Emergency Number

For all emergencies such as FIRE, AMBULANCE, or WHITTIER POLICE DEPARTMENT, dial the Dept. of Campus Safety x4911.

In the event of an emergency, please call the Department of Campus Safety at x4211. Residents should also contact their Resident Advisor with our campus and must be directed by the Department of Campus Safety. The following is a list of other emergency procedures.

General Information

In light of the safety concerns of the students, Whittier College has adopted a comprehensive Disaster Plan to handle various kinds of disaster, accidents, and crimes. This plan includes coordination with local and state emergency response agencies.

The Whittier College Disaster Plan incorporates an extensive team of professionals trained to deal with potential campus-wide emergencies. In the event of an emergency, this team will be activated to address whatever contingencies may arise. The college maintains a mutual aid agreement with the City of Whittier. Campus safety and Residential Life staff maintains a supply of equipment necessary in the event of a disaster. Campus Safety also can provide educational materials addressing various kinds of emergency. College members are encouraged to consult the Campus Safety Handbook for more information regarding disaster response.

Campus Safety continues to monitor local and national news reports and will respond appropriately should the need arise. Whittier's emergency plans include contingencies for housing and feeding all our our students, if necessary. Whittier maintains full-time medical emergency staff as well as full time doctors and counseling resources. The Whittier Facilities Department has the ability to keep the campus self-sufficient in the event of a power failure, and maintains on-call Facilities Services to respond in an emergency.

Are you prepared?

This page is intended to help staff, faculty and students respond to emergency situations which may occur on the Whittier campus. Such emergencies can occur at any time and without warning, but their effects can be minimized if proper emergency procedures are established and followed.

Whittier College is committed to the safety and security of all members of the campus community. In times of emergency, the University will provide an appropriate campus wide response to assure life safety and minimize losses.

Emergency preparedness is also an individual responsibility. This page will serve as quick reference for efficient action during emergencies, and should be kept in an easily-accessible location at all times. All staff, faculty and students should take the time now to read and become familiar with the contents of this guide before an emergency occurs.

Reporting an Emergency

To report an emergency, call:

x 4911 (if on campus)   911 (if off campus)
State: "THIS IS AN EMERGENCY"
Give the dispatcher
     * your location
     * the nature of the emergency
     * phone number from which you calling
     * your name
Do not hang up until you are sure no further information is required, unless there is immediate threat to your safety.

After notifying emergency personnel, notify building staff. Watch for the emergency personnel and assist in directing them to the appropriate location.

Emergency Contacts:

All extensions are followed by (562) 907

Medical Emergency

Report all on-campus medical emergencies immediately to Campus Safety (x 4911). Report the nature of the medical problem, the location of the victim and your name. The dispatcher will call paramedics, Safety Officers and Health Center personnel where applicable. Safety Officers are trained in CPR and basic first aid.

DO NOT MOVE VICTIM UNLESS AN IMMINENT HAZARD MAKES IT UNAVOIDABLE.

Keep the victim comfortable.

Have someone meet and escort security staff and medical personnel to the victim. Provide all requested information.

University employees should report injuries to their supervisor as soon as possible.

All staff and students should attend a first aid training course (contact Campus Safety).

Keep a first-aid kit and instruction book nearby for reference.

Crime in Progress

Call Campus Safety (x 4911). Give your location, nature of the crime, name and department. Advise them of the situation, and remain where you are (if safe) until contacted by an officer.

Do not attempt to apprehend or interfere with the criminal except in the case of self-protection. If safe to do so, stop and take time to get a good description of the criminal. Note height, weight, age, sex, race, hair and eye color, tattoos or facial hair, clothing, weapons if used, method and direction of travel and name if known. If the criminal is entering a vehicle, not the license plate number, make and model, color and outstanding characteristics.

Crime Prevention Tips:

• Avoid walking alone.

• Do not open residence hall doors to strangers.

• Keep all doors closed and locked, and do not leave valuables unattended.

• Do not leave doors propped open.

• At night. LOOK inside your car before entering.

• Be aware of your surroundings.

• Stay in your car if you feel threatened when strangers are present.

Bomb Threat

IMPORTANT: REPORT ALL BOMB THREATS TO CAMPUS SAFETY: Dial x4911

All bomb threats must be taken seriously. After safety personnel have been notified, evacuation may be necessary. When there has been a threat, if you see a package or unknown object in an unusual place. DON'T TOUCH IT.

If you receive a bomb-threat call, try to obtain the following information

1. When is the bomb going to explode?

2. Where is it right now?

3. What does it look like?

4. What kind of bomb is it?

5. What will cause it to explode?

6. Who placed the bomb? Why?

7. What is the name of the caller?

8. Sex of caller

9. Age of caller

10. Speech patter/accent

11. Background noises

12. Number at which the call was received

13. Date and Time
     

Chemical Spill

Any chemical spill should be reported to Campus Safety (dial x 4911) and to the Environmental Health + Safety Office at x 4844. Do not attempt to clean up a spill until it has been assessed by trained personnel. Offensive odors from ventilation systems should be reported to the Environmental Health. Following evacuation, stay up wind of the spill, evacuation of the campus may be necessary. Be prepared to cooperate with traffic-control official and other government agencies.

All laboratory personnel should be prepared to assist in assessment of spills within their area following a major earthquake. Steps should be taken now to restrain all chemical containers and gas cylinders against the effects of earthquake shaking.