Hi Everyone,
This is the Emergency Preparedness list for various scenarios, useful for before anything happens. Please review it:
Knowing what to do, where to go, and the resources available in the event of an emergency or natural disaster are key to staying as safe as possible. Emergencies can happen quickly and unexpectedly so it is critically important to prepare in advance by reviewing this information which is also available on the Get Prepared Overview sections of Berkeley’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) website. Here are the main points:
Stay informed - WarnMe is UC Berkeley’s Alerting and Warning System and how you may hear from the campus about significant emergencies and receive updates until a situation is resolved. By default, every Berkeley email address is automatically enrolled. To also receive WarnMe emergency alerts via SMS/text message, you must register your mobile phone number. Typically, an initial WarnMe message will contain basic information and any follow-up WarnMe messages may be more detailed.
How to evacuate - It is possible that a WarnMe message could instruct you to evacuate from a building, campus, or the City of Berkeley. Be prepared by reviewing the emergency assembly area and waiting area information provided by the Office of Emergency Management. Practice makes perfect so make your emergency plan today. You can also review the campus Emergency Operations Plan.
Know when to leave
- A fire alarm sounds, or an authorized person (e.g. building manager, police officer, or firefighter) directs you to evacuate
- An emergency evacuation alert via UC Berkeley WarnMe
- A prolonged utility outage
- Anytime you feel unsafe
How to evacuate (stay calm and be safe)
- Take your go bag (if available)
- Walk, don’t run
- Use stairs (never use elevators)
- Assemble in your emergency assembly area (EAA) - - During a large-scale evacuation, the EAA for your building may not be available, so follow the instructions of first responders
- Do not re-enter until allowed by emergency personnel
- Visit the Berkeley News page and watch for UC Berkeley WarnMe alerts
- Call 911 (510-642-3333 via cell) for threats to life
Practice your evacuation
- Make a go bag
- Know the exit routes and stairways for your building
- Look for emergency procedures signs at the exits and stairways, and locate your emergency assembly area
- Participate in building evacuation drills
- If you have disabilities, visit OEM's Access & Functional Needs webpage to get prepared for an evacuation
Sheltering in place/active threats - When a WarnMe message directs you to shelter-in-place:
- Close all doors and windows
- Move away from exterior doors and windows
- Be prepared to leave at a moment's notice
Also, knowing the difference between sheltering-in-place vs. a campus lockdown (secure-in-place) is also key. The UC Police Department also offers a guide about surviving targeted violence and active threats, i.e., active shooter situations. Those working away from the central campus should use their best judgment for what may be applicable in their locations.
Earthquake preparedness - Earthquakes are an inherent part of living in California. Every year, the campus devotes millions of dollars to seismically improving its buildings. Should an earthquake occur while you are indoors, you can reduce the chance of injury from falling objects by immediately dropping, covering, and holding on until the shaking ends. If you are outdoors, remain outside. Stay away from buildings, windows, and utility lines. Go to your emergency assembly/waiting area when it is safe to do so. Learn more about earthquake preparedness and response on the OEM website.
Consider downloading the MyShake app to your smartphone. The app, developed here at Berkeley, is an earthquake early warning system. It can provide valuable seconds to prepare. Earthquake alerts are provided in partnership with USGS ShakeAlert and CalOES.
Wildfire smoke - Watch for WarnMe messages should the campus become impacted by high AQI (air quality index) levels indicating unhealthy air quality due to wildfires. The messages may provide information on suspending outdoor activities, classes, or curtailment of campus operations (to the extent possible). Additional resources and guidance are available through Berkeley’s Office of Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) and the OEM website. Also, consider bookmarking the City of Berkeley’s webpage on Wildfire Evacuations.
Utility/power outages - When severe weather or fire conditions threaten a portion of the electric infrastructure or community, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) may turn off electricity in the interest of public safety. Planning ahead and following instructions from campus means you won’t be left completely in the dark, whether on campus or at home. Follow these steps and stay informed.
Surviving targeted violence - If you witness any armed individual on campus immediately call 911. If it is possible to flee the area safely and avoid danger, do so. If escaping from danger is impossible, you should lock down. Wait for the "all-clear" instruction given via a WarnMe message. Do not trust information and rumors on social media. Knowing what to do in advance of targeted violence is essential to staying as safe as possible. Learn more on UCPD’s Tools to Survive Targeted Violence webpage.
Planning for people with disabilities - Emergency preparedness is important for all members of our community, especially for those with disabilities. The Office of Disability Access & Compliance (DAC) also has a comprehensive section on its website regarding emergency preparedness.
We hope this information will help you be prepared should an unexpected emergency happen not only here at the Berkeley campus, but in any of our home communities.
Kind regards,
This message was sent to all UC Berkeley faculty, students, and staff. If you are a manager who supervises UC Berkeley employees without email access, please circulate this information to all.
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