Safety & Security Report

SUDPS quotes

Emergency Preparedness

Communications | Evacuations | Earthquakes | Fire

Emergency Communications

SU Emergency Information Hotline(650) 725-5555
      Toll Free Hotline(800) 897-4253
      International Hotline01-602-241-6769
Student Emergency Information Hotline(650) 497-9000
Hospital Emergency Information Hotline(650) 498-8888
SU Emergency Information Web sitehttp://emergency.stanford.edu
KZSU Radio Station90.1 FM

After an emergency such as an earthquake, local phone lines may have reduced capacity. Do not make calls immediately after an emergency unless it is a life safety situation -- leave the lines available for emergency services. One way to keep in touch with your relatives after an emergency is to call an out-of-area phone contact. Ask the out-of-area contact to call all of your other relatives for you to tell them that you are ok. Also, ask your parents, relatives and friends to call 1-8440-AlertSU (1-844-253-7878), or 1-602-241-6769 if outside the U.S., to find out information about the university whenever a major emergency strikes the Stanford area.

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Building Evacuations

When you move to a new location on campus:
  • Familiarize yourself with evacuation procedures for the building; locate the nearest exits and fire extinguishers.
  • Find the Emergency Assembly Point (EAP) for your building. Stanford EAPs are denoted by a symbol having a blue triangle enclosed in a white circle. There are currently 115 EAPs. (A map of all campus EAPs can be found at http://maps.stanford.edu/sites/all/lbre-shared/files/maps/files/shared/file/maps_records/EAP_Locations_Map.pdf.)
  • If you live off campus, set up a meeting place with your housemates or fellow tenants.
  • Evacuate when you hear the sound of an alarm in a campus building. (Drills are no exception.)
  • Exit the building quickly and safely, closing the door behind you.
  • Wear shoes.
  • Never use elevators - always use the stairs.
  • Help others to evacuate - knock on doors, check bathrooms as you leave the building. Help those with a physical disability evacuate the building.
  • An alarm may be part of a crime in progress - be alert for suspicious persons or activity.
  • If the alarm in a building has been set off by accident, call 9-911/9-1-1 immediately and explain the situation.
  • Report any vandalism or tampering with the alarm immediately.
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Earthquake Survival

Before an Earthquake:

  • Anchor heavy furniture, equipment and furniture over 42" in your home, room or office; do not place glass, picture frames or heavy objects over your desk or bed.
  • Reposition beds away from large windows.
  • Assemble an emergency supply kit with the following:
    • 72-Hour supply of water and non-perishable food
    • Flashlight with extra batteries
    • Radio, with extra batteries
    • First aid kit
    • Hygiene items/medications
    • Sturdy closed shoes and jacket or sweater
    • Cash
  • For information on local emergency kit vendors, call Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) at (650) 723-0448.
  • Formulate a plan NOW with your family and/or housemates on how you will communicate and where you will reunite after an earthquake.
  • Carry a Stanford emergency wallet card with you. It has critical before-during-after emergency instructions. The card is provided in the Stanford Directory. For additional copies, call EH&S at 723-0448, or go to: http://www.stanford.edu/dept/EHS/prod/general/erprep/brocures/generalprep.pdf
  • For University departments - keep a list of all department members and contact numbers for emergency notification purposes. University departments must also ensure that they have procedures in place to document all damage caused by a major disaster.
  • Learn first aid and CPR. Obtain first aid training information by contacting the Health Improvement Program at (650) 723-9649. Refer to the first few pages of the SBC phone book for other first aid information.
  • Because local phone lines may be overloaded, keep an out-of-state phone contact you can use as an information center for you and your relatives. Also, ask your parents, relatives and friends to call 1-844-AlertSU (1-844-253-7878), or 1-602-241-6769 if outside the U.S., to find out information about the university whenever a major emergency strikes the Stanford area.

During an Earthquake:

  • Do not panic or run. REMEMBER: Duck, Cover and Hold.
  • If you are indoors, stay there. Take cover under a heavy desk or table. Since the Northridge earthquake in 1994, taking cover in doorways has been discouraged.
  • If you are in a hallway, sit against the wall with your back to it. Cover your head and neck.
  • If outdoors, move to an open area and stand clear of buildings and electrical/telephone poles - beware of flying glass.
  • If you are in a car, stop carefully away from structures or bridges and stay in the car.
  • Be prepared to respond safely if the electricity goes out or if alarms and fire sprinklers are activated.

After an Earthquake:

  • If you live in a student residence, go directly to your dorm's Emergency Assembly Point (EAP).
  • Be sure to report to a designated leader (e.g., an RA or RF) at the EAP, so they can account for everyone.
  • Do not re-enter buildings until they have been inspected by a designated University official and posted as safe to enter.
  • Help those who are injured and administer first aid if needed.
  • Check for fire hazards.
  • Leave phone lines open - call for emergencies only (police, fire, ambulance.) Use payphones for personal calls.
  • Keep streets clear for emergency vehicles and avoid the temptation to "sight-see."
  • Open doors, drawers, and cupboards carefully - items may fall on you.
  • To get information, use the Stanford Emergency Information Hotline (725-5555) or the student affairs hotline (497-9000).
  • Tune into the campus radio station, KZSU 90.1 FM for additional emergency information or use the emergency web site: http://emergency.stanford.edu.
  • Remain calm and expect aftershocks.

Earthquake Response Volunteers

If the impact of the earthquake affects communication systems, RAs or RFs may identify some student leaders to deliver information to a central location (Emergency Operations Center or Student Affairs Satellite Operation). This information would be critical updates on status of students in on-campus residences, status of buildings, etc.

If you have skills in any emergency response area, register as an emergency volunteer at the Haas Center. If the situation at your residence is under control after an earthquake, and you want to assist recovery efforts at the University or in the community, go to the Haas Center for Public Service, where a Volunteer Operations Center will be established. Listen to KZSU 90.1 FM for information and instructions.

In the event of an earthquake large enough to prevent or delay returning to the residences, please be patient and wait for instructions. Staff members may instruct you to move from your dorm's EAP to a campus emergency shelter or to alternate temporary housing.

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Fire Prevention

  • Keep exits and hallways clear and free of potential obstructions, such as boxes, bicycles, and mattresses.
  • Do not overload outlets - plug one appliance into an outlet at a time.
  • Avoid using extension cords whenever possible.
  • Do not use hot plates or cooking appliances in your dorm rooms.
  • If you smoke, use large safe ashtrays and make sure all smoking material is fully extinguished. Do not smoke in bed. REMINDER: Smoking is prohibited in all University buildings, including residences.
  • Candles (used and unused) are PROHIBITED in any on-campus residence. Away from campus, put candles in strong, secure holders - never leave burning candles unattended and never leave a burning candle in front of an open window.
  • Due to fire hazard, halogen lamps are prohibited in all Stanford housing. Any student-provided lighting should not exceed 150W per fixture.
  • If during the holidays, you have a Christmas tree, make sure it is properly treated and keep it away from heat sources. Turn tree lights off before you go to sleep or before you leave your residence. Holiday safety tips are available from the University Fire Marshall (723-0448) and EH&S at http://www.stanford.edu/dept/EHS/prod/general/fire/

In the Event of a Fire

  • If you smell smoke or detect a fire, activate the nearest alarm and call 9-911/9-1-1 immediately from a safe location.
  • Before opening any door, use the back of your hand to see if it is hot - if it is hot, leave it closed and stuff towels or clothes in the cracks and open a window.
  • If the door is not hot, open it slowly (CAUTION: the doorknob may be hot) and be prepared to close it quickly if necessary.
  • Exit the building cautiously - carry a towel or blanket to protect you from flames and smoke.
  • If you see or smell smoke in a hall or stairways, use another exit. Do not use elevators.
  • Go directly to your building's Emergency Assembly Point.

Written in compliance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 8, §3220-3221 and Education Code of Regulations, Title 19, §3.09 and 3.13.

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