Emergency Planning
Stanford takes emergency preparation very seriously. The University has an “all hazards” approach to emergency planning, meaning that practiced procedures can apply to any crisis. In an emergency, the University’s top priority will be life safety. Many departments and staff members play a role in emergency response, and they drill throughout the year for crises.
Students play an important role as well. Through Axess you are required to: (1) provide current contact information for yourself, and (2) designate at least one person—usually a parent, another family member or close friend—who the University can notify in an emergency on your behalf. Incoming students provide this information when they complete the Student Check-In on Axess and are then required to update or confirm their emergency contact information on Axess each year. These steps are crucial because the University must be able to communicate accurately and in a timely manner if there is an emergency.
Once you arrive, you will learn about emergency procedures from fire drills to emergency gathering spots in your residence. In the meantime, plan in advance with family members how you might communicate in an emergency, especially if cell phone coverage or Internet access is impeded. Tips can be found on the Office of Environmental Health and Safety website.
ALERTSU
The University uses AlertSU to notify students, staff, and faculty about imminent threats to the community. AlertSU delivers notifications via phone, email, text-messages, and outdoor warning sirens. Once you have provided information in Axess, you (and your emergency contacts) may begin receiving AlertSU notifications as early as this summer. If there is a large-scale crucial incident on campus, everyone, including parents, will be directed to emergency.stanford.edu for emergency updates and AlertSU posts. Information also will be shared via Twitter and Facebook. There are three Stanford hotlines: (650) 725-5555, (844) ALERTSU (844) 253-7878, or, from abroad, 01-602-241-6769.
