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What to know about emergency preparedness at Stanford

During an emergency, staying informed and knowing how to respond are key to keeping yourself safe. Here is a quick look at what you need to know about emergency preparedness at Stanford.

Emergencies can happen at any time and without warning so it’s important to know where to find key information and updates, and do what you can to prepare ahead of time. During an emergency, staying informed is key to staying safe. Here’s a quick look at what students should know about emergency preparedness at Stanford.

Be prepared: Familiarize yourself with AlertSU, Stanford’s emergency notification system, and make sure your phone number is updated in Axess. Alerts will tell you about everything from power outages to where to cool off if there is a heat advisory. In the event of an emergency, additional information will also be posted to emergency.stanford.edu.

Plan ahead: Create an emergency kit with food, water, flashlights, extra clothing, essential medication, and chargers. Don’t forget your glasses or contacts, if needed. Get to know your resident support staff including RAs and RFs, and familiarize yourself with the exits in your building.

Respond appropriately: Different emergencies call for different responses. It is important to evacuate during fire alarms but shelter in place when it’s safer to remain indoors. During an earthquake, it’s important to move away from windows and “duck, cover, and hold” under a desk, table, chair, or against a corridor wall. Learn more about the appropriate response for different situations at cardinalready.stanford.edu.

Have a passion for public safety? Consider taking an active role in emergency preparedness. Stanford offers courses in first aid, search and rescue, and medical field training (EMED-101). Students who complete this course can receive certification to participate in the university’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

Learn more at cardinalready.stanford.edu.