Emergency Preparedness Plan

Please do not hesitate to contact Institute staff or your class advisor in case of any emergency. 

Earthquake:

DURING AN EARTHQUAKE 

If you are INSIDE:

• Know your surroundings, and evacuate only if necessary (e.g. the building has significant structural damage, there is a potential for a chemical spill, fire, or gas leak). 
• DROP. COVER. HOLD ON. 
• Stay clear of windows and heavy furniture. 
• Should you become trapped in a building, DO NOT PANIC. Waive a piece of cloth (e.g. sweater, jacket) out the window to notify rescuers of your location. If there is no window, tap on the wall at regular intervals to alert rescue crews. 
• Be aware of potential aftershocks and falling debris.

If you are OUTSIDE:

• Move to an open area, if safe to do so.
• DROP. COVER
• Be aware of potential aftershocks and falling debris.

If you are in a vehicle: 

• Safely pull over, and stay in the vehicle until the shaking stops.
• DO NOT leave the vehicle if a power line falls on or near it.

AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE

• DO NOT use electrical equipment, open flames (e.g. matches, lighters) and lighted cigarettes until you are sure there is no gas leak. They may create a spark that could ignite leaking gas. 
• DO NOT touch downed or damaged power lines or any objects in contact with them. Report this information to the Department Public Safety. 
• Beware of items tumbling off shelves when you open closet and cabinet doors.

Fire:

The evacuation area would be either the South Area of University Hall.

FIRE ALARM or SMOKE, feel the door with the back of your hand:

If warm:

•   DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR.
•   Wedge a wet towel or cloth item at the base of the door and on air vents.
•   Close as many doors as possible between you and the fire, and stay near the floor.
•   Call 9-1-1.
•   Waive a piece of cloth (e.g. sweater, jacket) out the window to notify rescuers of your location.  If there is no window, tap on the wall at regular intervals to alert rescue crews.

If normal temperature:

•   Open the door slowly.
•   Leave and close the door.
•   Stay close to the ground, if there is smoke.
•   Evacuate and convene at the safe refuge area.  DO NOT use the elevators.
•   When safe to do so, always help those who need assistance.

FIRE OR SMOKE IN YOUR IMMEDIATE VICINITY

•   Only if it is safe, should you try to put out the fire yourself using a fire extinguisher.
•   Call 9-1-1.
•   Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station, if safe to do so.
•   If smoke is present, evacuate by crawling to the nearest exit.  DO NOT use elevators.
•   Close the door as you leave to contain the fire (if applicable).
•   When safe to do so, always help those who need assistance.

ONCE OUTSIDE THE BUILDING

• Report to the designated safe refuge area, and position yourself at least 50 feet away from the affected building(s).
• Check in and stay with your Building Captain, Emergency Response Team member, Resident Assistant or Resident Director.
• DO NOT re-enter the building until you are authorized to do so by the Los Angeles Fire Department or the Department of Public Safety (DPS).

 

To note:

Please make sure that Institute has your an accurate emergency contact for you while onsite.