Emergency Procedures

Earthquake

• DROP – COVER – HOLD (under a table or desk or against an interior wall until shaking stops. (do NOT stand in a door way) Follow directions given by the Suite Monitor/ Floor Warden
• After shaking stops check yourself and others for injuries.
• EVACUATION IS NOT AUTOMATIC, evacuate only if the fire alarm is sounding or if directed by emergency personnel.
• Do not use elevators.
• If you are outdoors, find a spot away from the buildings, trees, streetlights and power lines.
• Every person MUST evacuated the building when required to do so.
• Be prepared for aftershocks!!

Fire

• Activate nearest fire alarm and call DPS, and notify campus reception.
• Fire extinguisher instructions:
  • P – pull safety pin from handle.
  • A – aim nozzle at base of fire.
  • S – squeeze the trigger handle.
  • S – sweep from side to side
• WALK…DO NOT RUN to the nearest exit. Be sure to close the door behind you.
• If the stairwell door is not warm to the touch , open the door and WALK…DO NOT RUN down the stairwell. Be sure to close the stairwell door behind you. Wait at your building’s assembly area for further instructions.

Bomb Threat

• Report all threatening calls to DPS
• If you are a student, hand the phone to a USC Employee to resume the conversation. Immediately notify DPS.
• DO NOT HANG UP THE PHONE! Signal to a co-worker nearby to call for assistance, if this is not possible, use another phone to call for assistance.
• Await direction from DPS

Active Shooter

What should I do in an active shooter emergency?

In the event of an active shooter, the USC Department of Public Safety advises all members of the campus community to follow the RUN • HIDE • FIGHT protocol, widely established as the recommended response plan among law enforcement professionals.

• RUN — leave personal belongings, time is of the essence toget to safety.
• HIDE — stay out of view, silence phones completely including turning off vibration mode and hiding the lighted screen. When securing doors use belts, cords, or other extenders to keep out of direct range of the door.
• FIGHT — if you have no choice, fight the attacker using objects that can serve as weapons. If you are with others, work as a group to disarm the attacker until help arrives.

For a comprehensive overview of the RUN • HIDE • FIGHT protocol, USC Safety Services recommends reviewing the “RUN. HIDE. FIGHT.® Surviving an Active Shooter Event” instructional video produced by Ready Houston.

Evacuation Information

• Take personal belongings (keys, wallet, purse, etc.)
• Do not use elevators, use nearest stairs.
• Follow directions given by Building Emergency Response Team (BERT).
• Evacuate the building using the nearest accessible exit.
• Go to the designated safe refuge area, and do not return to the building until you are instructed to do so.
• Assist persons with disabilities.
• Every person MUST evacuate the building.

Flooding

• If possible, eliminate all sources of electricity from the flooded area. If the power switch is accessible and
  AWAY FROM THE WATER, switch it off.
• If possible, remove all documents and portable equipment from the premises or relocate it to a higher location. Close all file draweres to limit damage.
• Evacuate the immediate area.
• The building’s facilities department will administer a water shut off and possible shut down of the electrical power and gas supply if required.

Severe Weather

• Move to the core areas of the building corridors and elevator lobbies.
• If your location decides to evacuate the building, the stairways are the only means of evacuation to be used during severe weather.
• Notify DPS and Facilities of all severe leaks, fires, and strucutual or other damage during or after the storm

Tresspasser

• Please notify DPS if someone is trespassing on USC property.
• A trespasser is someone who has entered the campus without authorization, a person who continually watches or follows others, a person without proper identification, a stalker or individuals harassing others.

Medical Emergency

• Call 911 in the event of a severe medical emergency. Be ready to describe the nature and severity of the medical problem, and provide estimated age and gender.
• Look for an emergency medical ID.
• Notify DPS and Facilities for a list of emergency contacts and access to the first aid kit.
• Fill out a incident/witness report with DPS.