Emergency Response Overview

For more information, refer to the CampusShield mobile app or visit www.contracosta.edu/safety.

Evacuation

Before

1. Identify at least two evacuation routes from each building or space where you spend time.
2. Practice evacuating using both routes.
3. Identify a location where you can secure or shelter-in-place.
4. If you anticipate needing special evacuation assistance, contact the Office of Disability Support Services at (510) 215-3969.
5. Plan with department members who will take a head count after evacuation to ensure everyone is safely out.

During

1. Determine the quickest and safest route out.
2. Leave the building immediately when signaled by a fire alarm, Emergency Communication system (text, email, classroom notification, digital display), or instructions from emergency personnel.
3. Do not take any non-critical items while evacuating.
4. Walk as calmly as possible.
5. Use only stairs and fire escapes — avoid elevators.
6. Evacuate to a safe area or designated evacuation point.
7. Alert emergency personnel if anyone is trapped inside or needs additional assistance.

Evacuation for persons with disabilities

If you are not able to evacuate, call Police Services at (510) 215-4858 and provide your location. Emergency personnel will respond.

After

1. Stay where you are until cleared to re-enter the building by emergency personnel.
2. If conditions remain unstable, you may need to leave campus on foot to avoid gridlock.

Shelter-in-Place & Lockdown

In rare instances, immediate evacuation may not be the safest option — for example, during a security incident or a hazardous materials release into the environment.

Lockdown

1. If outside, move to a safe area. It may be prudent to leave campus on foot.
2. If inside, move away from danger and locate an interior room to lock the door.
3. If the door cannot be locked, barricade it.
4. Turn off lights, close blinds and windows, and silence phones to minimise light and noise.
5. Move away from doors and windows.
6. Stay secured in place until given “all clear” by emergency communication or emergency personnel.

Shelter-in-Place (e.g., hazardous material in the environment)

1. Close windows and doors.
2. Seal gaps under doorways and around windows with wet towels, duct tape, and plastic sheeting or other impervious materials.
3. Turn off local ventilation systems if possible. Do not turn off fume hoods or hazardous-material ventilation systems unless instructed to do so.
4. Do not eat or drink anything that may have been contaminated.
5. Stay sheltered-in-place until given an “all clear” by the emergency communication system or emergency personnel.

Seek Shelter (if you are outside)

1. Find the nearest unlocked building and enter it.
2. Find an interior room without exterior doors or windows and close the interior doors.
3. Stay sheltered until advised by emergency personnel.
4. Alert emergency personnel if anyone needs additional assistance or is trapped outside.

Earthquake

Contra Costa County is in a region of high earthquake activity. Be prepared for both major and minor earthquakes. Cascading emergencies such as falling debris or fire may also follow an earthquake.

Before

1. Conduct a “nonstructural” assessment of your workspace.
2. Identify your evacuation route and check whether furniture or debris could block your path.
3. Move large or heavy items to lower shelves to prevent falling injuries.
4. Secure heavy furniture to the wall (contact your facility manager for assistance).
5. Identify safe places to drop, cover, and hold in rooms where you regularly spend time.

During — if you are inside

1. Drop, cover, and hold. Take cover under sturdy furniture. Cover your head and neck with your hands. Hold on and be prepared to move with the furniture.
2. If you cannot get under furniture, drop into the fetal position, put your head down, and cross your arms over your neck and head. Stay in this position until shaking stops.
3. Stay away from windows and unsecured objects.
4. Stay inside until shaking stops, then evacuate the building.
5. Expect fire alarms and sprinkler systems to activate.

During — if you are outside

1. Move to an open area away from trees, buildings, walls, and utility poles. Avoid entering buildings.
2. If in a moving vehicle, pull to the side of the road quickly while avoiding overhead hazards.

After

1. Evacuate using only stairs and fire escapes. Gather at your department assembly area and perform a head count.
2. Take keys, wallets, and emergency supplies — you may not be allowed to re-enter the building.
3. Stay alert for trapped or injured persons; assist if possible but do not move injured persons.
4. Monitor emergency communication systems and follow first-responder instructions.
5. Do not enter any building until declared safe by emergency authorities.
6. Notify first responders of injured or trapped individuals.

Fire

Before

1. Identify primary and secondary exits and practice using all exits.
2. Know the location of the nearest fire alarm pull station on your evacuation route.
3. Know the location of fire extinguisher(s).

During — Remember R.A.C.E.

• R — Rescue anyone in danger, if safe to do so.
• A — Activate the pull station and call 911 with your specific location and identity.
• C — Contain the fire by closing doors and windows on your way out.
• E — Extinguish small controllable fires only if you are safe, have been trained, and are comfortable doing so.

Evacuate using only fire escapes and stairs. Move to a safe distance and out of the path of emergency responders. If there is a designated assembly location, gather there and perform a head count.

Using a fire extinguisher — Remember P.A.S.S.

• PPull — safety pin from handle.
• AAim — at the base of the fire.
• SSqueeze — the trigger handle.
• SSweep — from side to side at the base of the fire.

After

1. Inform emergency personnel of any trapped or injured individuals.
2. Report to police any suspicious circumstances surrounding the fire.
3. Enter the building only after it is declared safe by emergency personnel.

Medical Emergencies

Before

1. Identify the location of the nearest AED, Bleed Control Kit, and first-aid kit in your work area.
2. Learn CPR, AED use, and first-aid skills.

During

1. Ensure you and the victim are not at further risk. Do not rush into a situation where you could become a victim.
2. Call for help: Police Services (510) 215-4858, 911, or use an emergency notification device.
3. Provide care according to your training and personal comfort.
4. Check for responsiveness — trouble breathing? Pulse?
5. Check for a medical alert bracelet or tag.
6. Reassure the person that help is on the way. Keep them calm, comfortable, and warm.

Take precautions: Always use appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, mask) when dealing with bodily fluids.

Unconscious Adult

1. Call Police Services, 911, or use an emergency notification device.
2. Attempt to wake the individual.
3. Check for breathing.
4. If there are no signs of breathing, begin chest compressions or CPR. Send a bystander to retrieve an AED. Follow instructions from the 911 operator.
5. If the individual is breathing, maintain an open airway and monitor for changes.
6. Check for bleeding or trauma.
7. Stay with the individual until emergency personnel arrive.

Uncontrolled External Bleeding

1. Call Police Services, 911, or use an emergency notification device.
2. Have the person lie down. If bleeding is in an arm or leg, raise the injured area above heart level.
3. Locate a “Stop the Bleed” kit (inside the nearby AED box) and follow instructions.
4. Use universal precautions to prevent cross-contamination of blood-borne pathogens.
5. Cover the wound with a sterile dressing and apply direct, firm, steady pressure until bleeding stops.
6. Do not remove the bandage to check bleeding. If it soaks through, apply a second bandage on top.
7. Stay with the person until emergency personnel arrive.

Stroke — Think FAST

Burns

1. Call Police Services, 911, or use an emergency notification device.
2. Remove the source of the burn.
3. Cool the burn with cool running water until pain is relieved.
4. Cover loosely with a sterile dressing.
5. Seek immediate medical attention if burns involve the eyes, hands, feet, face, groin, or buttocks, or if pain persists after flushing.

Seizures (Convulsing)

1. Call Police Services, 911, or use an emergency notification device.
2. Move objects that may injure the person.
3. If possible, gently roll the person onto their side and provide support.
4. Do not restrain the person or place anything in their mouth.
5. Stay with the person until emergency personnel arrive.

Allergic Reaction

1. Call Police Services, 911, or use an emergency notification device.
2. Calm and reassure the person.
3. For a bee sting, scrape the stinger off with something firm (fingernail, credit card). Do not use tweezers.
4. If the person has emergency allergy medication, help them take or inject it. Avoid oral medication if they are having difficulty breathing.
5. Take steps to prevent shock: have the person lie flat, raise feet about 30 cm (12 inches), and cover them with a blanket.

After

Body fluid exposure

Report all exposure to bodily fluids to Police Services (510) 215-4858 and Human Resources (510) 215-3845 immediately.

Work-related injury

Report all work-related injuries to your supervisor, Police Services (510) 215-4858, and the Company Nurse Hotline at (888) 375-9779.

Hazardous Material Release

Before

1. Use safety data sheets to become familiar with hazards of the materials you work with, including health risks, personal protection equipment, and cleanup procedures.
2. Contact your Dean or Maintenance and Operations (510) 215-4853 with any material-safety questions or concerns.
3. Know the location of eyewash stations and fresh water in your area.

During — Hazardous Materials Release

1. Call Police Services (510) 215-4858 or 911 and call Maintenance and Operations.
2. Secure the area.
3. Quickly and safely leave the contaminated area.
4. Avoid inhaling gases, vapors, or smoke.
5. Do not walk through or touch contaminated surfaces.
6. Notify room occupants and surrounding areas of the release.
7. If safe to do so, cordon off the contaminated area.
8. Obtain and review the safety data sheet, paying particular attention to Section 6: Accidental Release Measures.

First aid

1. Assist others only if it is safe to do so.
2. Wear personal protective equipment appropriate for the hazard.
3. Avoid touching contaminated skin or clothing.
4. Remove contaminated clothing and contain it in a plastic bag.
5. Rinse contaminated skin or eyes in a safety shower or eyewash for at least 15 minutes.

Non-hazardous materials release

1. Instruct bystanders to stay out of the spill area.
2. Put on appropriate personal protective equipment.
3. If trained to do so, contain and clean up the spill.
4. Dispose of waste material appropriately.
5. Call Maintenance and Operations (510) 215-4853 for cleanup assistance.

After

Review safety protocols to identify gaps and necessary training to prevent or mitigate future incidents.

Power Outage

Before

1. Ensure you have access to flashlights and batteries in your work areas.
2. Know evacuation routes and practice using them.

During

1. Remain calm and take steps to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.
2. Monitor cell phones and emergency communication systems for updates and follow instructions.
3. If in doubt about the safety of an area, or in poor ambient light, evacuate immediately.
4. Do not use elevators.
5. Do not use candles or open flames as a light source. Your mobile phone screen can substitute.

After

1. For a minor localized outage, contact Maintenance (510) 215-4853 or Police Services (510) 215-4858.
2. If evacuated, do not return to a building until advised by emergency personnel.

Severe Weather

Before

1. Monitor the National Weather Service or local news media for developing weather risks.
2. Sign up for local emergency communication systems to receive text-message updates.
3. Routinely monitor notification systems.

During — High Winds

1. Remain inside, away from windows and doors when possible.
2. Avoid areas with tall trees to guard against falling limbs.
3. Stay clear of sagging or downed power lines.

During — Heavy Rain and Flooding

1. Avoid walking, biking, driving, or traveling through moving water.
2. If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
3. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions. Flash floods can occur with or without typical warnings such as rain clouds or heavy rain.

After

1. Notify Police Services (510) 215-4858) for hazards that pose an immediate threat.
2. Notify Maintenance (510) 215-4853 of any damage or hazards Monday–Friday, 7:30 am–4:30 pm, or submit an online work request.

Active Shooter

How to respond when an active shooter is in your vicinity

Quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life. Others are likely to follow the lead of employees and managers.

When law enforcement arrives

• Remain calm and follow officers’ instructions.
• Immediately raise hands and spread fingers. Keep hands visible at all times.
• Avoid making quick movements toward officers.
• Avoid pointing, screaming, or yelling.
• Do not stop to ask officers for help — proceed in the direction from which officers are entering.

Information to provide to law enforcement or 911

• Location of victims and the active shooter
• Number of shooters, if more than one
• Physical description of shooter(s)
• Number and type of weapons held by the shooter(s)
• Number of potential victims at the location

Recognising signs of potential workplace violence

An active shooter may be a current or former employee. Alert Human Resources if you believe an employee exhibits potentially violent behaviour. Indicators may include:

• Increased use of alcohol and/or illegal drugs
• Unexplained increase in absenteeism or vague physical complaints
• Depression or withdrawal
• Increased severe mood swings or noticeably unstable responses
• Increasingly talks of problems at home
• Increase in unsolicited comments about violence, firearms, or dangerous weapons

Threatening, Violent, or Disruptive Behavior

Before

1. Be registered to receive emergency information via text message.
2. Be familiar with College notification systems and have Police Services numbers easily accessible in your mobile device.
3. Identify primary and alternate evacuation routes and practise using them.

During

1. Stay calm, listen attentively, maintain eye contact. Be courteous, patient, and respectful.
2. Avoid being argumentative or confrontational.
3. If safe, alert a co-worker that you may need assistance.
4. If appropriate, call Police Services (510) 215-4858) or 911.
5. If you witness a co-worker in a threatening situation: stand in a visible location at a safe distance, call to both parties to ask if they are okay, and intervene with a neutral pretense if safe.
6. If danger is imminent, call Police Services or 911 immediately.
7. If the threat is not immediate, document the situation and notify the appropriate office: students — your dean or Police Services; staff — your supervisor or Human Resources.
8. Most importantly, tell someone.

Bomb Threat

A bomb threat is any communication that threatens or warns of an intention to detonate explosive, incendiary, or hazardous-material devices. If you receive a threat via phone, email, mail, or voicemail, follow the protocol below.

Before

1. Ensure staff who regularly receive phone calls are familiar with the bomb threat checklist below.
2. Remember: all threats are to be taken seriously until proven otherwise.

During

1. Remain calm. Keep the caller on the phone for as long as possible. Do not hang up even if the caller does.
2. Assume the threat is real and take the caller seriously.
3. Listen carefully. Be polite and show interest. Keep the caller talking.
4. Ask questions using the checklist below. Write down all information. Try to recall exact words.
5. If the phone has a display, copy the number shown.
6. Alert a co-worker to call Police Services (510) 215-4858, or call yourself once the caller hangs up. Avoid using the phone that received the threat so law enforcement can trace the call.

FBI Bomb Threat Call Checklist

Questions to ask the caller

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. Did you place the bomb?
7. Why?
8. What is your address?
9. What is your name?

Record: sex of caller, approximate age, race, length of call, and any exact wording of the threat.

After

1. Notify Police Services (510) 215-4858.
2. If the threat was received by letter or note, avoid handling it to protect possible evidence.

Suspicious Package, Envelope, or Object

Before — Signs of a suspicious item

• Rigid, bulky, or lopsided package
• Misspelled or poorly written names, titles, addresses, or labels
• Strange appearance — excessive tape, string, strange odours, leaks, stains, protruding wires, discolouration, crystallisation, or powdery substances
• No postage, uncancelled postage, or excessive postage
• Handwritten or restrictive notes such as “To be opened in the privacy of,” “Confidential,” or “Prize enclosed”
• Hand-delivered or “dropped off for a friend” packages or letters
• No return address or a nonsensical return address
• Mailed from a foreign country
• Letters or packages arriving before or after suspicious calls

During

1. If you have any doubt, do not take any chances.
2. Call Police Services (510) 215-4858 and notify your supervisor.
3. Leave the package or envelope where it is discovered. Do not move or touch it.
4. If a package was delivered at home, do not bring it to campus — call 911.
5. Leave the area and keep others away from the package.
6. Refrain from using radio or cell phone near the item.

After

1. Instruct those who had contact with the item to wash their hands with soap and water.
2. Make a list of everyone who had contact with the object, including their contact information.

Explosion

Before

1. Secure heavy, large objects to avoid flying debris.
2. Identify areas that would be safe in case of an explosion.
3. Ensure chemicals and other potentially dangerous substances are properly secured.

During

1. Immediately take cover under sturdy furniture, covering your neck and head with your hands and closing your eyes.
2. Once it is reasonably safe, follow safe evacuation procedures.
3. Call 911 and Police Services (510) 215-4858.

After

1. Evacuate the building using only fire escapes and stairs.
2. Move to a safe distance away from the building or any other potential hazard.
3. Do not enter any building until it has been declared safe by emergency responders.

Psychological Crisis and Suicide Concerns

Before

Participate in mental health training and workshops. Review the Employee BAIT handbook on the CCC website. Be familiar with campus resources:

• Office of Wellness Counselling: [email protected]
• Police Services: (510) 215-4858
• Human Resources Employee Assistance
• Employee and student health services: (800) 227-1060
• Crisis help line: Call or text 2-1-1 — online help at www.crisis-center.org (24/7)

During — Warning signs of suicide or distress

• Talking about killing oneself, ending everything, or being unusually preoccupied with death
• Giving away personal possessions or “tying up loose ends”
• Expressing hopelessness or worthlessness
• Sudden changes in behaviour, personality, or self-image
• Talking about getting access to means of suicide

If you intervene

Express your concerns, share what you are noticing, and offer to listen. Encourage the person to seek professional help and offer to assist. If you believe someone is considering suicide, ask them directly whether they are thinking about killing themselves.

Who to call

1. If someone is at imminent risk of injuring or killing themselves, call 911 and Police Services (510) 215-4858 immediately. Do not try to physically stop them.
2. If the risk is not immediate, encourage the student to call the Wellness Center at (510) 215-3960 or a family practitioner.
3. If the person in crisis is a faculty or staff member, refer them to the Employee Assistance Program, HR (510) 215-3845, or their supervisor.
4. Anyone can be encouraged to call the crisis center at 2-1-1 / (800) 833-2900.

After

1. If the person is a student, notify the Office of Student Services or Police Services (510) 215-4858.
2. If the person is an employee, notify HR or your supervisor.
3. After assisting someone in crisis, take time to help yourself — relax and talk with friends or family about what you experienced.

Behavioral Assessment & Intervention (BAIT)

The BAIT Team supports faculty, staff, and administrators in linking students of concern to campus and community resources. When in doubt, err on the side of making that call.

Individual Emergency Planning

Planning for a wide range of emergencies gives you the tools to act quickly when seconds matter most. Consider performing drills and exercises regularly and sharing preparedness information with co-workers and family.

Individualized evacuation plan — key questions

• How will the need to evacuate be communicated to department staff?
• Where should staff go after evacuating the building?
• Has each employee identified at least two evacuation routes from their work location?
• How will you account for all staff following evacuation?
• Do you have plans for persons with permanent or temporary mobility impairment when elevators cannot be used?
• How often will your department or office review the building evacuation plan?

Lockdown or shelter-in-place plan

• Discuss and test feasible ways to secure-in-place (lock doors, move furniture in front of doors, move to an inner office) and shelter-in-place (cover windows, seal doors, close air vents).
• Document your office emergency kit contents, location, and who maintains it. Recommended items: flashlights, extra batteries, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, whistle, plastic sheeting and duct tape, first-aid kit, small supply of water and non-perishable snacks.

Individual preparation checklist

• Know your department emergency plan. Keep a current copy of your department’s emergency phone tree at work and at home.
• Be familiar with emergency exit routes from your workspace and building.
• Know your outdoor assembly location if you need to evacuate.
• Review this guide regularly and keep it nearby for reference.
• Locate the emergency systems (fire alarm, emergency phones, AED, fire extinguisher) closest to your work area.
• Keep a basic personal emergency kit at your workspace (flashlight, battery-powered radio, change of clothes, snacks, first aid, important contact information).
• Attend or request a preparedness workshop from Police Services (510) 215-4858).
• Take online training at www.SafeColleges.com.
• Develop a family emergency plan — resources at www.Ready.gov.