Occasionally an emergency may arise in the classroom. Campus police are on call 24 hours a day to respond to emergencies. Dial 9-1-1 from any campus or pay phone on campus (or dial 642-3333 from a cell phone). When calling for emergency medical help, indicate your location and the nature and severity of the problem.

As a precaution, at the beginning of the term familiarize yourself and your students with the exits from the classroom and the building, location of emergency assembly areas, and campus safety and emergency procedures developed by your department or for your building. For more details on emergency preparedness and response, contact the Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP) at 642-9036 or oep@berkeley.edu.

If a fire alarm sounds in your building, even if you suspect it is a false alarm, evacuate immediately using the nearest building exit. Have students stand completely clear of the building. Even after the alarm stops ringing, do not permit anyone to re-enter the building until instructed to do so by a fire prevention officer, police officer, or the Building Coordinator.

If an earthquake occurs while you are in class, instruct students to move away from the windows and "duck and cover" under desks, tables, or in doorways until the shaking stops. In the event of a major earthquake, be prepared to evacuate the building when the shaking stops and wait for further instructions. More information is available on the Preparedness On Campus: Faculty and Staff section of the OEP website.

If your building is evacuated while you are teaching, make sure all students are accounted for before releasing the class. Report to emergency responders any missing persons, or disabled students sheltering in place. Do not attempt a rescue on your own.

After an emergency situation it is common for you and your students to experience a post-traumatic stress reaction. University Health services offers support to the campus community on an individual and group basis. Call Counseling and Psychological Services for students (642-9494) or CARE Services for Faculty and Staff (643-7754).

last updated on 5/8/07