Bakersfield College

Please click on the following links for information on what to do in case of a specific emergency.

Weapons on Campus

State law and College policy prohibit the possession or use of weapons on College property. It is a felony punishable by up to four years in prison to possess any firearm on College property, whether in a book bag, in the car, or in an office, or classroom. Possessing a concealed weapon or automatic weapons of any kind is illegal, whether on campus or in the community. Campus policies prohibit bringing on campus weapons such as knives with blades longer than 2 1/2 inches, switchblades, dirks, daggers, stun guns, BB-gun, air guns, metal knuckles, nun chaku, etc. Penal Code 626.10

If you see a gun or other weapon on College property, please alert the Department of Public Safety at 661-395-4555 with a description of the location of the weapon and/or the individual carrying it. If you believe that the weapon is being or is about to be used, dial 9-1-1 from a land-line, and from a cell phone, dial either 661-395-4555 Department of Public Safety or 9-1-1.

In the Event of Violent or Criminal Behavior

Everyone is asked to assist in making the campus a safe place by being alert to suspicious situations and by reporting them as outlined below.
Do not take unnecessary chances.
If you are the victim of, or if you witness an on-campus violation of the law, such as assault, robbery, theft, overt sexual behavior, etc.:

  1. Notify the Police at 9-1-1 or the Department of Public Safety at 661-395-4554 and supply them with the following information:
    • Your name
    • Nature of incident
    • Location of incident
    • Description of person(s) involved / description of property involved
  2. If you witness a violation of the law, immediately notify the Department of Public Safety and give them the information outlined above.
  3. Assist Public Safety Officers when they arrive by supplying them with any additional information.
  4. Bakersfield Police Officers/College Public Safety Officers will conduct the required campus search and will evacuate areas as necessary. Follow their instructions.
  5. Everyone is asked to report to their departmental office the existence of anyone loitering or soliciting on campus. These people may be asked to leave if they do not have permission or a proper reason for being on campus. Call Public Safety Dispatch at 661-395-4554 if they refuse to leave when asked.
  6. Report disruptive conduct to the Department of Public Safety at 661-395-4554.

In the Event of a Chemical Spill

  1. Any campus spillage of a dangerous chemical or radioactive material must be reported immediately to the Department of Public Safety at 661-395-4554.
  2. When reporting, be specific about the nature of the materials involved and the location. The Police will contact the necessary authorities and medical personnel.
  3. Vacate the immediate area at once and seal it off to prevent contamination of others. DO NOT lock the doors. Then evacuate the building quickly by walking to the nearest exit, alerting people as you go. Assist the disabled in exiting the building.
  4. Once outside, move to a clear area at least 150 feet away from the affected building. Keep walkways clear for emergency vehicles.
  5. Anyone who may be contaminated by the spill is to avoid contact with others as much as possible, remain in the vicinity, and give their names to Emergency Responders/college staff. Required first aid and cleanup by authorities should be started at once.
  6. To the best of your ability, and without re-entering the building, assist Emergency Responders/college staff in their attempts to determine that everyone has evacuated safely.
  7. DO NOT return to a building until told to do so.
  8. If a campus wide evacuation notice is given, evacuate the campus as per instructions in the Evacuation Procedures guidelines.

In the Event of a Utility Failure

If a major utility failure (such as a power outage) occurs during regular working hours remain calm and keep others calm. Some campus buildings are equipped with an emergency light system that will provide enough light in corridors and stairs for safe exiting. Have some flashlights available.

  1. If there is potential damage to the building, occupants, or if the utility failure occurs after hours, weekends, or holidays, notify the Department of Public Safety at 661-395-4554.
  2. Notify your supervisor/dean and if necessary evacuate the building by walking to the nearest exit, alerting people as you go.
  3. Assist the disabled in exiting the building.
  4. Once outside, move to a clear area away from the affected building. Keep walkways clear for emergency vehicles.
  5. Do not return to a building until instructed to do so by Public Safety Officers or college staff.
  6. If a campus wide evacuation notice is given, evacuate the campus as per instructions in the Evacuation Procedures guideline.

Plumbing Failure/Flooding: Stop using all electrical equipment and vacate the areas. Notify Maintenance at 661-395-4221 or Public Safety Dispatch at 661-395-4554. 9-1-1.
Serious Gas Leak: Stop all operations, immediately vacate the area and call 9-1-1 or the Department of Public Safety at 661-395-4555
Ventilation: If you smell smoke or burning call the Department of Public Safety at 661-395-4555 or 9-1-1.

Flooding & Water Damage

Serious water damage can occur from a number of sources: broken pipes, clogged drains, broken skylights or windows, construction oversights, or inclement weather. If a water leak occurs:

  • Call the Maintenance and Operations department at 661-395-4221 and advise them of the problem.
  • Advise the dispatcher of the location and severity of the leak. Indicate whether any valuables, art collections, or books are involved, or are in imminent danger.
  • If there are electrical appliances or electrical outlets near the leak, use extreme caution. If there is any possible danger, evacuate the area.
  • If you know the source of the water and are confident of your ability to stop it (i.e., unclog the drain, turn off water, etc.), do so cautiously.
  • Be prepared to assist, as directed, in protecting the college/s and personal property that is in jeopardy. Take only those steps that are needed to avoid or reduce immediate water damage: cover large objects with plastic sheeting; carefully move small or light objects out of the emergency area.

Severe Winds

  • Windstorms severe enough to cause damage may occur at infrequent intervals and may be accompanied by torrential rains.
  • At the time of warning of impending severe winds, property and equipment not properly anchored should be moved inside a building or tied down. Close windows.
  • The best protection in severe winds is in permanent buildings. As a result, steps will be taken to ensure the safety of students/personnel within buildings rather than to evacuate.
  • Time permitting, students in temporary structures will be moved to a permanent structure.
  • Immediately after the cessation of severe winds, personnel from Maintenance and Operations and the Department of Public Safety will inspect the campus for damage.

In the Event of an Explosion or Similar Incident

  1. Immediately take cover under tables, desks or other objects that give protection from broken glass or debris.
  2. After the effects of the explosion have subsided, notify the Police at 9-1-1. Give your name, describe the location and nature of the emergency.
  3. Evacuate the immediate area of the explosion by quickly walking to the nearest exit, alerting people as you go. Notify your supervisor/dean. Be aware of structural damage. Stay away from glass doors and windows. Do not touch or move any suspicious object.
  4. Assist others, especially the injured and disabled to evacuate the building.
  5. Once outside, move to a clear area at least 300 feet away from the affected building. Keep the walkways clear for emergency vehicles.
  6. To the best of your ability, and without re-entering the building, assist the Police/college staff in their attempt to determine that everyone has evacuated safely.
  7. Do not return to a building until told to do so.
  8. If a campus wide evacuation notice is given, evacuate the campus as per instructions in the Evacuation Procedures guidelines.

 

 

 

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1801 Panorama Drive · Bakersfield, CA 93305 · 661.395.4011
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