2525 (on campus)
619.849.2525 (cell or off campus phone)

Emergency phones are located in parking garages and will contact Public Safety at the press of a button.

In Case of Medical Emergency:

PLNU Public Safety personnel will coordinate with emergency personnel and assist as needed. All Community Service Officers and Public Safety Staff Officers are trained in First-Aid, CPR and AED and can render first response until emergency services arrive. Do not attempt to move an injured person until Public Safety personnel arrive.

If possible, please describe:

• nature of injury
• name of injured party
• age of injured party
• if the injured party is conscious or breathing

If 911 has already been contacted, please contact Public Safety at ext. 2525 so they may coordinate and assist with their arrival to the emergency scene.

If emergency services should arrive on campus without Public Safety's knowledge, valuable time may be lost.

For medical centers in the area, see the PLNU Wellness Center web site or visit a hospital in the area.

Crime in Progress:

Contact Public Safety immediately with location and information. Do NOT attempt to engage the perpetrator as he or she may be armed and dangerous.

Suspicious Person:

Please contact Public Safety and note the location and description of the person. A Public Safety Officer will make contact and take action as necessary.

If the suspicious person is in your presence:

Call ext. 2525 and ask to speak with "Professor Tracy." This is a code name that will alert Public Safety that a suspicious person is in your presence and that you require immediate assistance.


In Case of Fire:

Fire Alarm: If a fire alarm is going off, please conact Public Safety with the location. The site will then be assessed and emergency services notified as needed.


If you discover fire or smoke:

R.A.C.E. to Safety

RESCUE- Get out of the room where the fire is located as quickly as possible, and make sure others are out. Do not use elevators.
ALERT- Pull the nearest fire alarm to alert occupants, or use the nearest phone and dial 2525.
CONFINE- Close the door to the room where the fire is located. Do not attempt to retrieve valuables.
EXTINGUISH- If the fire is very small and you know how to use an extinguisher, you may want to fight the fire yourself, but you should also call for help first. Make sure you are using the proper extinguisher. Otherwise, leave the fire to trained fire fighters.

Fire extinguisher information | top of page |

When used correctly, fire extinguishers can keep small fires from becoming major ones, provide an escape route through a small fire, and help fight a small fire until the fire department arrives. There are three major classes of fire:

1. Ordinary combustibles (paper, cloth, wood, many plastics). Use an extinguisher with the green A symbol on the label.
2. Flammable liquids (oils, gasoline, grease, paint, solvents). Use an extinguisher with the red B symbol on the label.
3. Electrical equipment (wiring, motors, power tools, appliances). Use an extinguisher with the blue C symbol on the label.

To be safe and effective, you must use the right kind of extinguisher for each type of fire. A multi-purpose A-B-C extinguisher will put out most types of fires. However, a dry chemical or CO2 extinguisher should not be used on computers or other electronic equipment. In those chases use only Halon fire extinguishers.
Also, a water extinguisher with the symbol A on the label should not be used on electrical fires or flammable liquids. That will only create a more dangerous situation.
Fire extinguishers are located throughout campus in many strategic locations. Learn to identify the extinguishers and find out where they are located in your area. If you have any questions about the operation of extinguishers, contact Campus Safety at extension. 4877.

How to operate a fire extinguisher | top of page |

Learn how to operate an extinguisher now, before there's a fire. Read the label and periodically review instructions and operations.

Learn how to P.A.S.S.
· PULL- the pin or ring, or release the lock latch.
· AIM- The extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire.
· SQUEEZE- or press the handle.
· SWEEP- from side to side slowly at the base of the fire until it goes out.

General fire safety precautions | top of page |

1. The safety of individuals is most important. If you suspect someone is trapped inside a building, notify fire fighters on the scene. Do not re-enter a burning building.
2. If you are trapped in a fire, keep very low as you attempt to leave the building. If a door is hot, do not open it, but find another exit or window. Place wet towels or clothing in the cracks around the door. Jumping from a window is an extreme measure and is only to be considered when you are in immediate danger.
3. If the door is not hot, open it carefully and exit the building with caution. Use a wet towel or blanket to protect yourself from flames and smoke. If there is smoke, stay close to the floor.
4. Many fires are of electrical origin. Check for frayed cords, broken plugs and avoid using too many appliances on one circuit.
5. Know your emergency exits and the location of fire extinguishers. Don't block doors or use stairways for storage.
6. If requested, assist emergency crews as necessary.

Shelter in Place Procedure

In the event of a confirmed campus emergency or threat, a building may be locked down and secured for the safety of faculty, students and staff. Please check your cell phones or with designated building coordinators for instructions.

Earthquake | top of page |

Earthquake Response-During the shaking | top of page |

1. Stay calm and reassure others. Do not rush outside. Many earthquake injuries occur due to falling debris just outside doorways or near outside walls.
2. Duck, cover, and hold. If indoors, get under a desk or table and hold on. Stay away from windows, tall objects and overhead lights. If no cover is available, duck and hold near an interior wall or interior doorway. Shield your head and face from falling debris. Do not go outside!
3. If outside, stay away from buildings, trees, power lines, poles and all other overhead obstructions. Do not attempt to go inside!
4. In a vehicle, pull over to the side of the road and stop in a safe place in an open area. Avoid overpasses and power lines and stay inside vehicle. If you continue driving, watch for hazards such as damaged roadways, fallen objects, and downed power lines.

Earthquake response-after the shaking stops | top of page |

1. Be prepared for after shocks. Move cautiously, and wear enclosed, sturdy shoes to avoid injury from broken glass or other debris.
2. Check for injuries. Administer first aid if necessary. Do not move seriously injured individuals unless absolutely necessary.
3. Check for fires, and if safe to do so, extinguish small fires. Do not turn on light switches or appliances and do no light a match. If you smell gas, report it to your building coordinator.
4. Check for facility damage. Report all problems to your building coordinator or to university emergency response personnel.
5. Telephones must be restricted to emergency use only, provided they are working at all. Do not use the telephone except for a lifesaving emergency.
6. Evacuate the building if it is badly damaged, if there are gas leaks or fires, or if directed to do so. During evacuation, close all doors, and turn off all electrical equipment. Bring your personal emergency kit with you and use the stairway. Do not use the elevator. Assist all individuals with disabilities.
7. Move away from the building to an open area free from overhead hazards. Do not return to the building until it has been determined to be safe by someone in authority. Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency equipment and personnel. Use extreme caution in rescue attempts if others are trapped. If possible, wait for trained university personnel to guide rescue efforts.
8. Make note of any individuals who are missing. Provide all requested information to your building coordinator, security, and other emergency response personnel.Turn on radio for emergency information.