During fall 2019, Southern California Edison Power implemented Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) events when there were potentially dangerous weather conditions in wildfire-prone areas. During these events, SCE proactively turned off power in high fire risk areas to reduce the threat of wildfires. The CSUSB campus, including on-campus housing, had several PSPS events during October and November 2019. Due to similar weather conditions, we foresee PSPS events to occur during the fall. We encourage all residents to plan in advance of the potential for loss of power in on-campus housing during fall. DHRE will provide additional information, updates, and suggestions throughout the upcoming months.
During PSPS events, the Department of Housing and Residential Education will have staffing in place to support resident needs. During the outage students needing assistance should contact the RA On Duty. DHRE staff will provide as much information as they are able; however, SCE ultimately determines when the Public Safety Power Shutoff will begin and end.
Be Prepared for A Power Outage Info Sheet
All residential communities remain open to residents should a power outage occur. That being said, residents may want to stay elsewhere, if possible, due to the potential absence of air conditioning, WiFi, lighting, and other electricity powered conveniences. If you are planning to be present on campus during this outage, please take note of the following:
- Entering your building – The key card readers on the buildings may be impacted during the outage; if you are unable to use your key card to enter the building or your apartment, please contact the RA On Duty: Coyote Village, 909-273-4513, Arrowhead Village, 909-772-2079, and University Village, 909-322-0376.
- Propping building doors – As a safety measure for you and your fellow residents, please DO NOT prop building doors. This may seem like an easy and convenient way to access your residence hall, but people not affiliated with your community could gain access and pose safety concerns to yourself or others.
- Electronics – Please ensure that all electronics are completely turned off. Sensitive and valuable electronics should be unplugged to protect them from power surges.
- Refrigerators and Food Safety – Refrigerators will not have power during outages. It is highly recommended that all refrigerators are emptied, if possible. If not possible, minimize the amount of items in the refrigerator and keep it closed for the duration of the power outage. Click for helpful information from the USDA regarding food safety.
- Lighting – Lighting in your space and within the community will be limited during the outage, as per DHRE policy, please do not light/use candles. You may want to keep a working flashlight and batteries in your room/apartment for use during outages.
- Charging Equipment – Charge cell phones, laptops, and other equipment in advance of the outage. It is advised to keep devices charged as much in advance as possible. An external rechargeable battery pack may be helpful to charge cell phones and other electronic devices during outages.
- WiFi Access – Campus WiFi typically is disconnected during power outages. You will not be able to access the internet, email, or text communication if you solely rely on WiFi service through your mobile device. Data plans may work on campus pending your specific carrier. Please note, it will take time for ITS to reconnect WiFi services after the power outage has concluded.
- WiFi Connectivity Locations – During an outage, wireless connectivity continues in the following parking lots or structures on campus: Parking Structure West: first and second floors; Parking Structure East: first and second floors; Parking Lot N: east and south sections; Parking Lot B: near the campus electrical sub-station building (View Map).
- Elevators and Accessibility – Elevators will not be operational during outages. Elevators will be returned to service after the power outage is complete.
- Vending and Laundry – Vending and laundry machines throughout housing will not be operational for the duration of a power outage; please plan accordingly.
- Windows – During periods of high wind, it is important that you completely close your windows to avoid damage. Windows that open by crank could be ripped off their hinges, causing damage to the building and your space.
- Custodial Services – Common areas throughout the Villages may not be serviced during power outages. Please be mindful of this during this time period.
CSUSB Alerts
It is encouraged that all CSUSB students sign up for CSUSB Alert to receive current emergency information.
Emergency Services
During PSPS events, all campus emergency services will be operational. University Police will have enhanced staffing and presence during outages. Dial 9-1-1 for emergency response needs. Please do not contact UPD dispatch for general outage questions or issues.
ITS Information
Campus websites and 911 are typically operational during PSPS events. The following services may experience interruptions or be unavailable: network service in campus buildings, wireless access, campus cellular phone service, blue light emergency phones, CSUSB office VOIP telephones in areas with no backup generator, and MyCoyote. If you need to perform work or access services during the outage period, it is highly recommended to do so from an off-campus location.
Communication
In the event of an extended power outage during which electronic communication may be limited, A-Frame signs will be used as a means of communicating critical updates to residents via a central location. During a power outage, one A-Frame sign will be placed in each occupied building, on the first floor in the lobby nearest the elevator; updates will be posted in a timely manner as new information becomes available. When possible, DHRE will also share information to residents' Coyote email accounts. We highly encourage all residents to complete the Evacuation Information Questionnaire which will aid DHRE staff in emergency planning and communication (See "Residential Student Evacuation Information Questionnaire" information below).
Dining
Food service will be available at the Coyote Commons for meal plan holders. Regular hours of operation will be in effect unless otherwise noted. Limited dining options will be available at Coyote Commons during power outages; it is advised to keep bottled water and non-perishable food items available in your room/apartment.
Recommended PSPS Supplies
- Prepare an emergency supply kit
- Stock supplies for a week
- Non-perishable food that doesn’t need heating
- Water
- Flashlight
- Solar lantern and/or battery operated lights
- First aid supplies
- Cash
- Back up charging battery for phone
- Stock of batteries for items you rely on
- Food thermometer for checking refrigerated food
- Can opener
- Cooler and bag(s) of ice
- Surge protector
- Plastic bin with lid to store/transport perishable food items
- Face coverings and hand sanitizer
Campus Evacuation Information
In the event of an emergency situation which requires the campus to be evacuated, everyone should be prepared as best they can to be self-sufficient for a short period of time. Services that we take for granted on a daily basis may not be available, and for those who are prepared, the crisis can be less severe. Please be prepared!
Remember the six "P's" in case immediate evacuation is required:
- People
- Papers, phone numbers, and important documents
- Prescriptions, vitamins, and eyeglasses
- Pictures and irreplaceable memorabilia
- Personal computer, hard drive, thumb drives
- "Plastic" (credit cards, ATM cards) and cash
Resident Personal Evacuation Plan
Please submit or update your responses to the resident "Personal Evacuation Plan" accessible through the Housing Portal under the 2023-2024 Application; click the blue "continue" button and use the top navigate bar to go to the "Personal Evacuation Plan." Housing and Residential Education staff will utilize this information for planning purposes and in the event of an actual campus evacuation.