As part of the University’s response planning, an emergency procedure chart was developed and posted in all classrooms and employee work areas. This chart provides specific directions in response to specific disasters and internal and external threats to the university. A Building Marshal program, patterned after highly successful programs at other CSU facilities has been developed, under the guidance of the Risk Manager, HR Programs. These individuals receive special training to assist the Police in evacuation of buildings, testing the fire alarm systems and conducting drills to test our response plans.
Emergency disasters are extremely dynamic events. There can be poor or non-existent communication, confusion, and panic. Lack of information hinder the decision making process of Public Safety or University officials. During the initial stages of a disaster or emergency you may have to rely on yourself to “get safe.” It is therefore very important that you take some time to personally plan and prepare for emergencies.
In an emergency or disaster your “gut feelings” about what to do will often be the correct course of action when there is a lack of credible information. If you feel like you must “get away” to be safe then do so. Evacuate as soon, and as safely as possible. If you think it would be better to stay put (shelter in place) than do that. Remember though - it’s always best to follow the direction of any alarms that are sounding or instructions from Public Safety or University officials when available. They have received training in the campuses emergency plan and may know more than you do about the specific emergency.
The following link will take you the the CSUCI Campus emergency Management Plan
Campus Emergency Management Plan - Full (PDF, 10.97MB)
Personal Preparedness for Disasters or Emergencies
It was mentioned earlier that during the initial stages of a disaster or emergency you may have to rely on yourself for care. Emergency service workers may be overwhelmed with major problems and difficulties and the chaos may create an “every woman/man for her/him self.” If that is the case then it would be beneficial for you to have prepared a plan and gathered some supplies. So – just in case – please do so!
There are numerous resources on the internet that will provide you with a ton of helpful information about personal preparedness but the two best are:
• www.ready.gov
• www.redcross.org
Here are some personal emergency preparedness basics:
• Get a kit. Put together a portable kit that includes:
o Three days worth of water, food, first aid supplies, something to sleep on and keep warm with, tools and emergency supplies, special items for medical conditions.
• Make a plan. Put together a communications plan:
o In an emergency it is often easier to call long distance that locally. Designate a friend or relative that lives out of state as a family “contact” that all members of your family can call and “check-in” with.
• Be informed.
o Here on campus the two “big” disasters or emergencies that may occur are earthquakes and wild fires. The campus’ vulnerability to both is minimal due to pre-event mitigation strategies that have already been implemented.
o Refer to the emergency procedures chart in whatever room you occupy for specific directions.