Evacuating From Campus Buildings
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 page, listen to KALX 90.7 FM (UC Berkeley's radio station), and watch for UCB WarnMe alerts.
- Call 911 (510-642-3333 via cell) for life threats.
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.
- Learn more about evacuation resources for people with access & functional needs.
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.
Evacuating from Campus
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.
Make a Plan
- All students, faculty, staff, and volunteers should have a personal evacuation plan that they can implement without assistance from UC Berkeley, as campus resources may not be available in certain emergency situations. View more information about making an emergency plan.
- People with Access and Functional Needs (AFN) are encouraged to review additional information for emergency planning and to complete the Access and Functional Needs Questionnaire, which provides information to the Office of Emergency Management about what assistance or needs they may have before, during, or after an evacuation.