Making Phone Calls in an Emergency
Should you need to call police in an emergency, call 9-1-1 from any “landline” campus phone. At Foothill, this includes office phones, classroom phones and pay phones. If you’re using your cell phone, we suggest that you call the Foothill Police Dispatch Center directly at (408) 924-8000. Unfortunately, calling 9-1-1 from your cell phone can result in reaching the CHP Dispatch Center in Vallejo. Program your cell phone now with the direct number—(408) 924-8000 (write this number on the board). It’s also a good idea to program your cell phone with the phone number of your local police department.
On-Campus Police Department
Foothill College has an on-campus police department that is staffed with regular, sworn police officers who have been trained in police procedures and emergency response. The Foothill College Police Department is located on the ground floor of the Campus Center in Room 2103.
Emergency Notification System
The Foothill-De Anza Community College District (FHDA) has an emergency alert system that will ring in-classroom phones with emergency alerts in the event of a significant event—from a natural disaster to a violent incident on campus.
Red Cross Safe & Well Web Site
Be aware that the Red Cross sponsors the Safe & Well Web site, which allows you to register after a disaster or emergency so that your loved ones will know that you are okay. The link for this Web site is https://disastersafe.redcross.org.
Know Your Surroundings On Campus
Walk around campus and familiarize yourself with the layout, exits and evacuation assembly areas. Taking time to do this now could save your life.
Review the Orange Sign Located in Your Classrooms
Each classroom has a posted orange sign indicating what to do in an emergency. Take a moment to review this document in each of your classes so that you know the correct evacuation locations.
Fire Alarm
When the fire alarm sounds or you are instructed to evacuate, remain calm, exit the building promptly, and proceed to the designated evacuation area. Help anyone who needs assistance.
Shelter in Place or Lockdown Instructions
If you are instructed to “shelter in place” or “lockdown” stay where you are—do not exit or leave your location. If you are in a classroom when the shelter in place/lockdown order is given, close all drapes and blinds, lock all doors and turn off the lights. Do not open the door until told to do so by uniformed police or a Foothill College official.
If you are outside when the shelter in place/lockdown order is given, get indoors, hide yourself and remain quiet. Do not exit your location until told to do so by uniformed police or a Foothill College official.
During & After an Earthquake
If there is a large earthquake, take cover until the shaking stops. Then calmly exit the building and move away from buildings, trees, light poles, etc., and calmly walk to the designated evacuation area.
Power Outage
During a power outage, remain calm. During the day, classes may continue. A college official will notify your instructor if daytime classes will continue. If the power outage occurs in the evening, college police and officials will determine if it is safe to conduct classes. We suggest that you carry a working flashlight in your briefcase, purse, backpack and/or car.
Report Strange or Unusual Behavior
If you observe strange or unusual behavior, call the Foothill Police Department immediately at (408) 924-8000 using the in-classroom phone or your cell phone. Please think before you do something risky. For example: You see a professional-looking man asking for help putting in a kid’s car seat. He asks for your help. The result could be robbery or kidnapping.
Personal Safety
Especially at night, walk to your cars in groups. Before leaving your evening class, have your keys out and your belongings stored in your backpack or briefcase, leaving your hands free. While walking, be aware of your surroundings; don’t have your iPod on or be talking on your cell phone.
If you must walk alone or in dark areas, use the on-campus safety escort service, which is operated by the Foothill Police Department, by calling (650) 949-7317. You may also consider carrying mace or pepper spray.
Always lock your bike and car. Keep your belongings with you. Don’t leave items unattended in classrooms, restrooms, lounge areas or elsewhere.
Develop Your Family Plan Now
You'll feel more secure in an emergency if you know that your family has already created an emergency preparedness plan. If you haven’t already done so, answer these questions with your family at your earliest convenience:
- Have you talked to everyone in your family so they know escape routes out of your home?
- Do you have a central meeting place outside of your home where your family will meet?
- Have you designated one central person—preferably living out of state—who all your family knows to call when there is a disaster?
- Do you have emergency supplies at home and in your car?
- Does someone know what time to expect you home?
