The longtime Boy Scout motto, “Be prepared,” is apt advice at any time. It may be especially sound as we approach the twentieth anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake this weekend.

So just how prepared are you to face an emergency? We’ve scoured bundles of information from UCOP’s Office of Risk Management to make you aware of things you need to know right now.





If there’s an earthquake…

• Don’t evacuate the building.
• Move away from windows and get under a desk.
• Duck, cover and hold until the shaking stops.
• Don’t use the elevators.
• Don’t take the stairs until you’re told to do so.
• Before an earthquake occurs, take some time to inspect your workspace with this interactive checklist. http://surveys.bickmore.org/surveys/ucop/earthquake/survey.htm

Read more about earthquake safety at the UCOP Emergency Preparedness website.





If there’s a fire…

• If you spot the fire, activate the nearest fire alarm; call 9-911 to report your location.
• Warn others in the immediate area.
• Use an extinguisher only if it’s safe enough to do so.
• Listen for any special directions from your floor wardens and assistant floor wardens.
• Begin evacuating using the stairwells—not the elevators.

To learn specific fire procedures for your building, visit UCOP’s Emergency Preparedness website.





If there’s a medical emergency…

• Dial 9-911. Let the operator know your name, exact location (including the room and floor number) and the nature of the emergency.
• Administer first aid to the degree you are trained.
• Make sure someone stays with the injured person, but do not move him/her.
• For emergencies involving cardiac arrest (or suspected heart attacks or unconscious/unresponsive persons) have someone deliver the AED (defibrillator) to the location. Notify a nearby person to find a trained AED-CPR rescuer in your building. You’ll find a roster of trained people in your building here. Link to: http://www.ucop.edu/riskmgt/emergprep/

For more about medical emergencies at your location, visit the UCOP Emergency Preparedness website.

Know Your Department Safety Officer
Each department within UCOP has a Department Safety Officer. The officer takes a monthly training course on topics ranging from earthquake safety and how to use portable fire extinguishers to biological hazards and first aid awareness. Each officer reports back to their department on the information learned. If you have general questions about safety at UCOP, you can use your department officer as a resource. Find out who your Department Safety Officer is.

Identify Your Floor Warden
Floor wardens are designated individuals on each floor who perform specific tasks during an emergency. It’s important for you to be familiar with these key personnel and follow their directions. Wardens are responsible for a specific physical area and are charged with recruiting fellow employees for special assignments in managing an emergency. They assist with everything from knowing emergency phone numbers and the location of the nearest fire extinguisher to instructing coworkers during emergencies and maintaining emergency supplies. Find floor wardens for your building.





Use common sense
If you’re in a dangerous situation, it’s important to use common sense. Trust your instincts—if you’re afraid, it’s probably for good reason. Another important piece of advice is to take all threats, alarms and emergencies seriously.  As the common saying goes, “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

More information
Since each UCOP location may have slightly different procedures or emergency resources, it’s important to view the emergency handbook for your specific building. You’ll find the information at http://www.ucop.edu/riskmgt/emergprep/

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