Request Info

Emergency Information

Pacific Oaks is committed to the safety and security of all its members.  In times of emergency the College will provide an appropriate campus-wide response to ensure safety and to reduce loss.

This Emergency Preparedness Manual is intended to assist all faculty, staff, and students in responding to emergencies which may occur while on a Pacific Oaks campus.  Such emergencies can occur at any time and without warning, but their effects may be minimized if proper emergency procedures are followed.

Emergency preparedness is first and foremost an individual responsibility.  This manual will serve as a quick reference for efficient action during emergencies, and should be kept in an easily accessible location.  This manual is not intended to be the definitive answer to each emergency that may arise; however faculty, staff, and students should take time to read and become familiar with its’ contents before an emergency occurs.  Nevertheless, in all instances, one’s best judgment should be followed.

Should there be any questions or comments regarding this material, please contact an Emergency Response Team Member listed in the guide.

Stay safe.

The Facilities Department
 Pacific Oaks College & Children’s School

What are you looking for?

Emergency Preparedness Manual

Emergency Evacuation

Reporting an Emergency

Fire Emergency Procedures

Emergency Notification System

Medical Emergencies

Sexual Misconduct Policy

 

Emergency Preparedness Manual

Emergency Preparedness Manual

Emergency Evacuation

If an emergency situation arises and a campus must evacuate any of its facilities, the goal of the institution will be to keep unaffected campuses open and operating on a normal class and business schedule. The institution is prepared to evacuate any campus, and will do so in the event or perceived potential of danger.

A campus should be considered for closure when:

  • there is significant physical threat of injury or harm to employees and/or students;
  • there is widespread inaccessibility or malfunctioning of transportation systems;
  • the local government advises business to cease operations; or
  • a physical disaster has occurred and the buildings are uninhabitable.

The campus President should consider for each campus whether classes should be cancelled and whether business operations should close. The decision to close all or any one campus will be made for a period of one business day unless there is physical destruction of a building. Each day a new decision will be made regarding the need to remain closed.

General Evacuation Procedure

In the event of an emergency situation requiring evacuation, designated campus officials will begin a floor-by-floor evacuation of each affected building from the top down. Students, faculty, staff and visitors are instructed to leave personal belongings and evacuate the building quickly.

General evacuation guidelines and best practices:

  • Building management will provide information and instructions via the emergency speaker system throughout the building.
  • Do not use elevators.
  • Do not bring food or drink with you and/or into any stairwell.
  • Do not break windows.
  • Always stay to the right within the stairwell to allow emergency personnel to pass.
  • If applicable, fire escapes should be used as a last resort.

Evacuation of Persons with Disabilities

In the event of an emergency, individuals who use wheelchairs and other individuals with disabilities should make individual decisions based upon the circumstances presented. Suggested only procedures are as follows:

  •  Move toward the nearest and safest exit and follow the general procedures for evacuation.
  •  As a first choice, use the building elevator, if any, but never in the case of a fire or earthquake.
  •  If there is a fire or an earthquake—or if there is an obstruction in the pathway—request assistance from others in the area and/or if a telephone is available notify 911 and an ERT member of your exact location.
  •  If assistance is not immediately available, stay in the exit corridor or the stairway landing.  Continue to call for help until rescued. Individuals who cannot speak loudly should carry a whistle or have other means of attracting attention.
  •  Emergency personnel will first check all exit corridors and exit stairwells for any trapped persons.
  •  If you use a wheelchair, or have any other mobility impairment, please advise the CARE office upon arrival on campus at (626) 529-8260.
  •  It is suggested that any individuals requiring additional assistance during an emergency preemptively instruct co-workers or fellow students on how best to assist them in an emergency.

Evacuation Maps

 

Pasadena Campus, Buildings 45 and 55

Building 45 evacuation mapBuilding 55 evacuation map

Reporting an Emergency

To report an emergency, please make sure you first find a safe location.

  • In all cases of emergency dial 911 then do the following:
  • State:  “This is an emergency.

Give the dispatcher your:

  • Name
  • Location
  • Phone number
  • Nature of the emergency
  • Do not hang up until the dispatcher tells you to do so.  Advise the dispatcher of the situation and remain where you are until contacted by an officer or Emergency Response Team (ERT) Member.
  • After alerting 911, alert an Emergency Response Team (ERT) Member repeat the above name, location, phone number, and nature of the emergency information and wait at the location for a team member’s arrival.

Severe Weather & Natural Disasters

When a severe weather watch is issued by the National Weather Service, the Facilities department will monitor storm conditions in preparation for a potential emergency. If conditions escalate, campus administration will enact the Weather-Related Closure Plan.

General

  • Close all windows, blinds and shades.
  • Move away from the perimeter of the building and toward a safe area on your floor such as a corridor, lobby area, interior restroom, or stairwell.
  • Do not attempt to leave the building.
  • Do not use elevators.
  • Remain calm and follow directions from Pacific Oaks College personnel.

Earthquakes

It is conceivable that Pacific Oaks College could experience an earthquake that could force displacement of students, faculty and staff.  Below is a contingency plan in the event of an earthquake disaster.

To minimize earthquake effects, always maintain an earthquake safe environment.  Move heavy objects from high shelves; strap bookcases and cabinets firmly to a wall; and maintain a personal earthquake kit in your car.

  •  If indoors, stay there.  Get under a desk or table and hold on, stand in a corner or doorway that does not have doors on it.  Protect your head, neck, and face.
  •  If outdoors, get into an open area away from trees, buildings, walls, and power lines.
  •  If driving, pull over to the side of the road and stop.  Avoid overpasses and power lines.  Stay in the vehicle until the shaking is over.
  •  If in a building with an elevator, do not attempt to use it.
  •  If in a crowded public place, do not rush for the doors.  Move away from shelves and windows containing objects that could fall.
  •  After the shaking subsides, turn off all computers; unplug electrical equipment; replace telephone handsets; go outdoors; and stay clear of buildings, walls, power lines, and trees.  Make note of any facility damage and report to an ERT member.
  •  Report any fire or smell of gas to any emergency personnel.
  •  Students, faculty, and staff should report to an ERT member so s/he will be able to account for everyone.
  •  Follow the procedures in this manual for Fire, Hazardous Materials, and Serious Injuries as necessary.
  •  Identify and assist the injured, however, do not move any seriously injured individual unless absolutely necessary to save a life or to prevent a life threatening event.
  •  Report any major damage, disruption, or injury to 911 and then report the same to an ERT member.
  •  Keep landline phones clear except when necessary to report serious hazards or injury.
  •  Do not return to an evacuated building unless directed to do so by an ERT member.
  •  Be prepared for aftershocks and move cautiously.
  •  Wear enclosed shoes to avoid injury.
  •  Make note of individuals who are missing and provide information to emergency personnel.
  •  Tune a radio to a station broadcasting emergency information.  It is possible that roads will be blocked and impassable.
  •  Be prepared to stay where you are for a few hours or days.

Severe Winds

  • Windstorms severe enough to cause damage may occur at infrequent intervals and may be accompanied by heavy rains.
  • At the time of the warning of impending severe winds, property and equipment not properly anchored should be moved inside a building or tied down.
  • Close and secure all windows and doors.
  • The best protection is refuge in a permanent building. Evacuation is not prudent.
  • Immediately after cessation of severe winds, campuses will be inspected for damage.

Fire Emergency Procedures

When an emergency strikes, every minute counts.  Remaining calm and following these general guidelines from the Pasadena Fire Department can help keep you safe.

          In the case of a fire…Remember C.A.L.M.

CALL 911 first and make sure you provide accurate information such as Street address and location of fire or potential emergency.

ALERT Building Security at (626) 529-8432.  Provide accurate information about the fire or emergency information so that they can direct the fire department to the emergency when they arrive.

LISTEN to the instructions provided when calling 911 because they may provide you specific instructions on what to do to stay safe.

MOVE to safety or evacuate only if you are in immediate danger, otherwise stay where you are.

DO NOT:

  • DO NOT GO TO THE ROOF
  • DO NOT PANIC
  • DO NOT BREAK WINDOWS

Fire Emergency Procedures for Non-Business Hours

This emergency information was developed for the possible event of an emergency at an instructional site or when the College’s administrative offices are closed, specifically on weekends and weekdays after 6:00 p.m.

If the emergency is life threatening or extreme in nature, one should dial 911 immediately.

  1. All emergencies should be reported to a faculty, site coordinator, staff member, or Pacific Oaks College (POC) Security Desk.
  2. Staff and/or faculty should contact the Pacific Oaks College (POC) Security Desk in the event of an emergency at (626) 529-8432. “In Case of Emergency” flyers are posted in 45 and 55 Eureka buildings providing emergency contact information.
  3. If the nature of the emergency requires that Pacific Oaks College must call the student’s emergency contact, then the Provost will contact the appropriate available Associate Dean.
  • The Associate Dean or Provost will obtain the student’s information from CampusVue and initiate the call to the student’s emergency contact person.
  • A record of the incident should be added to the “Contact Manager” section of CampusVue.

Fire Alarms and Safety

Any fire alarm calls for an immediate and full evacuation of all TCSPP floors/suites. This evacuation can only be halted by the local Fire Department giving the “all clear.” The Building or Campus Evacuation Procedure, along with the Persons Requiring Assistance with Evacuation Procedures, should be followed.

Fire Safety

If you smell smoke or see fire:

  • Call 9-1-1. Calmly relay the nature of the emergency as you observe it and answer all questions from the operator. Do not hang up until instructed to do so.
  • If time permits, call the campus Facilities department and to relay both the situation, and that you have called 9-1-1.
  • If possible, close all doors leading to the fire. This will assist to confine the fire until emergency personnel arrives.
  • Follow the Building or Campus Evacuation Procedure.

If your clothes are on fire:

  • STOP wherever you are.
  • DROP to the floor that is unobstructed.
  • ROLL repeatedly to extinguish the flames.

If you are in a smoke-filled area:

  • Kneel on the floor and stay as low as possible.
  • Take short breaths through your nose.
  • Crawl to the nearest exit.
  • Feel all doors before opening:
    • If the door(s) are hot, DO NOT OPEN.
    • If the door(s) are cool, open slowly and stay behind the door.
    • If heat or pressure begins to come through the door(s), close immediately and tightly.

False Alarms

False alarms are serious pranks that have the potential for creating panic situations, as well as being the cause for unintentional injury. Anyone apprehended in the act of triggering a false alarm or reported to have been the case of a false alarm will be turned in to the proper authorities for disciplinary action and/or criminal prosecution.

Fire Prevention

In the interest of fire prevention and safety, faculty, staff and students must maintain an awareness of various potential building hazards in their respective areas. Always remove clutter; properly dispose of old papers, books, boxes, ect; keep corridors and hallways clear; and properly store flammable substances appropriately.

All Pacific Oaks College personnel should also make an effort to familiarize themselves with the locations of stairwells, fire escapes, and emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers and hoses, in and around the areas of campus they frequent.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Remember the word P.A.S.S.

P – Pull the pin without squeezing the handles together.

A – Aim at the base of the flames from a distance of 10-12 feet.

S – Squeeze the handles together; do not release until fire is completely extinguished.

S – Sweep from edge to edge of the area on fire. Always keep your back to an exit to avoid being trapped.

In the event the fire cannot be extinguished, evacuate the area.  Follow evacuation procedures.

Monitor the area until emergency personnel arrive.

Emergency Notification System

Because no single system can be 100 percent effective, Pacific Oaks College uses multiple independent communication channels to make sure that information gets out quickly to students, faculty, staff, and other members of the Pacific Oaks Family in the event of an emergency.

RAVE Alert
The RAVE system enables college officials to contact registered members of the Pacific Oaks Family via text message, voice-mail and/or e-mail to apprise them of emergency situations or other ongoing risks to public safety in our campus community.

Emergency Web Site
In the event of a major emergency, information about the status of the college is posted online at www.pacificoaks.edu. Backup web servers are available in the Midwest if Pacific Oaks servers are incapacitated.

Emergency Information Line
Pacific Oaks’ emergency information telephone line, (800) 243-9982, also provides information in the event of an emergency.  The line has a backup system in the Midwest.

OIT Email Notifications
The Office of Information Technology maintains a list of college email addresses for all students, faculty and staff that are used to distribute timely information about crimes as well as emergencies and other situations posing a risk to campus safety.

Departmental Phone Trees and On-call Teams
Campus Administration maintains emergency-notification rosters, on-call systems and phone trees to expedite emergency calls.

Sign Up for Text Alerts

Register for approved Pacific Oaks College emergency communications and other important information via text message and email. To sign up, simply login using your Pacific Oaks user ID and password!

Rave does not charge subscribers to send or receive SMS messages. Standard or other messaging charges apply depending upon your wireless carrier plan and subscription details. Once registered, you can opt out of SMS messages at any time by texting STOP to 67283 or 226787

Sign up for Free Text Alerts  Click here to get started.

Crimes in Progress / Civil Disturbances

  • Call 911 and notify campus safety at (626) 529-8432.
  • Give your name, location, and telephone number.  Do not hang up until the dispatcher tells you to do so.  Advise the dispatcher of the situation and remain where you are until emergency personnel arrive or until your location is unsafe.
  • If a hostile intruder is discovered in your immediate area, and you deem it unsafe to evacuate, retreat to a secure location such as an office or room which may be locked.  Turn off all lights, remain quiet, low to the ground, and behind a desk or other furniture.
  • Do not attempt to apprehend, or interfere with, the intruder except for self-protection.
  • If safe to do so, stop and take time to get a good description of the criminal.  Note height, weight, sex, age, clothing, method and direction of travel, and name, if known.  If the criminal is entering a vehicle, note the license plate number, make and model, color, and outstanding characteristics of the vehicle.
  • In the event of a civil disturbance, continue in as much as possible with your normal routine.  If the disturbance is outside, stay away from doors and windows.
  • Do not interfere with those persons creating the disturbance or with authorities on the scene.

Emergency Response Team (ERT)

The chosen members are familiar with the names and faces of all employees in a Pacific Oaks office.
Pacific Oaks has designed the following primary positions for the Emergency Response Team.

Roaming Captain: Vice President, Human Resources & Organizational Effectiveness

Area Captains: Dean of Students; Academic Affairs Manager, Interim Associate Vice President, Admissions; Facilities Manager; Senior IT Support Analyst, Operations Services Assistant with Facilities

45 Eureka, Suite A – Response Team

Area Captain: Dean of Students
Team: CARE Director and Librarian
Areas: Student Services, C.A.R.E, Learning Center and Library
Searchers: Director of Library Services, Library Assistant Specialist
Areas: Specifically, remote areas and all classrooms

45 Eureka, Suite B – Response Team

Area Captain: Academic Affairs Manager
Team: Program Manager HD, Program Manager SOE
Areas: Academic Advising, Student Finance, Program Managers
Searchers:  Senior Academic Advisor, Program Manager
Areas: Specifically, remote areas and all classrooms

45 Eureka, Suite C Response Team

Area Captain: Interim Associate Vice President, Admissions
Team: Executive Director, Partnership Development
Areas: Admission Offices and Kitchen, Lounge
Searchers: Senior Enrollment Counselor and Enrollment Counselor
Areas: Specifically, remote areas, all classrooms and restrooms

45 Eureka, Suite D – Response Team

Area Captain: Facilities Manager
Team: Chief of Staff- Director of President’s Office & Board Affair’s and HR Generalist
Areas: Human Resources, Finance, Advancement, President’s Office, Conference Room D-102, Registrar’s Office
Searchers:  Manager of Institutional Advancement and Human Resources Coordinator
Areas: Specifically, remote areas and all classrooms

 433 Fair Oaks, Suite E – Response Team

Area Captain: Senior IT Support Analyst
Team: Core Faculty/CFP, Core Faculty/SOE, Administrative Faculty/HD
Areas: Faculty Suite: (HD, CFP, SOE), Online, IT, Computer Lab, Kitchenette, Social Work
Searchers: VP of Academic Affairs and Dean, (SOE)
Areas: Specifically, remote areas, all classrooms and restrooms

55 Eureka – Response Teams

Area Captain: Operations Services Assistant, Facilities
Team: Field Marketing Manager, IT Site Support Manager
Areas: HSI- Student Success Center, CCSI, Marketing Office, Engagement Team Office, (TCS), Kitchenette and Mail Room.
Searchers: Director, Community Engagement Center for Community & Social Impact and Success Coach (HIS) Partnership Development
Areas: Specifically, remote areas, all classrooms and restrooms 

Personal Preparedness

Consider These Things Now:

  • Find out where the nearest shelters are likely to be located
  • Discuss your planning with friends/roommates/family members
  • Identify alternate meeting places in case of separation
  • Alert family members about your plans
  • Make arrangements for special needs
  • Store sufficient personal survival supplies
  • Store supplies to sustain you during location

After a Disaster:

  • Locate any missing friend/roommate/family member
  • Advise out-of-area family contact of your status
  • Use safety glasses, leather gloves, etc., when working
  • Exercise extreme caution when entering damaged buildings
  • Exercise extreme care with fire
  • Avoid electric appliances+ around water
  • Stay away from power lines
  • Check water and food before consumption
  • Monitor and obey directives from government and campus officials
  • If you have phone service, use it only for emergencies

Suggested Items for Relocation:

Bedding / Flashlights / Batteries / Toiletries / Games / Books /

Medications / Special dietary foods / Valuable papers /

Photographs / Contact lists / Photo ID / Pens and paper /

Personal hygiene supplies


Do not bring alcohol, drugs, or firearms to a relocation shelter.

Campus Safety Tips

  • Security is available to walk you to your vehicle.
  • Stay alert to your surroundings and the actions of people around you.
  • Report any suspicious activity or individuals to Security.
  • Do not enter into conversation with a suspicious individual.
  • Travel in groups of two or more at night.
  • Park in a well-lit lot.
  • Lock your car doors and keep your window rolled up.
  • Create a buddy system — share your class schedule with family and friends.
  • When you leave campus, let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be back.
  • Walk in well-lit, heavily traveled area.
  • Don’t leave personal items such as coats, purses, or laptops unattended.
  • Be aware of your surroundings when using earbuds, headphones, and anything else that might distract your attention.

Medical Emergencies

In case of a serious medical emergency:

  • Call 911 and follow instructions, and
  • Alert campus safety by calling 626.529.8432.
  • Give your name, telephone number, location, and a description of the emergency.
  • If you are staff, call your supervisor.
  • If you are assisting someone in an emergency, stay with the victim.  If the victim is conscious, ask what the problem is.  If the victim is unconscious, check for breathing and bleeding.  Only trained individuals should administer First Aid and/or CPR.
  • Keep the victim still, comfortable, and warm.
  • Protect the victim from any disturbances.
  • Search for emergency identification.
  • Wait for emergency personnel to arrive.

In case of a serious psychological crisis (suicide attempt, disorientation, panic):

  • Call 911, follow instructions, and
  • Call campus security (numbers listed above).
  • Stay with the victim unless your safety is threatened and wait for emergency personnel to arrive.
  • Remain calm.

Medical Facilities

Hospitals:

Huntington Hospital
(626) 397-5000
100 West California Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91105

Take Orange Grove Blvd. South to California Blvd. Turn Left at California and continue for 2 ½ blocks.  Hospital is on your right.

Verdugo Hills Hospital
(818) 790-7100
1812 Verdugo Blvd Glendale, CA 91208

Take 210 West.  Exit at Angeles Crest Highway and turn left. Turn right onto Foothill Blvd.  At the second light, turn left onto Verdugo Blvd. The hospital is on the left at the second light. 

Urgent Care Center:

HealthCare Partners Medical Group
(626) 795-2244
401 S. Fair Oaks Avenue Pasadena, CA 91105

Take Orange Grove Blvd.  South to Green St. Turn left at Green to Fair Oaks Ave.  Turn Right at Fair Oaks Ave and continue for 6 blocks. Center is on your right.

Sexual Misconduct Policy

Sexual Misconduct Policy – This document sets forth Pacific Oaks College’s policy on sexual misconduct and outlines the College’s prohibitions against sexual misconduct, definitions of relevant terms, reporting and response procedures, and the rights and responsibilities of members of the POC Community who are impacted by sexual misconduct in relation to our academic and work environment.

Combating Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Presentation 

Sexual Misconduct Resources:

 

Questions about Title IX, the Campus SaVE Act, and this policy may be directed to:

POC Title IX Coordinators:

Title IX Coordinator

Michael Lopez-Patton
Dean of Students
45 Eureka Street
Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 529-8498
Email: [email protected]

Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Jane Sawyer
Vice President of Human Resources and Organizational Effectiveness
Phone: 626-529-8437
Email: [email protected]

Students may also direct questions about Title IX and the Campus SaVE Act to:

United States Department of Education Office of Civil Rights (OCR)
Customer Service Hotline: 800/421-3481
Website: www.ed.gov/ocr
E-mail: [email protected]
400 Maryland Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20202-1100

 

Policy Effective Date: October 1, 2014

Top