Off Campus Safety
Alert SF
Alert SF is a text-based notification system for San Francisco's residents and visitors. AlertSF will send alerts regarding emergencies disrupting vehicular/pedestrian traffic, watches and warnings for tsunamis, flooding, and Citywide post-disaster information to your registered wireless devices and email accounts. Registrants can also sign up to receive English-language automated information feeds and/or alerts targeted to specific areas of the City
To sign up for Alert SF you can text your zip code to 888-777
Twitter: @SF_Emergency
@SF_Emergency is the Department of Emergency Management’s official Twitter account for emergency public information. In general they provide information on what to do (e.g., avoid the area), what geographic area is impacted, and whether the incident is related law enforcement, fire, transit, or traffic.
Follow them at @SF_Emergency
Earthquakes
Earthquakes are pretty common here in San Francisco. In fact, San Francisco is known for its infamous history with earthquakes --- the 1906 Earthquake and 1989 Earthquake. Every day, San Francisco, and surrounding areas experience small (very TINY) earthquakes --- as small as 2.5 magnitudes. It is because San Francisco and surrounding areas lie on several fault lines and the most famous fault line that runs up and down California is the San Andreas Fault Line. Due to its strong history with earthquakes, the people of San Francisco are now thoroughly educated and prepped for earthquakes that may occur!
Let's Prepare!
Earthquakes can occur at any moment and it's important to be prepared. You want to stay alert and aware of what's going on at all times. Below is a short Youtube video explaining how someone can prepare themselves before disaster strikes. Take a look!
Fires
Fires can be prevented very easily if you are careful and aware of your surroundings. Whether you're cooking or lighting a tiny candle, be careful of what's around the flame. In a fire, you're dealing with not only the heat, but the thick smoke that can quickly fill up your lungs and incapacitate you.
Let's prepare!
These videos will show you what to do when a fire strikes and how to escape it. Watch below!
First Aid Checklist
You never know when an emergency will strike! Whether it's an earthquake or something as little as a small cut, you need a first aid kit! It's a necessity in every living space. Below is a checklist of what should be in a first aid kit...Take a look!
First-Aid Basic Care
- Antiseptic wipes (BZK-based wipes preferred; alcohol-based OK)
- Antibacterial ointment (e.g., bacitracin)
- Compound tincture of benzoin (bandage adhesive)
- Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
- Butterfly bandages / adhesive wound-closure strips
- Gauze pads (various sizes)
- Nonstick sterile pads
- Medical adhesive tape (10 yd. roll, min. 1" width)
- Blister treatment
- Ibuprofen / other pain-relief medication
- Insect sting relief treatment
- Antihistamine to treat allergic reactions
- Splinter (fine-point) tweezers
- Safety pins
- First-aid manual or information cards
Wraps, Splints, and Wound Coverings
- Elastic wrap
- Triangular cravat bandage
- Finger splint(s)
- SAM splint(s)
- Rolled gauze
- Rolled, stretch-to-conform bandages
- Hydrogel-based pads
- First-aid cleansing pads with topical anesthetic
- Hemostatic (blood-stopping) gauze
- Liquid bandage
- Oval eye pads
Medications/Treatments
- Hand sanitizer (BKZ- or alcohol-based)
- Aloe vera gel (sun exposure relief)
- Aspirin (primarily for response to a heart attack)
- Antacid tablets
- Throat lozenges
- Lubricating eye drops
- Loperamide tablets (for diarrhea symptoms)
- Poison ivy / poison oak treatment
- Insect sting relief treatment
- Glucose or other sugar to treat hypoglycemia
- Oral rehydration salts
- Antifungal foot powder
- Prescription medications (e.g., antibiotics)
- Injectable epinephrine to treat allergic reactions
Tools and Supplies
- Knife (or multi-tool with knife)
- Paramedic shears (blunt-tip scissors)
- Safety razor blade (or scalpel w/ #15 or #12 blade)
- Cotton-tipped swabs
- Standard oral thermometer
- Low-reading (hypothermia) thermometer
- Irrigation syringe with 18-gauge catheter
- Magnifying glass
- Small mirror
- Medical / surgical gloves (nitrile preferred; avoid latex)
- CPR mask
- Steel sewing needle with heavy-duty thread
- Needle-nose pliers with wire cutter
- Duct tape (small roll)
- Small notepad with waterproof pencil or pen
- Medical waste bag (plus box for sharp items)
- Waterproof container to hold supplies and meds
- Emergency heat-reflecting blanket
- Headlamp (preferred) or flashlight
- Whistle (pealess preferred)
- Personal locator beacon
- Satellite messenger
Personal Care and Other Items
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Insect repellent (plus headnet, if needed)
- Hand sanitizer
- Biodegradable soap
- Water-treatment chemicals
- Collapsible water sink or basin