Be Informed

The source of potential flooding in the area can be traced to rainfall, snowmelt, or dam failure. Flooding of significant magnitude can be expected to result in individuals being isolated by flood waters, disruption of utilities, extensive property damage, disruption of transportation and communication systems and various health hazards associated with the contamination of drinking water and the disruption of sewage treatment facilities.

Make a Plan

Preparing for a flood situation will ensure everyone knows what to do when you are confronted with a similar situation. Know your building exits, have an escape route in mind and identify your building specific Emergency Evacuation Gathering Areas. Update your emergency contact information through StanAlert to receive the most updated information regarding the emergency situation.

If you have a disability or access and functional need, it is important that you establish a “buddy system” and educate your "buddy" regarding the type of assistance needed to evacuate during a flood.

During a Flood

If and when there is a flood threat to the campus, students, faculty and staff will be notified via the Stanislaus State emergency notification system, StanAlert. Building occupants may need to evacuate during a localized flooding in the building.

When evacuating the building due to flooding, maintain situational awareness and evacuate to your nearest emergency exit, encourage others to follow and gather at your designated Emergency Evacuation Gathering Area. The Evacuation Monitors will assist building occupants to evacuate to a safe location in a timely manner and the Building Marshal will provide building status to the University Police.

If you are unable to evacuate due to mobility issues, you may request to be evacuated with an Emergency Evacuation Chair located on multi-story buildings or wait for emergency responders to evacuate you from your safe zone. Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters and avoid wading in floodwater, which can contain dangerous debris and be contaminated.

Be Informed

Stanislaus State encourages all students, faculty and staff to be informed by providing event specific emergency guides on the university emergency website and maintaining up-to-date department Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) that will aid faculty and staff in identifying alternate sites to continue operations in case of power failure.

Make a Plan

Preparing for an extreme weather situation will ensure everyone knows what to do when you are confronted with a similar situation. University employees are strongly encouraged to become familiar with their department BCP to ensure university business is not disrupted with events caused by extreme heat or severe dust storms. It is important for students to be aware of places on campus where they can retreat to for cooling down, such as the Library and open study areas. Faculty and staff should also identify alternate sites for continuing business if their building is put offline due to power or ventilation failure.

If you have a disability or access and functional need, it is important that you establish a “buddy system” and educate your "buddy" regarding the type of assistance or power and ventilation needs during a severe weather situation.

During Severe Weather

When there is a severe weather threat to the campus, students, faculty and staff will be notified via the Stanislaus State emergency notification system, StanAlert. If you are experiencing severe weather try to stay safe by finding an air conditioned space, stay hydrated, avoid high-energy activities and check yourself and others for signs of heat-related illness.

Remain inside if it is safe, otherwise evacuate the area. If power goes out see Power & Utility Outage.

Be Informed

Stanislaus State encourages all students, faculty and staff to be informed by participating in the annual ShakeOut earthquake drill and practicing Drop, Cover and Hold On!

Make a Plan

Preparing for an earthquake situation will ensure everyone knows what to do when you are confronted with a similar situation. Know your building exits, have an escape route in mindt and identify places where you can take cover. Whenever possible, participate in University earthquake drills and exercises.

If you have a disability or another access and functional need, it is important that you establish a "buddy system" and educate your "buddy" regarding the type of assistance needed to evacuate or take cover during an earthquake.

During an Earthquake

What to do Indoors:

Stay indoors. DO NOT attempt to exit a building during an earthquake as you increase your chances of being injured from falling debris. Instead, protect yourself in a safe location and practice dropping to the floor, taking cover under a sturdy object and holding on.

  1. DROP to the ground where you are before the earthquake drops you
  2. Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table and cover your face and head with your arms
  3. HOLD ON to something sturdy and stay where you are until the shaking stops

Adapt to your situation:

  • If you use a cane: Follow DROP, COVER, HOLD ON or sit on a chair and COVER your head and neck with both hands
  • If you use a walker: LOCK your wheels and get as low to the ground as possible. If your walker has a seat, sit and COVER your head and neck with your arms. If no seat, try to get down with your head lower than the top of the walker. Bend over, and HOLD ON until the shaking stops
  • If you use a wheelchair: LOCK your wheels, COVER your head and neck with your arms, bend over and HOLD ON

After the shock subsides, carefully go outside well clear of buildings, trees and other structures. DO NOT attempt to evacuate using the elevator. Follow the instructions of the Building Marshals and Evacaution Monitors. Immediately notify University Police or other personnel if you know of a diabled or injured person in need of assistance.

What to do Outdoors:

Stay outdoors, DO NOT attempt to enter a building during an earthquake as you increase your chances of being injured from falling debris. Instead, protect yourself in a safe location and practice dropping to the floor, taking cover under a sturdy object and holding on.

Move away from any buildings, trees, overhead wires, or light poles Drop and Cover:

  • Drop to your knees with your back to any windows and knees together
  • Clasp both hands behind your head covering your neck
  • Leaning over bury your face between your arms and legs
  • Close your eyes tightly
  • Try to remain calm and stay in place until the shaking stops
  • Stay in the open until earthquake is over or you are given further directions
  • Assess any injuries and provide first aid where able
  • Report any known injured or trapped persons to the University Police or Emergency Responders

Be Informed

Stanislaus State encourages all students, faculty and staff to be informed and participate in campus-wide fire drills and practice evacuating the building and going directly to the building designated Emergency Evacuation Gathering Areas.

Make a Plan

Preparing for a fire situation will ensure everyone knows what to do when you are confronted with a similar situation. Know your building exits, have an escape route in mind and identify your building specific Emergency Evacuation Gathering Areas. Whenever possible, practice your safety plan and/or participate in University fire drills.

If you have a disability or access and functional need, it is important that you establish a “buddy system” and educate your "buddy" regarding the type of assistance needed to evacuate during a fire.

During a Fire

Individuals should always be on the alert for strange smells, visual smoke and fire in the buildings and outdoors. When smoke, smell or fire is inside the building you are encouraged to activate the nearest Fire Alarm to initiate the building evacuation. If you see smoke or fire outdoors, immediately call 9-1-1 and provide location information.

When evacuating the building due to fire, maintain situational awareness and evacuate to your nearest emergency exit, encourage others to follow and gather at your designated Emergency Evacuation Gathering Area. The Evacuation Monitors will assist building occupants to evacuate to a safe location in a timely manner and the Building Marshal will provide building status to the University Police.

If you are unable to evacuate due to mobility issues, you may request to be evacuated with an Emergency Evacuation Chair located on multi-story buildings or wait for emergency responders to evacuate you from your safe zone.

Updated: January 31, 2024