Emergency Preparedness

PLNU uses a system called Rave Alert to send SMS messages and emails to students, employees, and others during campus emergencies.

Students, Staff, and Faculty

All PLNU students and employees are automatically enrolled but may opt-out of receiving emergency alerts. Students and employees should visit Workday to verify or update existing contact information.

Community Enrollment

Parents of students, campus neighbors, and members of the community who wish to enroll in the emergency alert system, can sign up at https://getrave.com/login/PLNUcommunity. A valid email address and mobile phone number are required.

Other Alert Methods

During an emergency, alerts may also be broadcast to university computers, digital signs, indoor and outdoor public address speakers, alert beacons, and PLNU social media sites. Follow PLNU on Twitter: @plnu.

Emergency Operations Plan and Evacuation Maps

Members of the PLNU community may view the University’s Emergency Operations Plan online (sign-in required).

To view the designated evacuation area for your building or campus, refer to the maps below:

PLNU holds two university-wide emergency drills each year: a campus lockdown drill during the fall semester and a building evacuation drill during the spring semester. Information about emergency drills will be shared with the campus community by email prior to each drill.

What to Do in Event of a:

Medical Emergency

In the event of an on-campus medical emergency, call 911. If 911 has already been contacted, call Public Safety at (619) 849-2525 and alert them so they may coordinate and assist with the arrival of emergency vehicles.

When on the phone with a Public Safety or 911, tell the dispatcher:

  • The nature of the emergency
  • The exact location of the victim(s)
  • If the victim is unconscious, in respiratory or cardiac arrest, or is bleeding uncontrollably
  • Your name and phone number in case you are disconnected

Fire

If a fire alarm or smoke detector is activated, call Public Safety with the location. The site will then be assessed and emergency services notified as needed.

If you discover fire or smoke:

  • Evacuate as quickly as possible.
  • Pull the nearest fire alarm to alert others.
  • Call 911 and then Public Safety at (619) 849-2525.
  • Attempt to extinguish the fire if there is an appropriate fire extinguisher available and you know how to use it.

Earthquake

Before an earthquake:

  • Familiarize yourself with emergency plans and procedures. Take time to identify evacuation routes, and potential hazards to avoid.
  • Make sure objects of any kind are not stored in aisles or buildings exit paths.
  • Do not store heavy objects on high shelves.

During an earthquake:

  • Stay calm and reassure others.
  • Duck, cover, and hold.
  • If indoors, get 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 or interior doorway. Shield your head and face from falling debris. Do not go outside!
  • If outside, stay away from buildings, trees, power lines, poles and all other overhead obstructions. Do not attempt to go inside!
  • In a vehicle, pull over to the side of the road and stop in a safe place in an open area. Avoid overpasses and power lines and stay inside vehicle. If you continue driving, watch for hazards such as damaged roadways, fallen objects, and downed power lines.
  • If you are trapped in debris: Move as little as possible so that you don’t kick up dust. Cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are. Shout only as a last resort.

After an earthquake:

  • Be prepared for aftershocks.
  • Move cautiously, and wear enclosed, sturdy shoes to avoid injury from broken glass or other debris.
  • Check for injuries. Administer first aid if necessary. Do not move seriously injured individuals unless absolutely necessary.
  • Check for fires, and if safe to do so, extinguish small fires. Do not turn on light switches or appliances and do not light a match. If you smell gas, report it to your building coordinator.
  • Check for facility damage. Report all problems to your building coordinator or to university emergency response personnel.
  • Evacuate the building if it is badly damaged, if there are gas leaks or fires, or if directed to do so. During evacuation, close all doors, and turn off all electrical equipment. Bring your personal emergency kit with you and use the stairway. Do not use the elevator. Assist all individuals with disabilities.
  • 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 someone in authority.
  • 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.
  • Make note of any individuals who are missing. Provide all requested information to your building coordinator, Public Safety, and other emergency response personnel.

Active Shooter

An active shooter or violent intruder is a person actively attempting to injure or kill as many victims as possible within a short period of time. These situations leave little or no time for planning and normally require law enforcement to take immediate action. In each situation it is critical to quickly evaluate your options and react. Although not all inclusive, the following are steps to consider. Thinking of your response now will greatly increase your likelihood of survival.


RUN. Put as much distance as possible between you and the shooter:

  • Have an escape route in mind.
  • Evacuate whether or not others agree to follow.
  • Leave personal belongings behind.
  • Keep your hands visible and empty.
  • Follow instructions of law enforcement.
  • Monitor your cell phone for emergency text messages.

HIDE. If you are in a classroom or office and you feel it is not safe to run, then stay there, lock the door. If the door does not lock, use heavy furniture to barricade the door. Then evaluate the following:

  • Silence any sources of noise (cell phones, radios, televisions).
  • Consider alternate exits such as windows.
  • Hide behind large solid objects.

FIGHT. As a last resort, and only if your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt or incapacitate the intruder(s) by:

  • Acting as aggressively as possible against him/her.
  • Throwing items and improvising weapons (textbooks, chairs, desks, laptops, lamps).
  • Yell, scream, make loud noises.
  • Do not give up and do not be a victim.

Power Failure

In the event of a power failure:

  • Call Public Safety at (619) 849-2525 to inform them of the power failure.
  • Avoid using elevators.
  • If you are instructed to evacuate, do so quickly and assemble in the building’s designated evacuation area.

Suspicious Package

If a suspicious package is found:

  • Do NOT attempt to touch or move the item.
  • Call Public Safety at (619) 849-2525. Be prepared to provide an exact location and description of the item.
  • Immediately leave the area and advise others to do the same.

Bomb Threat

Bomb threats received through telephone, email, or other means should be immediately reported to Public Safety at (619) 849-2525.