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Are you Ready for an Emergency?

As a UCSB student, you are now a resident of "earthquake country" and you need to think deliberately and frequently about what to do when the next quake or other disaster occurs. Your personal emergency preparedness will mean a calmer, more sensible response that can minimize property damage and injury.
Emergency preparedness at UCSB begins with personal planning. Each student must take responsibility for being ready when the next quake comes. Use the following list of tips if you are living in a residence hall. When you move into your own apartment, obtain a copy of the Isla Vista Renter's Guide to Earthquake Preparedness available at the Community Housing Office, the Office of Student Life, and the University/Community Services Center in Isla Vista, and follow the steps for making your apartment "earthquake safe".

How to Make Your Room Safer

Check to be sure nothing heavy or breakable is hanging over your bed or desk-most injuries result from falling objects, not from collapsing buildings.
Place your bed or desk chair so it is not directly next to or under a window. If this isn't possible, sleep or sit with your head away from the window.
Keep all breakables in secure low cabinets. Secure your computer to its table-you can use Velcro to attach computer parts to each other and to the table.
Identify safe and danger spots in your room.
Safe spots: under heavy furniture like a sturdy table or desk, in interior hallways, or braced in an interior corner away from shelves and windows.
Danger spots: near windows, glass doors, mirrors, hanging objects, tall unsecured furniture, fireplaces, sky lights, and kitchen area.
Keep exit routes clear. Do not block doors and hallways.
Know and practice exit routes from your residence. Think about how to evacuate your classrooms and dining commons.
Be familiar with the floor plan of your residence hall or apartment building. Know where the stairs and closest exits are. Be familiar with emergency plans in residence halls.

Tips for Individuals with Limited Mobility or other Disabilities

Make a list of your special needs, medications, and/or special equipment. Keep one with you. Update it often.
Ask people to be your "buddies" to help you in an emergency. Give them a copy of your self-assessment list. Practice with them what you all would do in an emergency.
Have any auxiliary devices you use, as well as extra batteries, medications, or other necessary items, nearby at all times.
If you are able, get under a table or into a doorway. If you are in a wheelchair, lock the wheels of the chair once you are in a protected spot.
If you cannot move safely and quickly, stay where you are and cover your head and body with your arms, pillow, etc.
If you are hearing impaired, stockpile extra batteries for your hearing aids; include a pad and pencil in your emergency supplies for communicating; ask a neighbor or friend to relay emergency information as it comes over the radio.
Call for help if you need it. Use a whistle or flashlight. Bring attention to yourself any way you can.

Emergency Supplies

Pack and have immediately available in case of an emergency.

Legal papers: driver's license, birth certificate/passport, credit card information, and immunization records
flashlight and extra batteries
portable battery-powered AM/FM radio and extra batteries
sturdy shoes
personal hygiene supplies including tissues, soap, towel, pre-moistened towelettes, and scissors
first aid kit
essential medications, prescriptions, spare eyeglasses or contact lenses with solution
$10 in quarters + extra cash
phone number of an out-of-state contact that all family members use
one gallon of bottled water per person per day
extra non-perishable food such as peanut butter, canned tuna, canned fruit, soups, crackers, manual can opener.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

In an emergency involving the UCSB campus and/or the community of Isla Vista, please tune in to radio station KCSB-FM (91.9), which will continually relay information about the emergency in both English and Spanish. If you are unable to receive KCSB, please tune in to either radio station KTMS-AM (1250) for emergency updates in English or KSPE-AM (1490) for emergency information in Spanish. Emergency information will also be available at the campus website: www.ucsb.edu/emergency.

fyi...LOST AND FOUND

There are various temporary lost and found centers on campus including the UCen and Library Information Desks. After about a week, items that have not been claimed are sent to the campus Police Department and held for 90 days. After that time, the items may be sold at a public auction. Call for office hours; Public Safety Building; 893-3843.