Current Weather
Emergency Phone Numbers and Basic Procedures
The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District commits itself to providing the
highest level of training and information to students, staff, faculty and visiting
community members. GCCCD encourages everyone to familiarize themselves with how the
District plans for emergencies, and how to improve your understanding of emergency
preparedness and response.
This guide is based on presently available information, as well as current Federal and State recommended protective actions. The procedures may be updated when additional, relevant information becomes available or when Federal and State guidance is modified. In every situation, common sense and awareness of personal safety should take precedence over any action described in these procedures.
- For emergencies call 9-1-1 (DO NOT HANG UP).
- Be prepared to gather keys and personal belongings.
- Evacuate or shelter-in-place, depending on type of emergency.
- If evacuating, assist persons with disabilities. Evacu-Trac chairs located near elevators on 2nd floor.
- Fire/Police/Ambulance: 9-1-1 (DO NOT HANG UP).
- Campus Safety Numbers Campus and Parking Services (CAPS): x7654 from campus phone or (619) 644-7654 (cell)
- GCCCD Emergency Information Number: (800) 550-3922
- Student Health
- Grossmont: x7192 from campus phone or (619) 644-7192 (cell)
- Cuyamaca: x4200 from campus phone or (619) 660-4200 (cell)
- San Diego Sheriff’s Non-Emergency Number: (858) 565-5200
- Poison Control: (800) 222-1222
- Rape and Abuse Crisis Line: (888) 385-4657
- Suicide Prevention Line: (888) 724-7240
- Anonymously report a crime with Crime Stoppers: (888) 580-TIPS (8477)
When contacting authorities, calmly state:
- Your name, extension number, and location of the emergency (building/room).
- Nature of the emergency (fire, chemical spill, medical, etc.).
- Any injuries.
- Any hazards which may affect responding emergency personnel.
- A phone number near the scene where you can be reached.
DO NOT HANG UP; let the 9-1-1 operator end the conversation.
In the event of an emergency, numerous methods will be used to communicate information:
- GCCCD Emergency Notification System – you will receive an emergency message via cell, email, mobile app (See notifications), and/or SMS.
- GCCCD Emergency Information Line (800) 550-3922 – call for general information and instructions for faculty, staff, and students regarding campus operations, business or classes.
- Outdoor public address system will alert those not in a building.
- Digital signage.
- District college websites.
- District college Facebook and Twitter pages.
- News media – information will be sent to the news media; check television, radio and news websites.
Fire alarms are installed in all buildings throughout the district and can be activated in a number of ways depending on the system that’s in place for that specific location whether it’s automatic or a pull station.
Response to a fire alarm
When a fire alarm sounds:
- Gather keys and personal belongings quickly.
- Secure your office or classroom, if able to do so quickly (close windows and doors in order to contain the fire).
- Evacuate the building immediately and follow instructions from administrators.
- Seek and assist any disabled persons in evacuating the building.
- Evacu-Trac chairs are located on the second floor of each building, generally next to the elevators.
- Exit via stairway. DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS.
- Once outside, move to an open area at least 150 feet away from the affected building(s).
- Follow building evacuation plan to an evacuation point.
- Keep roadways and walkways clear for emergency vehicles.
- If you see smoke or flames call 9-1-1 (DO NOT HANG UP).
- Wait at your evacuation point for further instruction.
- DO NOT RE-ENTER THE BUILDING UNTIL INSTRUCTED TO DO SO.
If you know a fire alarm was tripped accidentally, immediately contact CAPS (619) 644-7654.
State law requires occupants to evacuate to a safe location when a fire alarm sounds, or when ordered to do so by emergency response personnel.
- Stop your work or class.
- Gather your personal belongings such as glasses, medications, keys, purse, and close, but do not lock doors as you leave.
- Evacuate the building immediately and follow instructions from administrators.
- Seek and assist any disabled persons in evacuating the building.
- Evacu-Trac chairs are located on the second floor of each building, generally next to the elevators.
- Exit via stairway. DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS.
- Once outside, move to an open area at least 150 feet away from the affected building(s).
Follow building evacuation plan to an evacuation point. - Keep roadways and walkways clear for emergency vehicles.
- Wait at your evacuation point for further instruction.
- DO NOT RE-ENTER THE BUILDING UNTIL INSTRUCTED TO DO SO.
- Know your surroundings so you can exit safely in the dark.
If you are unable to safely escape and must hide:
- Remain calm, as the situation may be dynamic. Be prepared to make quick decisions which could save your life.
- Find a hidden location.
- Place furniture as a blockade behind door if possible.
- Lock doors and turn off lights.
- Move away from windows. Close blinds or cover windows, if you’re able to do so quickly.
- Call 9-1-1 (DO NOT HANG UP) and give as many details about the situation as possible, including the location of assailant if known.
- Silence your cell phone and remain quiet.
- Do whatever necessary to survive the situation.
There may be situations when it’s simply best to stay where you are and avoid any uncertainty outside. This can be due to everything from hazardous materials, to fires, to weather related events, chemical spills or explosions.
- Select or move to an interior room, with few or no windows, and the door can be locked
if possible.
It’s ideal to have a hard-wired telephone in the room you select as cell phone towers may be overwhelmed or damaged in an emergency. - Lock all available doors and turn off fans, heating & air conditioning if possible.
- Await further instructions from authorities.
Depending on the situation and campus protocol, along with information from lead agencies, an emergency notification may or may not be sent.