Student Handbook

Emergency Procedures

In an any on-campus emergency situation, Campus Public Safety should be notified. If there is a clear need for immediate outside police, fire, or medical assistance, students should call '911'. If '911' must be contacted, Campus Public Safety should be called directly afterward to inform them that emergency personnel have been called and are en-route.

Earthquake

Though the likelihood of a large earthquake occurring in the Forest Grove area is not high, the possibility does exist, and it is therefore important to know and understand the safety measures that should be taken.

If you are indoors:

  1. Take cover under a heavy piece of furniture or against an inside wall, and hold on.
  2. Avoid areas where shattered glass may be present (near windows, mirrors, pictures etc) or where heavy objects may fall on you.
  3. Stay inside.

If you are outdoors:

  1. Move into the open - away from buildings, street lights, and utility wires.
  2. Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.

Expect aftershocks. Although aftershocks can be smaller than the initial quake, they can cause additional damage and bring down weakened structures. Aftershocks can occur in the first hours, days, weeks or even months after the initial quake.

Fire

Be sure you know the location of fire extinguishers, exits and pull stations. If a building fire alarm sounds (or if told to do so by Campus Public Safety or other emergency personnel) evacuate the building immediately. Do not bet your life on the alarm being a false one.

If you discover a fire and/or smoke:

  1. Isolate the fire by closing all doors on your way out; do not lock the doors.
  2. Do not attempt to fight a fire alone; only attempt extinguishing a fire if it is minor one that can quickly and easily be put out with a portable fire extinguisher.
  3. Report the fire and/or smoke by activating the nearest fire alarm.
  4. Evacuate to a safe place area away from the building.
  5. Do not take elevators when evacuating - use the stairs.
  6. Do not stop for personal belongings or records.
  7. Do not stand in smoke (The greatest danger during a fire!); instead, drop to your knees and crawl to the nearest exit; cover your mouth with a cloth, if possible, to avoid inhaling smoke.
  8. Assist disabled persons.

If you become trapped:

  1. If a window is available, open it and place an article of clothing (shirt, coat, etc.) outside the window as a marker for emergency personnel.
  2. Stay near the floor where there is the least smoke.
  3. Cover your mouth with clothing to avoid inhaling smoke.
  4. Do not open a door if smoke is pouring in around the bottom or if it feels hot.
  5. Shout to alert emergency personnel of your location.