In the event of an aircraft crashing into a campus building, or fallen debris on campus from an aircraft:

• Immediately take cover under tables, desks, or other objects, which will give protection against falling glass or debris.
• If directed to do so, or in case of fire, activate the fire alarm.
• If the building is being evacuated, leave building immediately and follow instructions from administrators. 
• Seek and assist any disabled persons in evacuating the building. Evacu-Trac chairs are located on the second floor of each building, generally next to the elevators.
• Exit via stairway. Do not use the elevators.
• Move to an open area at least 500 feet away from the crash site and debris, following the building evacuation plan to an evacuation point.
• Keep roadways and walkways clear for emergency vehicles.
• Wait at your evacuation point for further instruction.
• Do Not Re-Enter the building until instructed to do so.

• Do Not remain downwind from a burning plane.
• Go to a clear area at least 500 feet from the crash site.
• Always avoid power or utility lines.
• Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles.

 TIPS:

If you become trapped:

• Alert emergency search and rescue crews or anyone within shouting distance of your location.
• If possible call 9-1-1 (Do Not Hang Up) and report your location.
• If a window is accessible, place an article of clothing or other signal in the window to alert rescuers to your location. Whistle, shout, pound on a wall or door to make noise at regular interval to alert rescuers to your location.
• Stay low, near the floor. During a fire the air nearest the floor will contain the least smoke, contaminants and heat.
• If you are injured, tend to your wounds.

Crash Near Campus:

In the event of a major community emergency, the campus may be used as a staging area or command post by emergency responders.

• Keep campus access roads open and remain clear of the command post and responders.
• If instructed to evacuate, calmly exit the building immediately and follow instructions from administrators. 
• Seek and assist any disabled persons in evacuating the building. Evacu-Trac chairs are located on the second floor of each building, generally next to the elevators.
• Exit via stairway. Do Not Use the Elevators.
• Once outside, move to an open area at least 150 feet away from the affected building(s).
• Follow building evacuation plan to an evacuation point.
• Keep roadways and walkways clear for emergency vehicles.
• Wait at your evacuation point for further instruction.
• Do Not Re-Enter the building until instructed to do so.
• Remain at the evacuation point until receiving further instructions from a GCCCD official, law enforcement officer or firefighter.

The majority of bomb threats are crank calls where a bomb has not been planted. The caller achieves satisfaction by observing a building being evacuated because of their telephone call.

If you receive a bomb over the PHONE:

• Remain calm and Do Not Hang Up, even if the caller does. If the caller does hang up, set the phone down and then on another phone call 9-1-1.  
• If possible, signal or pass a note to other staff members to listen and help notify authorities by calling 9-1-1.  Be sure to notify your supervisor as well. 
• If the phone has a display, copy the number and/or letters on the window display. 
• Record the call, if possible. 
• Write down the exact wording of the threat. 
• Keep the caller on the line as long as possible and gather as much information as possible.   
• Try to obtain and document the following information: 
  • Where is the device? Identify the location of the device with as much precision as possible. 
  • What type of explosive device? 
  • What the device looks like? 
  • What will make it detonate? 
  • Why was it placed? 
  • Exactly how is the threat to be carried out? 
  • Estimate the sex, race, and age of caller 
  • What kinds of background noises? 
  • How would you characterize the caller’s voice? Is there an accent? 
• Listen for background noises.
• Listen closely to the voice for accents, speech impediments or age indications. 

If you receive a VERBAL threat:

• If the perpetrator leaves, note which direction they went. 
• Call 9-1-1.  
• Write down the threat exactly as it was communicated. 
• Note the description of the person who made the threat: 
  • Name (if known). 
  • Gender. 
  • Body size (height/weight). 
  • Distinguishing features. 
  • Race. 
  • Type/color of clothing. 
  • Hair and eye color. 
  • Voice (loud, deep, accent, etc.). 
    

• Handle the document as little as possible. 
• Call 9-1-1.
• Rewrite the threat exactly as is on another sheet of paper and note the following: 
  • Date/time/location document was found. 
  • Any situations or conditions surrounding the discovery/delivery. 
  • Full names of any personnel who saw the threat. 
  • Secure the original threat: Do Not alter the item in any way. 
  • If small/removable, place in a bag or envelope. 
  • If large/stationary, secure the location. 
    

 If you receive an EMAILED threat:

• Leave the message open on the computer. 
• Call 9-1-1.
• Print, photograph, or copy the message and subject line; note the date and time. 
  

• Do Not touch, tamper, move, jar, or make large noises in the area surrounding the package. 
• Refrain from any radio transmissions or use of cell phones within 300’ of the package. 
• Move yourself and others beyond 300’ and notify law enforcement by calling 9-1-1.  Direct someone in the vicinity to call Parking Services 619-644-7654 (ext. 7654). 
• Immediately begin evacuating the area.

 TIPS:

If the building is evacuated;

• Evacuate the building immediately and follow instructions from administrators. 
• Seek and assist any disabled persons in evacuating the building. Evacu-Trac chairs are located on the second floor of each building, generally next to the elevators.
• Exit via stairway. Do Not Use the Elevators.
• Once outside, move to an open area at least 150 feet away from the affected building(s).
• Follow building evacuation plan to an evacuation point.
• Keep roadways and walkways clear for emergency vehicles.
• Wait at your evacuation point for further instruction.
• Do Not Re-Enter the building until instructed to do so.

Download and print the Bomb Threat Checklist.

Civil disturbances can occur on or near campus. They may be in the form of riots, gang activities, strikes, demonstrations or other activities. Proactive measures to deal with potential civil disturbances will be considered and implemented as often as possible. If a significant threat to personal safety exists, partial or full site evacuations/closings will be implemented by the site administrator.

Civil disturbances in progress will be carefully evaluated to ensure the safety of all persons on campus. Evacuations may or may not be implemented depending on the exact situation. Evacuations will not be conducted if people need to cross a disturbance area to evacuate.

Review Emergency Preparedness and Management Plan Policies and Procedures:

BP 3505           |           AP 3505

If you are asked to shelter-in-place: 

• Select or move to an interior room, with few or no windows, and the door can be locked if possible.
• If possible, choose a room with a hard-wired telephone as cell phone towers may be overwhelmed or damaged in an emergency.
• Lock all available doors and turn off fans, heating & air conditioning if possible.
• Await further instructions from authorities.
• Depending on the situation and campus protocol, along with information from lead agencies, an emergency notification may or may not be sent.

If you are ordered to evacuate: 

• Evacuate the building immediately and follow instructions from administrators.  
  • Seek and assist any disabled persons in evacuating the building. Evacu-Trac chairs are located on the second floor of each building, generally next to the elevators.
• Exit via stairway. Do Not Use the Elevators.
• Once outside, move to an open area at least 150 feet away from the affected building(s). 
  • Follow building evacuation plan to an evacuation point. 
  • Keep roadways and walkways clear for emergency vehicles.
• Wait at your evacuation point for further instruction.
• Do Not Re-Enter the building until instructed to do so.

Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time, and advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake.

 PREPARE:

• Prepare an emergency kit with at least a 72-hours supply of food and water, along with other supplies including a flashlight, portable battery-operated radio, batteries, medicines, first aid kit, money, and clothing.
• Plan to be safe by creating a disaster plan and deciding how you will communicate in an emergency.
• Organize disaster supplies in convenient locations.
• Know the safe spots in each room – under sturdy tables, desks, or against interior walls.
• Know at least two exit routes from your neighborhood, or any building you are in, in case of emergency.
• Know the danger spots – near windows, mirrors, hanging objects, fireplaces and tall, unsecured furniture.
• Decide how and where your family will reunite if separated during an earthquake.
• Learn first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
• Secure your space by identifying and fixing hazards, indoors as well as any weaknesses in the building, and securing moveable items.
• Minimize financial hardship by organizing important documents, strengthening your property, and considering insurance.

During heavy shaking:

1. Drop: Drop wherever you are on to your hands and knees. If you’re using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops.

2. Cover: Cover your head and neck with your arms. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter. If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows). Crawl only if you can reach better cover without going through an area with more debris. Stay on your knees or bent over to protect vital organs.

3. Hold On: If you are under a table or desk, hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it if it moves. If you can’t find a table or desk, cover your head and neck with both arms and hands. If seated and unable to drop to the floor, bend forward, cover your head with your arms, and hold on to your neck with both hands.

Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside.

After the shaking has stopped:

• Expect aftershocks to follow the main shock of an earthquake.
• Check yourself to see if you are hurt and help others if you have training. 

If you are in a damaged building:

• Evacuate the building immediately and follow instructions from administrators. 
• Seek and assist any disabled persons in evacuating the building. Evacu-Trac chairs are located on the second floor of each building, generally next to the elevators.
• Exit via stairway. Do Not Use the Elevators.
• Once outside, move to an open area at least 150 feet away from the affected building(s).
• Follow building evacuation plan to an evacuation point.
• Keep roadways and walkways clear for emergency vehicles.
• Wait at your evacuation point for further instruction.
• Do Not Re-Enter the building until instructed to do so.

If you are or become trapped:

• Protect your mouth, nose, and eyes from dust.
• Send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead of shouting to help rescuers locate you.
• Text messages may be more reliable than phone calls. Save phone calls for emergencies.
• Once you are safe, listen to local news reports for emergency information and instructions via battery operated radio, TV, social media, or from cell phone text alerts. 

 TIPS:

• If you are in a vehicle, pull over and stop. Set your parking brake.
• If you are in bed, turn face down and cover your head and neck with a pillow.
• If you are outdoors, stay outdoors away from buildings.
• Do Not get in a doorway.
• Do Not run outside.

Be careful during post-disaster cleanup of buildings and around debris. Do not attempt to remove heavy debris by yourself. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves, and sturdy, thick-soled shoes during cleanup.

Learn more on how to better prepare and stay safe before, during and after an earthquake.  Ready.gov/earthquakes.

Earthquake Early Warning App - Even seconds of warning can be invaluable giving people enough time to Drop, Cover, and Hold On ahead of an earthquake - ultimately decreasing injury through this early warning notification.  Consider downloading it to your mobile phone today.

In the event you are instructed to evacuate, do so immediately in a calm and orderly fashion. View evacuation maps below so you know where to safely evacuate to and await further instructions.

View Cuyamaca Evacuation Route Map

View Grossmont Evacuation Route Map

For a variety of reasons, it may be necessary to relocate part or all of the campus community to an on- or off-campus location. This plan is designed to reduce the possibility of death or injury through an organized evacuation procedure.

In some emergency situations, you may be told to shelter in place or evacuate if necessary. Faculty, staff and students will be notified in several ways.  Potential communication methods include:

Text Message | Voicemail | Email | Campus Phones | Websites | Emergency Information Hotline | Public Address System (mega phone) | Social Media | Fire Alarms

In the event of an evacuation:

• Evacuate the building immediately and follow instructions from administrators. 
• Seek and assist any disabled persons in evacuating the building. Evacu-Trac chairs are located on the second floor of each building, generally next to the elevators.
• Exit via stairway. Do Not Use the Elevators.
• Once outside, move to an open area at least 150 feet away from the affected building(s).
• Follow building evacuation plan to an evacuation point.
• Keep roadways and walkways clear for emergency vehicles.
• Wait at your evacuation point for further instruction.
• Do Not Re-Enter the building until instructed to do so.

 TIPS:

In the event of an evacuation:

Evacu-Trac chairs are designed to assist people in a wheel

chair evacuate from their location. While training ahead of time, on the use of an Evacu-Trac chair is helpful, it isn’t required to be able to use it.  It’s designed so that a small attendant can easily move a much larger passenger down the stairs. 

The Evacu-Trac is easily set up and ready for a passenger to transfer from their wheelchair to the comfortable sling seat.  It has durable rubber tracks which firmly grip the stairs and the safety brake can stop the unit on the stairs if necessary.

When you smell or see smoke or fire:

• Pull the fire alarm and call 9-1-1 (DO NOT HANG UP), if not already done.
  • Alert people in the area to begin immediately evacuating the building, following your building marshal’s instructions. Stay upwind from the fire.
• Evacuate the building immediately and follow instructions from administrators. 
• Seek and assist any disabled persons in evacuating the building. Evacu-Trac chairs are located on the second floor of each building, generally next to the elevators.
• Exit via stairway. Do Not Use the Elevators.
• Once outside, move to an open area at least 150 feet away from the affected building(s).
• Follow building evacuation plan to an evacuation point.
• Keep roadways and walkways clear for emergency vehicles.
  • Wait at your evacuation point for further instruction.
• Do Not Re-Enter the building until instructed to do so.
• Call Parking Services 619-644-7654 or ext. 7654 (give your location). 

If you see smoke or flames call 9-1-1 (DO NOT HANG UP).

• The building must be checked to determine that it is safe before students and staff are allowed to reenter.
• Only designated and trained employees from the following categories can give the "all clear" signal before the building is reopened for use:
• Sheriff's Department or local law enforcement.
• Campus & Parking Services.
• Building Marshals.
• Maintenance and Operations Personnel.
• Wait at your evacuation point for further instruction.
• Do Not Re-Enter the building until instructed to do so.

 TIPS:

• Know location of fire extinguishers in your area and how to use them.
• For a small fire which can be safely extinguished (e.g., in a waste-basket), use an extinguisher to put out the fire. 
• If unsuccessful, activate fire alarm, evacuate the building and immediately notify Parking Services at ext. 7654.
• During an evacuation, walk, don't run. Keep noise to a minimum. Close, but do not lock doors helping to contain fire and smoke.
• Do Not Use the Elevators.
• Once outside, move to an open area at least 150 feet away from the affected building(s).
• Do Not Re-Enter the building until instructed to do so.
• If you suspect fire in the building, test doors before opening. Use the back of your hand to feel the door or doorknob before opening.
• If you hear a fire alarm, call 9-1-1 (DO NOT HANG UP) to report the alarm, evacuate, and do not re-enter the building until told it is safe.
• Be prepared. Know the location of two exits closest to your area, evacuation routes out of the building and evacuation points. Know location of the nearest fire alarm and how to use it. Keep corridors free of flammable materials to prevent rapid fire spread.
• Never prop open hallway doors, or lock fire exit doors.
• Report damaged or vandalized fire safety equipment to Public Safety immediately.
• If you become aware of someone starting a fire or causing a false alarm, notify Public Safety immediately.

All district employees who work with or around hazardous materials must familiarize themselves with the following:

• Fire alarm location and operation.
• Emergency exits and evacuation plan.
• Fire extinguisher location and operation.
• Spill and containment response measures for specific hazards in their area.
• Available spill response equipment.
• Specific and immediate first aid measures for hazards in their area.

Immediate action in the event of a spill:

• If an immediate fire hazard exists or medical assistance is required,
  call 9-1-1 (DO NOT HANG UP).  
• Evacuate the building immediately and follow instructions from administrators.  
• Seek and assist any disabled persons in evacuating the building. Evacu-Trac chairs are located on the second floor of each building, generally next to the elevators. 
• Exit via stairway. Do Not Use the Elevators. 
• Once outside, move to an open area at least 150 feet away from the affected building(s). 
  • Follow building evacuation plan to an evacuation point. 
  • Keep roadways and walkways clear for emergency vehicles. 
• Wait at your evacuation point for further instruction. 
• Do Not Re-Enter the building until instructed to do so.

For spills not involving immediate danger to life or property:

• Confine the spill. 
• Evacuate the immediate area and limit access. 
• Notify your supervisor.  

Medical Emergencies

Most employees have not been on campus for the past two years. Below is a refresher for procedures regarding on campus medical emergencies.

Step 1: Can the person walk and communicate? If yes, you may walk them to health services for evaluation. Never place a person who has lost their motor functions in a golf cart. If someone is unconscious, implied consent gives you the right to call 911 on their behalf. Next: If they cannot walk or communicate.

Step 2: Call 911 for the patient immediately.

Step 3: Stay on the phone with 911 and do not hang up. 911 operators are equipped to walk you through a medical emergency and give you updates on first responder’s status.

Step 4: If the person is refusing treatment, remind them that as an employee or student, their ambulance ride and treatment are covered. Many students are worried about the cost. Students can refuse EMT services after the medics have arrived. It is District policy to call 911 in all medical emergencies.

Step 5: Employees: A supervisor will fill out the incident form.
Students: Assistance is available from Health Services or Public Safety.

Mental Health Emergencies

Call 911 - Our Sheriff’s team can deploy a PERT  (Psychiatric Emergency Response Team) member to assist. Threats of suicide, self-harm or harm to others should be taken seriously and PERT clinicians are trained to handle these situations delicately.

Employee Company Nurse Hotline for Injury Triage
1-(877) 806-9965
Search Code: GCCCD

Extended power outages may impact the whole community and the economy. A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly and may disrupt communications, water, and transportation.

If a power outage occurs:

• Call 9-1-1 (Do Not Hang Up) and follow directions for evacuation.
• If evacuation of the building is necessary, exit the building immediately and follow instructions from administrators. 
• Seek and assist any disabled persons in evacuating the building. Evacu-Trac chairs are located on the second floor of each building, generally next to the elevators.
• Get your keys and any absolute necessities (e.g. medications, ID, wallet). Unplug all computers and equipment possible.
• Lock the door behind you and use a flashlight or your cell phone light to leave. Do Not light candles.
• Laboratory personnel should secure experiments or activities that may present a danger with the electrical power off or when it is restored unexpectedly. If a hazard exists, notify the lab instructor and call 9-1-1 (Do Not Hang Up).
• Exit via stairway. Do Not Use the Elevators.
• Once outside, move to an open area at least 150 feet away from the affected building(s).
• Follow building evacuation plan to an evacuation point.
• Keep roadways and walkways clear for emergency vehicles.
• Wait at your evacuation point for further instruction.
• Do Not Re-Enter the building until instructed to do so.

If people are trapped in an elevator:

• Tell the passengers to stay calm and that you will get help.
• Call 9-1-1 (DO NOT HANG UP). Give your location (building, floor).
• Try to keep the trapped passengers calm. Talk to them until help arrives.

TIPS:

When mechanical ventilation is interrupted, vapors or chemicals may reach hazardous concentration levels. To avoid this, use natural ventilation and clean up or put away chemicals and close containers. If this is not possible, respirators may be required.

A suspicious item is anything, which is out of place and cannot be accounted for or any item suspected of being an explosive device. If you receive a written threat or a suspicious parcel, or if you find a suspicious object anywhere on the premises keep anyone from handling it or going near it.

If you see a suspicious object/package:

• DO NOT TOUCH OR HANDLE THE OBJECT.
• DO NOT TURN ROOM LIGHTS ON OR OFF. 
• Begin moving people away from the area around the device.
• Immediately call 9-1-1 (DO NOT HANG UP).

TIPS:

If the building is evacuated:

• Evacuate the building immediately and follow instructions from administrators. 
• Seek and assist any disabled persons in evacuating the building. Evacu-Trac chairs are located on the second floor of each building, generally next to the elevators.
• Exit via stairway. DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS.
• Once outside, move to an open area at least 150 feet away from the affected building(s).
• Follow building evacuation plan to an evacuation point.
• Keep roadways and walkways clear for emergency vehicles.
• Wait at your evacuation point for further instruction.
• Do Not Re-Enter the building until instructed to do so.

Prepare for Wildfires - Ready.gov

Make an Emergency Plan  

Stay Safe During

Returning Home After a Wildfire

Additional Resources

Social Media & Graphics

• Wildfire Safety Social Media Toolkit
• Wildfire Outreach Materials (USFA)

More Info

• Wildfire Information Sheet
• Smokey Bear
• Protective Actions Research for Wildfire