; stay put until the shaking stops.
  • Keep away from overhead fixtures, hanging plants, windows, filing cabinets, bookcases, and other furniture.
  • Assist any person with physical disabilities in the area and find a safe place for them.
  • Keep calm! When the shaking stops, check yourself for injuries, and assist others if it is safe to do so.

When an Evacuation is Ordered

  • Use the nearest exit and go to the campus evacuation site nearest the building you occupy or are near.
  • See Emergency Evacuation Site Map.
  • Do not  immediately leave campus.
  • Check in at your evacuation site and wait for further instructions.
  • Assist disabled persons in evacuating the building.
  • If they are unable to do so, then direct them to a safe place to wait (usually near a stairwell). Lock wheelchair brakes to minimize injuries.
  • Be sure to notify the Building Marshal / Floor Marshal of their location, so that emergency personnel can extract them safely.
  • Beware of falling debris and electrical wires when exiting.
  • Persons in buildings on the campus outskirts should proceed to the nearest evacuation site, as per the map, or as directed by emergency personnel.
  • Take precautions against additional aftershocks.
  • Immediately follow all emergency instructions as given by police or emergency personnel.
  • Do not re-enter any building until it is cleared by the Emergency Operation Center (EOC), University Police, Facilities Service Personnel, or other emergency personnel.

Bomb Threat & Suspicious Packages Procedure

If a suspicious object is found in your area:

  • DO NOT TOUCH IT.
  • Back out of the area.
  • Report it immediately to University Police.

Evacuation
Bomb searches will be conducted by University Police officers. University Police may evacuate the area, if circumstances warrant such action. If necessary go to the nearest evacuation site and remain available in the event University Police needs additional information. See Emergency Evacuation Site Map.

Act of Violence

Your actions during an Act of Violence or Active Shooter situation should take into consideration the totality of the situation and the facts that you know. Consider your options when deciding to act, whether you run, hide, fight, or shelter in place. IF there is an emergency message from the campus, FOLLOW the directions and TRUST the message. IF there is no message, you must make the best decision given the information you have available. Always be aware of your surroundings and know what is going on around you, no matter where you are.    

Run – If you can safely leave the area, evacuate immediately. If you are inside a building, use any way out. Leave everything except your phone, if possible. Run until you are in the safest area possible.

Call 9-1-1 when safe.

Provide the dispatcher with the following information:

  • Your name.
  • Location of the incident (be as specific as possible).
  • Number of shooters or people involved (if known).
  • Identification or description of shooter(s).
  • Number of persons who may be involved.
  • Your exact location.
  • Injuries to anyone, if known.

If you cannot run, hide.

If it is too risky to run, hide. Do not be an easy target. Ideally, you want a room with no windows and a locking door. Make it look like the room is unoccupied. Turn off the noise on all electronic devices and turn out the lights. Be prepared to stay hidden for a long time.

If confronted, be prepared to fight.

Consider the weapons you have that are not typical. Fire extinguishers, chairs, and books can all be used to defend yourself. If confronted then fight. Commit to your actions. Make a plan with those you are hiding with. Fight until the threat is over.

When the police arrive:

  • Hands in the air
  • Avoid sudden movements
  • Obey police direction

How to Shelter in Place

  • Go to the nearest room or office.
  • Close and lock the door. If the door has an interior lock, use it.
  • Turn off the lights.
  • Seek protective cover. Stay away from doors and windows.
  • Keep quiet and act as if no one is in the room.
  • Do not answer the door.
  • Wait for police to assist you out of the building.
  • If you are safe and secure in your space, await further emergency messaging from the campus. There may be a time delay in additional information. Be patient.
  • Call 911 only if there is an emergency at your location.

Evacuate the Area

  • Move away from the immediate path of danger.
  • If possible, exit the building. Otherwise, SHELTER IN PLACE.
  • Notify anyone you may encounter to avoid the location of gunshots.
  • After evacuating the area of the shooting, seek shelter and stay there until emergency responders arrive and advise you what to do.

Call 9-1-1

Call 911 from an on-campus phone.

Provide the dispatcher with the following information:

  • Your name.
  • Location of the incident (be as specific as possible).
  • Number of shooters (if known).
  • Identification or description of shooter(s).
  • Number of persons who may be involved.
  • Your exact location.
  • Injuries to anyone, if known.

Shelter in Place if unable to exit the area

  • Go to the nearest room or office.
  • Close and lock the door. If the door has an interior lock, please lock.
  • Turn off the lights.
  • Seek protective cover. Stay away from doors and windows.
  • Keep quiet and act as if no one is in the room.
  • Do not answer the door.
  • Wait for police to assist you out of the building.
  • Call 911 from an on-campus phone
  • Provide the dispatcher with the following information:
  • Your name
  • Location of the incident (be as specific as possible).
  • Number of shooters (if known).
  • Identification or description of shooter(s).
  • Number of persons who may be involved.
  • Your exact location.
  • Injuries to anyone, if known.
  • For individuals not immediately impacted by the situation
  • Take protective cover.
  • Stay away from windows and doors.
  • Stay there until emergency responders arrive and advise you what to do.

Wild Fire

Should a wildland fire threaten the entire campus, the normal fire procedure may be changed to include an 'Immediate Evacuation.' If ordered, the university community will leave campus as quickly and safely as possible.
 

Structure Fire Procedures

Report the Fire

Upon discovery of an actual fire

  • Determine the scope of the fire.
  • Dial 911 from a campus telephone.
  • Give dispatcher the location of the fire as well as any circumstances. University Police Department will notify the Fire Department.
  • Pull a fire alarm in the area.

Attempt to put out the fire with an extinguisher, if it is safe to do so. Always evacuate the building when the fire alarm is activated and there is an immediate threat to safety.

Evacuate

  • DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS - Use the stairs.
  • Assist disabled persons to exit the building safely.
  • Report the location, age, and capabilities of anyone trapped or unable to evacuate the building to the-Building Marshal / Floor Marshal, or Police.
  • Floor Marshals will check the building for the presence of fire or smoke, as they evacuate the occupants. Assemble at the Evacuation Site.
  • Assemble at the evacuation site specified for your building (See Emergency Evacuation Site Map) and await further information and instructions.
  • Check in with a Building Marshal /Floor/Marshal at your evacuation site.

General Medical Guidelines

Injured Non-Responsive Person

  • DO NOT MOVE the person, unless relocation is necessary to prevent further injury.
  • If relocation is necessary, have someone assist you. Turn the head, neck and body as a unit.

Call 9-1-1

Call 911 from a campus phone

  • Inform the dispatcher of the following:
  • the nature of the illness/injury,
  • the status of the injured party
  • the location of the emergency (building and room)
  • the telephone number from which you are calling.
  • if the victim is wearing a medical identification bracelet / medallion.
  • DO NOT Hang up until the Dispatcher tells you to do so.

Assist Emergency Personnel

  • Notify Building / Floor Marshal if possible.
  • Keep area clear until Police / Medical Aid arrives.
  • Direct Emergency Personnel to exact location.
  • Provide assistance when requested.

Power Failure/Blackout

THE UNIVERSITY WILL REMAIN OPEN DURING A BLACKOUT EVENT.

Faculty shall include, in their class syllabus, instructions to students regarding electricity blackouts.

Daylight Blackout

Faculty:

  • If there is natural lighting in the classroom, remain in the classroom and continue the class session.
  • If there is no natural lighting in the classroom, proceed to a naturally lighted area. If sufficient class time remains, return to the classroom when the event has ended and resume class.
  • If less than 60 minutes of class time remain and there is not sufficient light to teach the class, the instructor has the option to suspend the remainder of the class time.
  • Should a blackout occur before a class session begins, students should wait outside the building until power is restored. Once the blackout is over, faculty and students can enter the building and the class session can begin.

Staff:

  • If there is insufficient light in the work area, proceed to a naturally lighted area. Staff will return to their work area when the event is over.
  • If less than 60 minutes remain in the workday, CSUSB supervisors have the option to release staff for the remainder of the workday. One employee will remain in each department until the end of the workday, on a rotational basis, to provide departmental coverage.

After Dark Blackout

Faculty/Staff: Blackout during hours of darkness:

  • If safe to do so, please wait 10-15 minutes.
  • If power is not restored, follow the evacuation procedures as described below.

Faculty/Staff Evacuation Guidelines

Information regarding a black-out event will be communicated to the university community through the telephone voice mail system. REMAIN CALM

  • Gather your personal belongings.
  • Prior to leaving, turn off all light switches, computers, and electrical devices.
  • Proceed to the nearest exit.
  • Individuals in wheelchairs should proceed to the nearest stairwell and wait for assistance to be evacuated.
  • Faculty and staff are to assist with building evacuation and to assist individuals with disabilities.
  • DO NOT use the elevators.
  • When leaving campus, drive in an orderly and safe manner