Emergency Information

Emergencies can come without warning at any time. Being prepared physically and psychologically to handle unexpected accidents or disasters is an individual as well as an organizational responsibility. Your safety is of primary importance to UCSB.

Call the Campus Emergency Information (Toll Free) number at 888-488-UCSB to get the latest status of the campus during a major emergency. The UCSB Emergency page has been created to help you be more prepared in the event of future emergencies.

Breaking news updates will be available on the main UCSB website as soon as possible.

If we are asked to evacuate the building, where do we go?
Each campus work and living area has posted "Building Specific Emergency Information." This information is available to all members of the campus community who use those areas. Please familiarize yourself with this data as well as the actions to take in the UCSB Emergency Information Flip Chart. In addition, it's important to use this knowledge in combination with the guidance of emergency workers.

For immediate life or health-threatening emergencies dial 9-1-1 from campus phones.
For medical assistance that is not life threatening (injuries not threatening to life or limb), please visit UCSB Student Health.

Earthquake

Should an earthquake occur, be prepared with the following knowledge. (Learn more at UCSB Emergency Response Procedures.)

OUTSIDE

    • Get to an open area away from trees, buildings, and power lines.

VEHICLE

    • Pull to the side of the road away from underpasses, bridges, and buildings.
    • Remain in the vehicle until the shaking stops. Do not leave the vehicle if a power line has fallen on or near it.

INSIDE

    • Stay away from windows and get under a desk or a table.
    • Duck, cover, and hold.
    • In a hallway, sit against the wall and protect your head with your arms.
    • In an auditorium, duck between the rows of seats and protect your head.
    • Wait inside until the shaking stops, then evacuate the building and go to your building emergency assembly point.
    • Do not use elevators for evacuation.
    • Designated personnel should assist individuals with mobility disabilities to a safe location, e.g., an enclosed stairwell landing with a ground level exit to the exterior or, if obstructed, an office space with a door.
    • Report to your Department Safety Representatives (DSR). The DSR will complete a department status report and transmit it to the campus Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
    • Do not re-enter the building until authorized to do so by emergency response personnel.

Tsunami
Should a tsunami occur, be prepared with the following knowledge. (Learn more at UCSB Emergency Response Procedures.)

If you feel a strong earthquake, keep calm and quickly move to higher ground away from the coast. Most of the UCSB campus should not be affected by tsunamis, except for the beach and lagoon areas. A strong earthquake can generate a tsunami within minutes. However, most tsunamis are formed by earthquakes that have occurred hundreds or even thousands of miles away. These earthquakes are not felt locally and thus provide no advanced warning to residents. “Tsunami waves” can travel through the water at speeds of up to 500 mph, and are sometimes preceded by a noticeable rise or fall of coastal waters.

Note: Do not use Highway 217 to evacuate during a tsunami warning due to its low elevation.