Safety at Stanford

HEALTH UPDATES 

For updated information on Stanford University policies, please visit Stanford Health Alerts. You can also learn more at Health Alerts .

General Emergency Information

Stanford has an excellent safety record and prioritizes the safety and security of all community members. However, an emergency or disaster could occur at any time. To protect yourself, you need to know what to do in the event of an emergency.

How to Report an Emergency

Anytime you need immediate police, fire, or medical response:

• Call 911 from cell phones;

• Call 9-911 from University phones; or

• Press the red button on a blue emergency phone tower.
  
  

Any of these methods will reach the local 911 Emergency Dispatch Center, which is staffed 24 hours a day. Pushing the red button on the blue tower phones will activate a blue strobe light on top that alerts others, including responding deputies, to your location.

Blue Emergency Towers

Campus community members and visitors can use any of the lighted, bright blue emergency towers located throughout campus to request immediate assistance from local law enforcement resources. Pushing the large red call button on the tower connects immediately to the local emergency dispatch that is staffed 24 hours a day, and also activates a blue strobe light on top that alerts others, including responding deputies to your location. 

Stanford Emergency Updates

All AlertSU messages are automatically posted to the University emergency website. As a situation develops, further information and instructions can be found on the web at: https://emergency.stanford.edu. This site is updated frequently during an emergency situation and is the primary source of the most complete and timely information for the Stanford community.

Much like the University emergency website, information hotlines will provide information about emergencies for the Stanford community. 

• The main information line for the University is (650) 725-5555.

• Contacts outside the Stanford area can call 1-844-ALERTSU (1-844-253-7878) for more information. Individuals from abroad can call +1-602-241-6769.

Earthquake Information

California is a seismically active area; while earthquakes are uncommon, we recommend that you read through the information below so that you are familiar with safety recommendations in the event of an earthquake.

Before a Quake:

• • Locate both safe and dangerous spots in your room.

    • Safe spots: under heavy furniture, under interior doorframes, braced in an interior corner away from shelves and windows.

    • Dangerous spots: near windows, mirrors, hanging objects, unsecured furniture, fireplaces, skylights, and kitchens.

  • Keep exit routes clear.  Do not block doors and hallways.

  • Be familiar with the floor plan in the buildings you inhabit.  Know where the stairs and closest exits are.

  • Know and practice at least two exit routes from your room of residence. Think about how you would evacuate your classroom and dining hall.

  • Locate nearby fire extinguishers; be familiar with their use.

During a Quake:

Keep calm.  Do not run or panic.

• • Stay where you are: indoors, outdoors, or in a car.

    • If inside: take cover immediately under a table, desk, chair, between seating rows in a classroom, or brace yourself in a doorway or inside corner away from windows.

    • If outside: move away from buildings, power poles, and lamp posts.  If in a building corridor, brace yourself against the wall and cover your head and neck.

  • Wait a few minutes after the shaking stops before leaving your cover.

After a Quake:

Take time to think through the consequences of any action you plan to take.  Use common sense and don’t take any foolhardy risks out of panic.

• • Wait until all motion has stopped.  Be prepared for aftershocks.

  • Check the immediate area for injured persons.

  • Check for fires, spills, and other hazards.  Turn off all appliances.

  • Do not light a match or turn on a light switch.  There may be leaking gas or electrical shorts.  At night, use a flashlight.

  • Wear shoes for protection from debris or broken glass.  Use extreme caution in moving about damaged buildings.

  • Evacuate carefully if there is immediate danger.  Use stairs, not elevators.

  • Report to the designated Emergency Assembly Point and await instructions.

Fire Information

Fire Prevention:

• • Note the location of fire alarm pull boxes, exits, and extinguishers: know how to use them.

  • Leave fire doors closed at all times.

  • Use only grounded electrical plugs.  Limit the use of extension cords and multiple outlets.

  • Use proper electrical converters for out-of-country electronics.

  • Turn off or unplug electrical appliances at the end of each working day.

  • Do not smoke indoors.

In Case of a Fire:

• • Keep calm.  Do not run or panic. Activate the nearest alarm; or, upon hearing an alarm, proceed to the nearest exit, closing the door behind you.

  • Feel doors for heat. If cool, exit carefully.  If hot, do not open the door—stay where you are.

  • If you see smoke, crouch near the floor as you exit.

  • If you see fire, contain it by closing doors and windows.

  • Use extinguishers on a small fire only if it is safe to do so:

    • Pull the pin.

    • Aim at the base of the fire.

    • Squeeze the nozzle in a sweeping motion back and forth.

  • Use the nearest exit or stairway. Never use the elevator during a fire evacuation.

  • Report to the designated Emergency Assembly Point.

  • Call 911 (9-911 from university landline phones) once in a safe location.