Community Crisis Information

In the event of a medical emergency, call 911 and/or Campus Security at x4117 or (949) 480-4117 or request that another person do so. Remain calm. Provide your name, the nature of the medical emergency the specific location of the affected individual(s), and any other pertinent information. Remain with the affected individuals until help arrives.

• Stay at the emergency scene with the affected individual(s) until help arrives.
• Do not move the individual unless their location is potentially dangerous.
• Keep the affected individual(s) still and comfortable. Have them lie down (if necessary).
• Control serious bleeding by applying pressure on the wound.
• Check breathing and apply artificial respiration/CPR.

Certain incidents may require you to Shelter in Place when there is an increased danger from leaving the building rather than to stay in your current location. Those incidents can include hazardous outdoor conditions, ongoing police action, or active shooter events (See Active Shooter section for specific Shelter in Place instructions).

In the event you are directed to Shelter in Place, follow these procedures immediately:

1. Stop what you are doing and shelter in your current location or immediately seek a room to shelter in.
2. Shut and lock doors and windows. Pull the blinds down, turn off the lights. If instructed, use whatever is available to seal cracks under and around doors and entry vents into rooms.
3. Turn off all fans, heating, and air conditioning systems.
4. Place cell phones in “silent” mode.
5. Remain indoors until Campus Security or other university personnel informs you that it is safe or if you are told to evacuate.

Maintenance emergencies and utility failures include issues or events such as loss of electrical power, rushing water from broken pipes, complete lack of water, lack of heat, or lack of air conditioning if the outside temperature is above 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

In the event of a Maintenance Emergency or Utility Failure, contact Campus Security at x4117 or (949) 480-4117 to provide pertinent information including your name, telephone number, your location, the location of the emergency, and the nature of the emergency.

If the emergency or failure occurs during the hours of 8 a.m. through 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, notify Facilities Management at extension 4095 or (949) 480-4095. If after hours, Campus Security will contact the appropriate Facilities staff member. Facilities personnel will be dispatched to the location as soon as possible.

If the emergency creates a danger or is unsafe, evacuate the area and/or building. Do not return to the building unless told to do so.

Additional Information and Procedures:

• Electrical Light Failure: Certain campus buildings are equipped with an emergency light system that will provide enough illumination in corridors and stairs for safe exiting. Your area may also have flashlights available.
• Elevator Failure: All campus elevators are equipped with emergency phones. If you discover an elevator failure, immediately phone Campus Security at (949) 480-4117.
• Plumbing Failure/Flooding: Cease using all electrical equipment, including light switches. Vacate the area and immediately phone Campus Security.
• Gas Leak: Cease all operations. Immediately vacate the area and phone Campus Security.
• Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC): If you smell smoke or burning odors from the HVAC system, immediately phone Campus Security.

• Any spillage or unplanned release of a dangerous chemical, hazardous waste, compressed gas, or radioactive material is to be reported immediately to Campus Security, which will immediately contact the university Environmental Health & Safety Office.
• All persons should evacuate the affected area at once and seal it off to prevent possible contamination of others. Assist persons who need help exiting the building.
• Immediately begin decontamination as necessary, using eyewash, handwash, or shower if available. Anyone who might be contaminated because they were in the immediate area affected by the spill must avoid contact with others as much as possible and remain in the vicinity. Offer first aid to anyone who was injured. Emergency responders will assess the need for additional specialized decontamination and treatment.
• If evacuation is necessary or if directed by Campus Security, activate the building alarm system. Important: The alarm and evacuation should only be activated under extreme circumstances.
• Once outside, move to the designated evacuation zone for your building. If this area is deemed unsafe, you will be directed to an alternate site. Be aware of the wind pattern, as your goal in evacuation is to move to an area that is upwind and away from the path of noxious odors and substances. Keep walkways and roadways clear for emergency vehicles.
• DO NOT return to a building until told to do so by a Campus Security officer or other university official.

If outside:

1. Move upwind away from spilled material.
2. Contact Campus Security by dialing x4117 or 949-480-4117. Be prepared to report the location and the identity or nature of the spilled material, if known.
3. Campus Security will consult with the laboratory director if the incident occurred within or near a lab.
4. Be sure to specify if anyone is injured so that 911 can be contacted.
5. Campus Security and other emergency personnel (if needed) will provide direction and determine when it is safe to return to the area.

If inside (not including a laboratory):

1. Avoid direct or indirect contact with the spilled material. If an individual is exposed by direct contact to a hazardous material, they should proceed to the nearest water source to flush the exposed skin. All contaminated clothing should be removed and put into a plastic bag.
2. Contact Campus Security by dialing x4117 or (949) 480-4117. Be prepared to report the location and identity of the spilled material, if known.
3. Campus Security may consult with the laboratory director.
4. individuals should be removed from the spill area until clean-up is complete and Campus Security has given permission to re-enter the space. It is recommended that all individuals move outside or to an alternate location that does not have a common ventilation system.
5. If the substance is airborne, cover your nose and mouth with layers of fabric (such as a cotton t-shirt, handkerchief, towel, or several layers of paper towels).

Soka University respects and supports the free exchange of ideas and the right to peaceful protest. Peaceful demonstrations are those that allow business as usual to continue on campus and are in accordance with university policies. Protests must not disrupt normal campus activity or threaten the safety of others. Soka University is a private institution with the right to exercise governance over campus activities.

If a civil disturbance is observed on campus that appears to be unsafe or if you believe there is an immediate threat to the safety of yourself or others, contact Campus Security at x4117 or 480-4117.

Peaceful assemblies must not:

• Interfere with teaching, meetings, or university planned events.
• Interfere with normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
• Interfere with the rights of others to learn or enjoy an activity.
• Threaten physical harm to any member or approved guest of the university community.
• Occupy rooms or offices without permission.
• Obstruct free movement.
• Block hallways, doorways, or exits.
• Occur in residence halls

Use of microphones, bullhorns, or other sound equipment is not permitted as they contribute to the disruption of normal campus activity.

Refer to the Soka University Student Peaceful Assembly Policy for guidelines relating to applying for as well as conducting a peaceful assembly. The request for a location for the event should follow regular university procedures and guidelines for events.

All members of the Soka University community contribute to ensuring our campus is a safe place by being alert to any suspicious or violent situations and by reporting them to Campus Security.

If you are a victim or observe a threat or any on-campus criminal activity such as an assault and/or battery, robbery, theft, aggressive or sexual behavior, etc., contact Campus Security immediately at x4117 or (949) 480-4117.

1. Report to Campus Security or any university personnel the presence of anyone who appears to be loitering, soliciting, or otherwise on campus without an apparent legitimate reason.
2. It is important to inform Campus Security officers the specifics of the incident, including time, individuals involved, and any other relevant facts. Inform Campus Safety descriptions of possible suspects, including height, weight, hair color, etc. as well as the identity of any witnesses to the incident.
3. Campus Safety officers will investigate the incident and, if necessary, enlist the support of law enforcement and evacuate areas surrounding the incident location. If evacuation is ordered, assist individuals requiring assistance in exiting the building.

It is important for all members of the university community to be familiar with the locations of emergency exits, manual fire alarms, and fire extinguishers in your area. You are encouraged to know the identity of individuals in charge of safety in each building.

If you hear or see a fire alarm:

1. Never assume the alarm is a false alarm. Everyone is required to evacuate.
2. Move to the nearest exit or exit stairwell.
3. Never use the elevators to evacuate the building.
4. Close doors as you leave the area.
5. Exit the building and move to the designated evacuation site.

If you discover fire or smoke:

1. If you discover a fire or smoke, even if it has been extinguished, call 911 and Campus Security at x4117 or (949) 480-4117. or use one of the emergency phones located throughout the campus.
2. Immediately pull the fire alarm as you exit.
3. Alert other occupants to evacuate the building. Assist anyone who needs help in exiting the building.
4. When a fire alarm sounds, everyone must vacate the building immediately. Do not use the elevators. Be mindful of staying out of the way of emergency responders.
5. Persons with disabilities: Please make an effort to safely assist those who are having difficulty. If someone still needs assistance evacuating, please be sure to let emergency personnel know of his or her location in the building. Stair towers can be used if necessary to await transport by emergency personnel.
6. Campus Security, Facilities, and/or staff will check to see that everyone is evacuated.
7. If possible, faculty members should take a class roster to check roll outside the building.
8. Residence Life staff should take the hall roster to check roll outside the building.
9. The last person leaving an office or classroom should leave the door unlocked and closed. Do not lock doors in labs. Gas must be turned off.
10. Do not stop and pick up personal belongings.
11. Once outside, walk to the designated evacuation zone for your building. If this area is deemed to be unsafe, follow instructions or proceed to a safe area as far away from the building as possible. Avoid roadways or driveways used by emergency vehicles. Do not try to drive off of the property as this may impede emergency vehicles from coming onto the property.
12. Campus Security will give the “all clear” signal to return to the building after all areas have been reported safe.

You may attempt to put the fire out with a portable fire extinguisher only if:

1. Someone has pulled the building fire alarm and notified Campus Security.
2. The fire is small and contained, such as the size of a wastebasket.
3. The room temperature is only slightly increased and there is good visibility.
4. You are not alone.
5. There is a clear and safe escape route behind you.
6. You have been properly trained and have the correct extinguisher.
7. Important: If you have any doubt in your ability to use an extinguisher to control the fire, immediately exit the building after the fire alarm is pulled.
8. Remember: P-A-S-S

• Pull the pin on the extinguisher.
• Aim the hose or nozzle at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the handle to activate the extinguisher.
• Sweep the extinguishing agent back and forth at the base of the fire.

If you are caught in a fire:

1. Crawl low under any smoke to your exit - heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling.
2. When the smoke alarm sounds, get out fast. You may have only seconds to escape.
3. If there is smoke blocking your door or first way out, use your second way out.
4. Smoke is toxic. If you must escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your way out.
5. Before opening a door, feel the doorknob and door. If either is hot, leave the door closed and use your second way out.
6. If there is smoke coming around the door, leave the door closed and use your second way out.
7. If you open a door, open it slowly. Be ready to shut it quickly if heavy smoke or fire is present.
8. If you can’t get out, close the door and cover vents and cracks around doors with cloth or tape to keep smoke out. Call 911 or your fire department. Say where you are and signal for help at the window with a light-colored cloth or a flashlight.
9. If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop, and roll – stop immediately, drop to the ground, and cover your face with your hands. Roll over and over or back and forth until the fire is out. If you or someone else cannot stop, drop, and roll, smother the flames with a blanket or towel. Use cool water to treat the burn immediately for three to five minutes. Cover with a clean, dry cloth. Get medical help right away by calling 911 or the fire department.

Learn About Fires

• Fire is fast! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a room or for it to be engulfed in flames.
• Fire is hot! Heat is more threatening than flames. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super-hot air will scorch your lungs and is deadly.
• Fire is dark! Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness.
• Fire is deadly! Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns by a 1-to-1 ratio.

Background

An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area; in most cases, active shooters use firearm(s) and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims.

Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly. Typically, the immediate deployment of law enforcement is required to stop the shooting and mitigate harm to victims. Since active shooter situations are often over within 10 to 15 minutes, before law enforcement arrives on the scene, individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically.

The potential for a shooting on a college campus exists throughout the United States. Therefore, it is prudent to have a working plan ready for such events. All SUA employees and students are encouraged to keep below contact information.

How to Cope with an Active Shooter Situation

• Turn off lights as well as all computers and communication devices (NO SILENT or VIBRATE mode)
• Light from your cell phones can expose you or people around you
• Be aware of surroundings and any possible dangers
• Take note of the two nearest exits in any facility you visit Soka University of America
• If you are in the office, stay there and secure the door
• If you are in the hallway, get into a room and secure the door
• Do not pull fire alarm or respond to one during active shooter incident
• Call 911 if it is safe to do so

How to Respond When an Active Shooter Is in Your Vicinity

Quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life. Remember that visitors and contractors are likely to follow the lead of university’s employees during an active shooter situation.

1. Notifying Authorities

   • Remain calm
   • Dial 911 if it is safe to do so
   • Provide as much information as possible, such as:
     • Name and phone number of the caller
     • Building location, floor, and room number: Be specific as the dispatcher/authorities will not know our buildings’ names (Ex. Building with a dome - behind the fountains)
     • Number of people on your floor/building
     • Injuries – type of injuries and number of injured people: Example: medical attention for asthma attack
   • Report as much as possible about the assailant(s), including:
     • Specific location/direction of the assailant
     • Number of assailants (s)
     • Gender, race, accent/speech pattern, and age of the assailant
     • Language or commands used by the assailant
     • Clothing color, description of the backpack, bag, or any personal item
     • Physical features – hair, eye, etc.
     • Weapons – knives, guns, explosives, etc.
     • Identity/Name of the assailant, if known
     • What did you hear? Gunshots? Explosions?

2. Evacuate

   If there is a safe and accessible escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises. Be sure to:

   • Have an escape route and plan in mind
   • Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow
   • Leave your belongings behind
   • Help others to escape, if it is safe
   • Prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be
   • Raise your hands and spread your fingers. Keep them visible
   • Follow the instructions of any police officers
   • Do not attempt to move wounded people
   • Call 911 when you are safe (if law enforcement is not notified)

3. Hide Out

   If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the active shooter is less likely to find you. Your hiding place should:

   • Be out of the active shooter’s view
   • Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction (i.e., an office with a closed and locked door)
   • Not trap you or restrict your options for movement

   To prevent an active shooter from entering your hiding place:

   • Lock the door
   • Block the door with heavy furniture (file cabinet, desk, furniture, tables, etc.) and stay behind solid objects as far as away from the door as possible
   • If door wedges are available, drive them as hard as possible to secure the door(s)
   • Block windows and close the blinds
   • Do NOT peak or raise your head in effort to see what may be happening
   • NEVER respond to anyone who knocks on the door and keep it secured unless it can be verified that they are police or emergency personnel

   If the active shooter is nearby:

   • Lock the door and block windows
   • Turn off all computers and communication devices (e.g., cell phones)
   • Turn off any source of noise (e.g., radios and TV)
   • Duck and hide behind large items (e.g., cabinets and desks)
   • Remain quiet until the situation is neutralized
   • Do NOT peek or raise your head in effort to see what may be happening
   • NEVER respond to anyone who knocks on the door and keep it secured unless it can be verified they are police or emergency personnel

   NOTE: Light from your computers and communication devices can expose you and/or people around you therefore it is important that they are completely turned off.

   If evacuation and hiding out are not possible:

   • Remain calm
   • Dial 911, if possible, to alert police to the active shooter’s location
   • If you cannot speak, leave the line open and allow dispatcher to listen

4. Take Action Against the Active Shooter

   • Move or crawl away from gunfire, trying to utilize any obstructions between you and gunfire. Objects may conceal you from sight, but may not be bulletproof.

   As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter by:

   • Acting as aggressively as possible against him/her
   • Throwing items and improvising weapons
   • Yelling
   • Committing to your actions

How to Respond When Law Enforcement Arrives

Law enforcement’s purpose is to stop the active shooter as soon as possible. Officers will proceed directly to the area in which the last shots were heard. Officers:

• Usually arrive in teams of 4
• May wear regular patrol uniforms or external bulletproof vests, Kevlar helmets, and other tactical equipment
• May be armed with rifles, shotguns, and handguns
• May use pepper spray or tear gas to control the situation
• May shout commands and may push individuals to the ground for their safety

How to React When Law Enforcement Arrives

• Remain calm and follow officers’ instructions
• Put down any items in your hands (i.e., bags, jackets)
• Immediately raise hands and spread fingers
• Keep hands visible at all items
• Avoid making quick movements toward officers such as holding on to them for safety
• Avoid pointing, screaming, and/or yelling
• Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating, just proceed in the direction from which officers are entering the premises

The first officers to arrive to the scene will not stop to help injured persons. Expect rescue teams comprised of additional officers and emergency medical personnel to follow the initial officers. These rescue teams will treat and remove any injured persons. They may also call upon able-bodied individuals to assist in removing the wounded from the premises.

Once you have reached a safe location or an assembly point, you will likely be held in that area by law enforcement until the situation is under control, and all witnesses have been identified and questioned. never leave until law enforcement authorities have instructed you to do so.

If a hostage or barricade situation occurs on the campus property do not attempt to negotiate. Establish a line of communication to get information only. If there is communication regarding the hostage/barricade over the telephone, attempt to maintain communication with the caller to gain additional information until authorities arrive.

1. Call Campus Security immediately at x4117 or (949) 480-4117.
2. Campus Security will notify the police.
3. Campus Security will meet the police at the entrance of the university property and escort them to the scene. At this time, law enforcement is responsible for the resolution, investigation, and processing of the scene with assistance from Campus Security.
4. Do not approach/confront a person suspected of having a weapon. Make every effort to keep your eyes on the suspect until help arrives so that you can point them out to the police.
5. It is best to have the police officer confront the suspect and conduct the search. The police should take possession of the firearm, weapon, or explosive.
6. Campus Security will ask the police officer to photograph the weapon.
7. Treat all firearms, weapons, or explosives as if they were loaded. If one is found, do not pick it up but report the location to Campus Security, immediately at x4117 or (949) 480-4117.

If you receive a bomb threat by phone: Use the telephone checklist below to obtain as much information from and about the caller as possible.

• Listen carefully—do not interrupt
• Do not hang up—get a message to someone nearby to call Campus Security
• If displayed, write down the phone number from which the call originates
• Record
  • Date
  • Time
  • Exact words of the caller
  • Listen for background noises: Accent? Unusual voice characteristics
  • The caller was Male____ Female___ Adult________ Child_______ Age____
• Do not use the same phone again until Campus Security gives the okay
• Write down the exact wording of the threat. If possible, ask the caller the following questions:
  • Can you tell me when the bomb is set to explode?
  • What will make it detonate?
  • Where is the bomb now?
  • What kind of bomb is it?
  • What does it look like?
  • Why did you place the bomb?
  • What type of explosive is it?
  • Is the caller the person who actually placed the device?
• Do not talk on any radio or cell phone within 100 yards of the suspected bomb as this might cause detonation. Turn these devices off.
• Do not touch light switches.

If bomb threat is received by voice mail:

• Save the voice mail and call 911 and Campus Security.

If bomb threat is received by email:

• Do not delete the email. Make a hard copy and call 911 and Campus Security

If it is determined that an evacuation is necessary, calmly leave the building and remain at least 1,000 feet from the building. Do not go back inside until advised by Campus Security that it is safe to do so.

1. Once you discover an object, don’t touch it any further. Make a note of what it looks like, smells like, sounds like and then clear the area.
2. Do not use a cellphone or two-way radio device. This may trigger an explosion of the item. Go yourself, or send someone else, to the closest landline telephone to contact Campus Security.
3. Report the location of the suspicious object to Campus Security
4. In the event that a suspicious object is found, it should not be touched or moved. Warn others to stay away from the suspicious object and maintain at least a 1,000-foot clearance area.
5. When the police arrive, they are in command, and their orders are to be followed.
6. Follow instructions of police or Campus Security regarding where to go on or off-campus to be safe.
7. All personnel should be restricted from entering the building until the police approve access.

A hate crime is defined as evidence that exhibits animosity on the part of the person committing the act against a person or group because of that person’s or group’s race, color, religious beliefs, national origin, or sexual orientation.

1. The person identifying the hate message should notify Campus Security at x4117 or (949) 480-4117.
2. A Campus Security officer will report to the location to investigate.
3. Campus Security may or may not call the police, but will conduct its own investigation including photographing evidence and speaking to witnesses.
4. Campus Security will report results of the investigation to the Dean of Students and/or Vice President for Human Resources for potential disciplinary action.
5. Once Campus Security or police have given approval to do so, the Facilities department will cover or remove any graffiti or other evidence.

Earthquakes are sudden rolling or shaking events caused by movement under the earth’s surface. Earthquakes happen along cracks in the earth’s surface, called fault lines, and can be felt over large areas, although they usually last less than one minute. Earthquakes cannot be predicted.

Southern California is an area of the United States at risk for earthquakes. Earthquakes can happen at any time of the year.

Before an Earthquake

• Look around places where you spend time. Identify safe places such as under a sturdy piece of furniture or against an interior wall so that when the shaking starts, you Drop to the ground, Cover your head and neck with your arms, and if a safer place is nearby, crawl to it and Hold On.
• Practice how to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On!”
  • To react quickly you must practice often. You may only have seconds to protect yourself in an earthquake.
• Before an earthquake occurs, secure items that could fall and cause injuries (e.g., bookshelves, mirrors, light fixtures).
• Store critical supplies (e.g., water, medication) and documents.
• Plan how you will communicate with family members, including multiple methods by making a family emergency communication plan.
• When choosing your home or business, check if the building is earthquake resistant per local building codes.

During an Earthquake

If you are inside a building:

• Stay where you are until the shaking stops. Do not run outside.
• Drop down onto your hands and knees so the earthquake does not knock you down. Immediately drop, cover and hold on to the piece of furniture as it is likely to move during the shaking.
• Cover your head and neck with your arms to protect yourself from falling debris.
  • If you are in danger from falling objects, and you can move safely, crawl for additional cover under a sturdy desk or table.
  • If there is low furniture or an interior wall or corner nearby, and the path is clear, these may also provide some additional cover.
  • Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as light fixtures or furniture.
• Hold on to any sturdy covering so you can move with it until the shaking stops. Stay where you are until the shaking stops.

If getting safely to the floor to take cover won’t be possible:

• Identify an inside corner of the room away from windows & objects that could fall on you.
• Get as low as possible to the floor.
• People who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices should lock their wheels and remain seated until the shaking stops.
• Protect your head and neck with your arms, a pillow, a book, or whatever is available.

If you are in bed when you feel the shaking:

If you are in bed: Stay there and cover your head and neck with a pillow. At night, hazards and debris are difficult to see and avoid; attempts to move in the dark result in more injuries than remaining in bed.

If you are outside when you feel the shaking:

If you are outdoors when the shaking starts, move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires. Once in the open, drop, cover, and hold on. Stay there until the shaking stops. This might not be possible in a city, so you may need to duck inside a building to avoid falling debris.

If you are in a moving vehicle when you feel the shaking:

If you are in a moving vehicle, stop as quickly and safely as possible and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires. Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that the earthquake may have damaged.

After an Earthquake

• When the shaking stops, look around. If there is a clear path to safety, leave the building and go to a safe open location or assigned gathering place.
• If you are trapped, do not move about or kick up dust.
• If you have a cell phone with you, use it to call or text for help, keeping in mind call volume may temporarily impact cell service.
• Tap on a pipe or wall or use a whistle, if you have one, so that rescuers can locate you.
• Once safe, monitor local news reports via battery operated radio, TV, social media, and cell phone text alerts for emergency information and instructions.
• Be prepared to drop, cover, and hold on in the likely event of aftershocks.
• No building should be re-entered until the all clear is given by Campus Security.

Listen to local officials Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.

See Residence Hall Emergency Evacuation procedures and evacuation assembly areas.

Evacuation Procedures

The SUA Crisis Management Team (CMT) will decide whether immediate evacuation is necessary or not. This decision can be made independently, in consultation with Student Services, other officers, or by information received at the scene.

The CMT will designate the area to be evacuated. The evacuation will require a door-to-door check of the facility. Important Note: If a working fire, smoke or other evidence of combustion is present, under no circumstances will anyone except fire service personnel equipped with self-contained breathing apparatus enter any structure. Should any occupant refuse to evacuate, continue the evacuation and time permitting return to the refusal site, obtain name and advise disciplinary action will be taken.

All evacuees are to move to a safe designated assembly area, and begin a census, to establish that the evacuation is complete.

Important: It is standard policy that a general evacuation takes place in each event of a fire alarm.

In the event that physically challenged individuals are involved in an evacuation effort, Campus Security officers at the scene will make every attempt to lead them to safety.

Responsibilities of all faculty, staff, and students

• learn locations of exit routes, exit stairwells and areas of rescue in any buildings your routinely use
• know the location and operation of the fire alarm system
• know emergency phone numbers and keep them posted
• participate in all fire drills and take them seriously
• treat every alarm as an actual emergency
• learn in advance the needs of anyone for whom you are responsible who may need assistance during an emergency
• know where the pre-designated rally and assembly points are located
• if you are the first to notice an emergency, immediately call 9-1-1.

Evacuation Procedures

1. Building evacuations will occur when announced over the campus emergency warning system and/or upon notification by Campus Safety.
2. When the building evacuation alarm is activated during an emergency, leave by the nearest marked exit and alert others to do the same. Do not use the elevator in cases of fire and/or earthquake! Use stairway.
3. When evacuating your building or work area:
   • Stay calm; do not rush and do not panic.
   • Safely stop your work. If there is time, turn off personal computers to protect university data from possible damage; forward phones.
   • Gather your personal belongings if it is safe to do so. (Reminder: take prescription medications out with you if at all possible; it may be hours before you are allowed back in the building.)
   • If safe to do so, close your office door and window, but do not lock them. The last person to leave an office, classroom, or lab will close and lock the door behind them.
   • Use the nearest safe stairs and proceed to the nearest exit.
   • Be alert for individuals with disabilities or injuries who may need assistance. However, under no circumstances should an individual risk or jeopardize his/her personal safety in an attempt to rescue another person.
4. Once outside proceed to a pre-identified “Assembly Area” for the affected building and wait for a head count. Keep streets, fire lanes, hydrant areas and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel. Important: Wait for further instructions from emergency responders. Do not reoccupy the building until directed to do so.
5. Upon notification by responding external public agencies that the emergency is contained and that any evacuated buildings are suitable for re-occupancy, the director of security in consultation with the CMT, shall determine when occupants will be allowed to re-enter those buildings. Appropriate authorities may include, but not be limited to, vice president of finance and administration, Operations/Facilities CMT representatives, or their designees. Occupants shall not be allowed to re-enter a building where there is visible smoke.

1. Evacuation of all or part of the campus grounds will be announced by the campus emergency warning system and/or Campus Safety.
2. All persons (students, faculty, and staff) are to IMMEDIATELY vacate the site in question and relocate to another part of the campus grounds or as directed.

In an emergency and as the conditions warrant, an official proclamation by the university president or designee will have the following effects and provide legal authority to:

• Promulgate orders and regulations necessary to provide for the protection of life and property, including closure of campus.
• Facilitate participation in mutual aid from State agencies or local jurisdictions.
• Activate campus personnel, logistical resources and campus facilities for response to an emergency.
• Ensure emergency response personnel are acting with authority to manage, control, and participate in activities outside the regular scope of employees’ duties.

Soka University of America will proclaim a formal Campus State of Emergency when response to emergency conditions exceeds the university’s capabilities, and additional assistance is required from local, state, and possibly federal assistance is required.

City of Aliso Viejo

The emergency may include the city of Aliso Viejo as well as the campus. In that case, the authority to proclaim a local emergency lays with the appropriate mayor’s office or in their absence, the City Council or designated alternate. The governing body must also proclaim the termination of the local emergency as soon as conditions warrant. A proclamation of local emergency provides the governing body the authority to:

• Provide mutual aid consistent with the provisions of local ordinances, resolutions, emergency plans, and agreements.
• Receive mutual aid from State agencies.
• In the absence of a State of Emergency, seek recovery of the cost of extraordinary services incurred in executing mutual aid agreements.
• Promulgate orders and regulations necessary to provide for protection of life and property.
• Promulgate orders and regulations imposing curfew. When the local resources are overwhelmed, the city will make an appeal to Orange County officials. The County can proclaim a local area emergency that will include all jurisdictions.
• Refer to the city of Aliso Viejo Disaster Preparedness website

County of Orange

• Refer to the Orange County Health Care Agency Emergency Medical Services

State of California

• The governor may declare a State of Emergency when conditions warrant. During a State of Emergency, the Governor has the authority to promulgate, issue, and enforce orders and regulations within the affected area and employ State personnel, equipment, facilities, and other resources to mitigate the effects of the emergency.

During the period of any major campus emergency, Campus Security will immediately put into effect the appropriate procedures necessary in order to meet the emergency, safeguard people and property, and maintain educational facilities, as outlined in the university’s Crisis Management Plan. b. When it is determined that a campus-wide State of Emergency exists, only registered students, faculty, staff, and affiliates (i.e., persons required by employment) are authorized to be on the campus. Those who cannot present proper identification showing their legitimate business on campus will be required to leave immediately. c. In addition, only those faculty and staff members who have been assigned emergency responsibilities will be allowed to enter the immediate disaster