Safety & Security

---

On-Campus Emergencies: Dial extension 5111 

Off-Campus Emergencies: Dial 911

For all emergencies such as FIRE, AMBULANCE, or SHERIFF, dial the Dept. of Campus Safety, x5111.   In the event of an emergency, please call the Department of Campus Safety at x5111. 

Residents should also contact their Resident Advisor immediately.  Do not contact outside emergency assistance directly because they are unfamiliar with our campus and must be directed by the Department of Campus Safety.  The following is a list of other emergency procedures.  

General Information
Biola recognizes that parents and students may have concerns about safety given the events of September 11, 2001 and the possible threat of terrorist activities within our borders. In light of these concerns, Biola Campus Safety has taken steps to address these concerns in cooperation with local law enforcement. Biola University 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 Biola University 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 University maintains a mutual aid agreement with the City of La Mirada. Biola Campus Safety and Residence Life staff maintains a supply of stores necessary in the event of a disaster. Campus Safety also can provide educational materials addressing various kinds of emergency. Biola community members are encouraged to consult the Biola Campus Safety Handbook or website for information regarding disaster response.  

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

Biola Campus Safety is developing a specific Disaster Website to keep parents and students informed in the event of an emergency. Information is also available on Biola's recorded Disaster Update Hotline. That number is (562) 903-4724.

Are You Prepared?
This handbook is intended to help staff, faculty and students respond to emergency situations which may occur on the Biola 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.  

Biola University 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 handbook will serve as a 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 Campus Safety:
5111.....................if you are on campus              911.......................if you are off campus
State: "THIS IS AN EMERGENCY."
Give the dispatcher:

 

• your location
• the nature of the emergency
• phone number from which you are calling
• your name

Do not hang up until you are sure no further information is required, unless there is an immediate threat to your safety. After notifying emergency personnel, notify building staff. Watch for the arrival of emergency personnel and assist in directing them to the appropriate location.  

Emergency Contacts:
5111 (all emergencies)
(Also, if any off-campus incident involves university property, please call Campus Safety.)

General Security/Safety Problems
Campus Safety Administrative Office          903-4877 Campus Safety Field Office           903-4812

Student Health
Health Center      903-4841

Office for Disabilities
Student Affairs    903-4874
Human Resources            903-4757

Title IX Coordinators for Discrimination
Student Affairs    903-4874
Human Resources            903-4757

Facilities Problems
Facilities Services            903-4898
Facilities Planning           903-4790

Alcohol/Drug Problems
Student Affairs    903-4874
Human Resources            903-4757

Crisis Intervention
Biola Counseling Center   903-4800
Residence Life    903-4874  

Medical Emergency
Report all on-campus medical emergencies immediately to Campus Safety (5111). 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 Student Health Center).
• Keep a first-aid kit and instruction book nearby for reference.  

Crime in Progress
Call Campus Safety (5111). 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 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, note 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 x5111
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. Did you place the bomb? Why?
7. What is your name?  

Sex of caller _______________________________________ Age __________
Speech pattern/ accent ___________________________________________
Background noises ________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
Number at which call was received__________________________________
Date and Time ___________________________________________________  

Chemical Spill

• Any chemical spill should be reported to Campus Safety (dial x5111) and to the Industrial Safety Office at 903-6000, ext. 5207. 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 Industrial Safety Office and to Facilities Services (903-6000 Ext. 5207, 903-4897).
• Be prepared to evacuate the building. Following evacuation, stay up wind of the spill, evacuation of the campus may be necessary. Be prepared to cooperate with traffic-control officials. For further information, see the Campus Safety Emergency Filp File located visibly on the walls in several departments on campus.
• 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.  

Fire
ALL ALARMS SHOULD BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY. If you hear a fire alarm, evacuate. IF YOU DISCOVER A FIRE:

• ACTIVATE FIRE ALARM.
• Call Campus Safety (5111 or 903-6000) report type and location of fire.  

Fire Extinguisher Instructions
P          PULL safety pin from handle.
A          AIM at base of the fires.
S          SQUEEZE the trigger handle.
S          SWEEP from side to side.  

• In the event of a fire, alert others and GET OUT. Moce everyone away from are of fire; close (but do not lock) all doors as you move in order to slow down spread of fire.
• Walk, do not run. Keep noise to a minimum. Walk carefully to avoid tripping.
• Do not use elevator.
• On stairways, use handrails and keep to right.Check all doors for heat (top and bottom) with back of hand. If hot, do not open.
• Assist people with disabilities (refer to section on persons with disabilities).
• If you are caught in smoke, drop to hands and knees and crawl; breathe shallowly through nose and use blouse, shirt or jacket as filter.
• Assist those leaving the building to move to safe areas away from falling debris.
• If you have relocated away from the building, do not return until you are notified that it is safe to do so.
• If your clothing catches fire, DO NOT RUN. STOP. . . DROP. . . ROLL.  

If Trapped By Fire In Room

• Place (moist, if possible) cloth material around/under door to prevent smoke from entering.
• RETREAT-close as many doors as possible between you and fire. Be prepared to signal from windows, but do not break glass unless absolutely necessary. (Outside smoke may be drawn in.)

Prepare In Advance

• Thoroughly familiarize yourself now with all possible routes you could take to exit your building during a fire. Practice walking through alternate exit routes. Remember, during a fire, smoke may obscure normally visible exit signs.
• Avoid creating fire hazards. Do not store things in corridors, overload electrical circuits, put up flammable decorations or prop open doors. Report any problems with smoke detectors, fire alarms, or fire hazards to Campus Safety.  

Utility Failure
Gas Leak

• When there is a possible gas leak within any building on campus, it should be reported immediately to Campus Safety (5111 or 903-6000). Personnel specifically trained in gas shut-off procedures will respond immediately. Do not light matches or turn on lights, and evacuate the building.
• Facilities Services personnel will recommend response procedures once they have confirmed the leak. Building occupants should evacuate if recommended by Facilities Services or Campus Safety. Windows should be opened to allow ventilation.  

Elevator Failure

• If you are in an elevator that has stopped functioning, use the elevator phone or alarm button to call for help, and facilities personnel will respond.
• If the elevator has stopped functioning in an earthquake, the phone may not work. Emergency plans have been developed for such an event, and Campus Safety personnel will respond.
• If the elevator has stopped functioning in an earthquake, the phone may not work. Emergency plans have been developed for such an event, and facilities personnel will be automatically dispatched to check on all elevators.
• Never attempt to pry open the doors or overhead hatch of a stopped elevator. Such actions by unskilled personnel may result in injury. Specially trained elevator mechanics will take care of the problem.  

Plumbing Failure/Flooding

• Alert Campus Safety and then call Facilities Services Work Order Office, ext. 4898.
• Report power failures immediately to the Facilities Services Work Order Office.
• Avoid any contact with electrical equipment or lines.
• During outdoor flooding, use caution when driving on flooded streets.  

Earthquake Response
During The Shaking

1. Remain calm. Do not rush outside. Many earthquake injuries occur due to falling debris just outside doorways near outside walls.
2. Duck, cover and hold. If indoors, take cover 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. Shield your head and face from falling debris.
3. If outdoors, move away from buildings, utility wires, trees and all other overhead obstructions.
4. If driving, pull over to the side of the road and stop. Avoid overpasses and power lines. Stay inside your car. If you continue driving, watch for hazards such as damaged roadways, fallen objects and downed power lines.
5. Laboratory occupants should seek shelter in hallways to escape possible toxic vapors.  

After The Shaking Stops

1. Be prepared for aftershocks. Move cautiously. Wear enclosed 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. Do not use elevators. Do not use telephones except in a lifesaving emergency.
3. Note any facility damage. If safe to do so, extinguish small fires. If you smell gas, turn off any gas appliances, and do not light a match or turn on lights. Report all problems to university emergency response personnel.
4. Evacuate if the building is badly damaged, if there are gas leaks or fires or if directed to do so (see below, Evacuation Plans and Assembly Points. During evacuation, close all doors, and turn off all electrical equipment. Bring your personal emergency kit with you, and use the stairway. Assist all individuals with disabilities (refer to section on persons with disabilities).
5. 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 a competent judge of building safety. 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.
6. Make note of any individuals who are missing. Provide all requested information to security and other response personnel. Turn on your radio for emergency information.
7. Assist those individuals who experience anxiety in the aftermath of the earthquake. You will be helpful to them if you are sympathetic, yet positive. It may be calming for such individuals to be involved in helping others.  

Earthquake Preparedness
Scientists project that a major earthquake will occur in Southern California's near future. Living with earthquakes requires preparation. Take simple steps now to minimize the potential for injury.

1. BE FAMILIAR WITH APPROPRIATE EMERGENCY PLANS AND PROCEDURES. Familiarize yourself and others with the response steps listed above. Take a few moments now to identify evacuation routes and potential hazards to avoid. Identify the phone number of a contact person outside Southern California to act as a communication link with your family.
2. PUT TOGETHER A PERSONAL EMERGENCY KIT, INCLUDING: Food and water, plastic eating utensils, basic first-aid supplies, flashlight, whistle, radio, spare batteries, change of clothes, enclosed shoes, gloves, spare eyeglasses, prescription medicine, plastic garbage bags, a blanket and personal hygiene items. Maintain a reserve of cash in case bank services are disrupted. Keep a mini-survival kit in your car and adequate fuel in your car in case gas stations are damaged.
3. MAINTAIN AN EARTHQUAKE-SAFE ENVIRONMENT.
   1. Move heavy objects down from high shelves.
   2. Restrain tall bookcases and cabinets firmly to wall studs.
   3. Anchor desk-top computers down with anchor pads or velcro.
   4. Cover glass windows with protective film.
   5. Relocate office desks away from windows.  

Persons With Disabilities
Students, faculty and staff with disabilities have special needs and problems in the event of an emergency. Preparation is the key. Assign someone now to provide assistance for such individuals in the event of an earthquake, fire or bomb threat. Urge individuals with disabilities to maintain an extra supply of medications and spare equipment or supplies needed to cope with their disability.  

Experience in past emergencies has shown that chances of survival for disabled individuals are usually quite good due to the fact that they have often learned to cope with obstacles on a daily basis. The campus community can help by assuring that disabled individuals receive emergency warnings and are not forgotten during the response effort. During evacuations, those with disabilities must not use elevators, but must be assisted to evacuate using stairways.  

Wheelchair Users
Frequently, wheelchair users have respiratory complications. Remove them from smoke or fumes immediately. Wheelchairs should not be used in stairwells, if at all possible. Consult wheelchair users in advance as to their preference with regard to ways of being removed from the wheelchair, the number of people necessary for assistance, whether to extend or move extremities when lifting, whether a cushion or pad should be brought along, how they are carried on a flight of stairs, and after-care if removed from the wheelchair.

Individuals using crutches, canes or walkers should be treated as if they were injured for evacuation purposes. They can be carried using a two-person lock-arm position or sitting in a sturdy chair, preferably with arms.  

Visually Impaired Persons
In the event of an emergency, tell a visually-impaired person the nature of the emergency and offer to guide him/her. As you walk, tell them where you are and advise of any obstacles. When you have reached safety, orient them to where they are and ask if any further assistance is needed. Remain with them as long as you are needed.  

Hearing Impaired Persons
Persons with impaired hearing may not be aware of emergency alarms and an alternative warning technique may be required. It may be necessary to get the individual's attention by writing a note or turning the light switch on and off, then indicating through gestures or in writing what is happening and what to do.      

Evacuation Plans and Assembly Points    

	ALPHA CHI   Residents of Alpha West should exit the building and evacuate to the wider portion of the roadway in Lot L.  Residents of Alpha East should exit the building and evacuate to the middle of Lot K.
	EMERSON HALL   Residents should exit the building and evacuate to the area by the Cafeteria that is by the front of Crowell Hall.
	HART HALL   Residents should exit the building and evacuate to the area in the more southern portion of Lot G.
	HOPE HALL   Residents should exit the building and evacuate to center of the baseball outfield. The alternate site is behind the baseball field, located in the upper portion of Lot I. This site will be used in the event that the field is occupied during a drill. Occupants located on the NORTH side of the building should relocate via Chase Court and go behind the Baseball backstop.  Occupants located on the SOUTH side of the building should relocate via Lot G and the roadway behind the Baseball field.
	HORTON HALL   Residents should exit the building and evacuate to the middle of Lot O.
	LI APARTMENTS   The residents of Li Apartments should exit the building and evacuate to the area just north of the bridge on the horse trail.
	LIDO APARTMENTS   Residents should exit the building and evacuate to the area on Bora Rd, north of Lido Mirada Apartments.
	ROSECRANS APARTMENTS   Residents should exit the apartment buildings and evacuate east to Trinity Reformed Baptist Church.  This is on the corner of Estero Road, and evacuees should relocate to the lawn area and remain out of the street.
	SIGMA CHI   Residents should exit the building and evacuate to the area in the middle of Lot J.
	STEWART HALL   Residents should exit the building and evacuate to the area in the back portion of Lot G.
	THOMPSON HALL   The residents of Thompson Hall should exit the building and evacuate to the area where parking lot M has been extended.
	TROPICANA RESIDENTS   Residents should exit the building and evacuate to the area by the corner of El Espejo and Rosecrans Ave.
	WELCH   The residents of Welch Apartments should exit the building and evacuate North to the cart service road that runs parallel to La Mirada Blvd.