Evacuating From the City of Berkeley
Know your Evacuation Zone
Your evacuation zone can be found at Zonehaven. Emergency responders will post Evacuation Warnings and/or Orders to this site in the event of an emergency that warrants an evacuation.
Evacuating From Campus Buildings
Emergency Assembly Area
The Emergency Assembly Area (EAA) for a campus building is noted on the Emergency Procedures signs posted by exits and stairways. EAAs are open areas located a safe distance from a building that serve as rally points during an evacuation. (EAAs should not be confused with Designated Waiting Areas.)
Designated Waiting Area
A Designated Waiting Area (DWA) is a known waiting spot inside of a building for those who need help evacuating (e.g. for those who cannot use the stairs).
- From a DWA, call 911 (510-642-3333 via cell) for assistance.
- If you cannot reach your DWA, find a room with an exterior window, and call 911.
- If phones are down, signal from a window with a visible object, or use a whistle.
- Click here for more information on evacuation resources for people with access & functional needs.
Know When to Leave
- A fire alarm sounds, or an authorized person (e.g. building manager, police officer, firefighter) directs you to evacuate
- An emergency evacuation alert via UCB WarnMe
- A prolonged utility outage
- Anytime you feel unsafe
How to Evacuate (Stay Calm and Be Safe)
- Take your Go Bag (if available)
- Walk, don't run
- Use stairs (never use elevators)
- Assemble in your Emergency Assembly Area (EAA). During a large-scale evacuation, your building's EAA may not be available, so follow the instructions of first responders
- Do not re-enter until allowed by emergency personnel
- Visit Berkeley News(link is external) page, listen to KALX 90.7 FM(link is external) (UC Berkeley's radio station), and watch for UCB WarnMe alerts
- Call 911 (510-642-3333 via cell) for life threats
Practice Your Evacuation
- Make a Go Bag
- Know your building's exit routes and stairways
- Look for Emergency Procedures signs at the exits and stairways, and locate your Emergency Assembly Area
- Participate in building evacuation drills
- If you have disabilities, visit the Access & Functional Needs page to get prepared for an evacuation