Power outages on, or near campus can be caused by a variety of circumstances, including severe weather events. Emergency lighting is provided in most university buildings for a limited period of time after a power outage that will allow for safe evacuation. Because emergency lighting is only available for a brief time, areas with no natural lighting will need to evacuate immediately during an outage.
Reporting an Outage
Report all on, or near campus power outages to Campus Safety Services at 408-554-4444. You may also use the Guardian App to chat with Campus Safety, sharing videos or photos if applicable.
Emergency Generators
The main campus has emergency generators for most buildings that allow for life safety protection systems to continue functioning uninterrupted.
Before
- Ensure your contact information in SCU Bronco Alert is up-to-date.
- Sign up for Santa Clara County's "Alert SCC", or Alameda County's "AC Alert").
- Monitor local weather reports from Emergency Planning's main page.
"Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity. Plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs when the power goes out, such as a portable charger or power bank. Have flashlights for every household member. Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.
Have enough nonperishable food and water. Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Use coolers with ice if necessary. Use a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so that you can know the temperature when the power is restored."
-Ready.gov
During
- Assess the extent of the outage in your area.
- Report the outage to Campus Safety Services.
- Assist anyone in dark, or dimly lit works areas to safety.
- If near an elevator, try to determine if anyone is trapped inside. If so, immediately call CSS
- Shutdown any equipment or process that could be hazardous if power suddenly returns.
- Unplug electronics during the outage, especially if there is no surge protector connected.
After
- Discard any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for 2 hours or more.
- If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated.