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Emergency Response And Evacuation Procedures – Annual Reminder

  • Get Notified: Register for updates via WarnMe.

  • Be Ready: Evacuation routes, assembly areas, and packing a “Go Bag.”

  • Stay Safe: Distinguishing Shelter-in-Place vs. Secure-in-Place.

  • Prepare: Protocols for Earthquakes, Wildfire Smoke, and Power Outages.

Campus community,

As we look forward to the new year, let’s work together to keep our campus safe and prepared. Because emergencies happen without warning, knowing your plan in advance is the best way to ensure your safety.

Don’t wait for a crisis to make a plan. Please review the Get Prepared section on the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) website today. To help you start, we have summarized the most critical protocols below.

Get Notified

WarnMe is UC Berkeley’s official emergency alerting and warning system. While your campus email is automatically enrolled, additional steps are required to receive WarnMe alerts on your mobile phone as text messages or push notifications:

What to Expect: Initial alerts will typically provide basic facts and immediate safety instructions. Follow-up messages will provide additional context and details as the situation resolves.

How to Evacuate

A WarnMe message, alarm, or official order may instruct you to evacuate a building, the campus, or the City of Berkeley at any time.

1. Prepare Now

2. Evacuate immediately if:

  • A fire alarm sounds or officials (PD, Fire, Coordinators) give the order.
  • You receive a WarnMe evacuation alert.
  • There is a prolonged power outage.
  • You feel unsafe. Trust your instincts.

3. Evacuation Procedure

  • Move: Grab your Go Bag. Walk (do not run) to the nearest exit. Use stairs only—never elevators.
  • Assemble: Go to your Emergency Assembly Area (EAA). If instructed by first responders, follow them to a new location.
  • Wait: Do not re-enter until officially cleared.
  • Connect: Watch for WarnMe updates, or check Berkeley News.
  • Emergency: For threats to life, call 911 (or 510-642-3333 from a cell for UCPD) or use the panic button in the UC Berkeley Safety App.

Know the Difference: Shelter-in-Place vs. Secure-in-Place

If a WarnMe message directs you to Shelter-in-Place:

  1. Close all doors and windows immediately.
  2. Distance yourself from exterior openings.
  3. Prepare to evacuate if the situation changes.

If there is a campus lockdown (Secure-in-place):

  • Please review the UCPD Surviving Targeted Violence and Active Threats guide to understand these specific protocols (i.e., active shooter situations).
  • Off-Campus Personnel: Use your best judgment and follow local authorities for your specific location.

Targeted Violence

If you witness an armed individual, call 911 immediately. Your next move depends on your situation: Run if you can flee safely and avoid danger, or Lock Down if escape is impossible.

Once you are secure, wait for an official “All Clear” notification from WarnMe before leaving. Please rely only on these official alerts, as social media rumors can be misleading. To more fully understand your options during a threat, we encourage you to read UCPD’s Targeted Violence guide.

Earthquake Preparedness

If you feel shaking while indoors, Drop, Cover, and Hold On immediately. Protect your head and neck, and wait under sturdy furniture until the shaking stops. Do not try to run outside while the ground is moving. If you are already outdoors, stay there. Move to an open area away from buildings, windows, and utility lines to avoid falling debris.

We strongly recommend downloading the MyShake app. Developed right here at UC Berkeley, this early warning system delivers alerts to your phone before shaking begins. Alerts are provided in partnership with USGS ShakeAlert and CalOES. You can find additional safety guides on the OEM Earthquake Preparedness webpage.

Wildfire Smoke

During wildfire season, we closely monitor air quality. If the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches unhealthy levels, you will receive a WarnMe alert with instructions regarding outdoor activities, classes, or changes to campus operations. For detailed health guidance, please visit the Office of Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) websites. We also recommend bookmarking the City of Berkeley Wildfire Evacuation page to stay synchronized with local alerts.

Utility and Power Outages

During severe weather, PG&E may preemptively cut power to prevent wildfires. These “Public Safety Power Shutoffs” can happen with little notice. Preparation is your best defense against being left in the dark. To ensure you are prepared—whether on campus or at home—please review the Utility Outages protocol on the OEM website today.

Planning for People with Disabilities

Effective preparation requires planning for your specific circumstances. If you have a disability or access needs, we strongly encourage you to review the specialized guidance provided by the Office of Disability Access & Compliance (DAC). Their website offers critical resources for creating a personalized emergency plan, identifying accessible evacuation routes, and arranging necessary support before a crisis occurs.

We appreciate your attention to these important protocols. Taking a few moments to prepare now is the best way to ensure your safety on campus.