Emergency Preparedness

Evacuation Procedures and FEC Information

Be Prepared

  • Read the campus Emergency Action Plan (PDF)
  • Know the nearest exits and emergency assembly points for each building you visit frequently. 
  • If you hear a building alarm or an evacuation is ordered, exit immediately.
  • Listen to directions from the Floor Evacuation Coordinators who will be wearing orange vests. These employees have received specialized training to provide assistance during a building evacuation. 
  • While leaving, take note of any hazards or remaining occupants.
  • Take only essential items with you (such as your wallet or keys) and only if it is safe to do so.
  • In case of fire, do not use the elevator.
  • Once outside, proceed to your building's Emergency Assembly Points. 
  • If you are unable to exit without assistance, call 9-1-1 and move to a shelter in place location. Notify others around you including any Floor Evacuation Coordinator so that first responders know your location.

Floor evacuation coordinator wearing orange vest by Meriam Library

In the event of a building evacuation, all occupants should assemble at the designated Emergency Assembly Point (EAP). Download the appropriate color coded map below to determine your EAP.

Temporary Rescue Areas

In the event of a fire emergency, if you cannot exit the building using the stairs, call 9-1-1 and move to a Temporary Rescue Area (PDF) location.

Emergency Planning for People with Disabilities, Access and Functional Needs

The following general guidelines are designed to assist members of the CSU, Chico campus community who may need assistance during a building evacuation, develop a plan that provides a safe alternative when evacuating the building is not possible without the use of an elevator.

The majority of multi-story buildings on the CSU, Chico Campus contain one or more enclosed fire rated stairwells that are considered to be a safe place to take shelter and await assistance or rescue during fire and other emergencies. An enclosed stairwell consists of closed or self-closing fire rated doors at each level. These doors are constructed to protect occupants from smoke and fire conditions for up to 2 hours. The stairwells are constructed of non-combustible materials including concrete and steel, providing structural stability for the specified duration of time, and a safe and secure exit path for the occupants as they exit.

The Science Building is equipped with "Areas of Refuge."  Areas of refuge are located in the elevator lobbies on floors 2 through 4.  Each area of refuge has self-closing fire rated doors and an intercom telephone system.  When the button is depressed 911 is called and the person is connected to University Policy Dispatch. 

Buildings without enclosed stairwells have pre-identified rooms or areas, on floors above ground level, where occupants can take shelter and await assistance or rescue. The locations of these rooms are known to Floor Evacuation Coordinators (FEC’s), University Police, and the Chico Fire Department. 

A wheelchair in a stairwell 

Key Preparedness Steps
  • Notify your college or department office of your mobility impairment.
  • Work with your Floor Evacuation Coordinator and EHS to develop a personalized emergency response plan that meets your specific needs.
  • Also form a buddy system with several co-workers or other students who are willing and able to assist you in the case of an emergency. Share the buddy plan with your Floor Evacuation Coordinator as well.
During an Evacuation

Follow your pre-arranged plan; proceed to the designate safe area to take shelter and await assistance or rescue. If a buddy or other person has escorted you to the safe location, do not ask that they stay with you. This person needs to exit the building and notify FECs or first responders so they can immediately respond to your location if needed. Dependent on the nature and location of the emergency you may not be in need of rescue.

If not in a stairwell, do not leave the designated safe location unless forced to by a hazardous situation such as fire in your immediate area. Keep the door tightly closed and if needed, place an article of clothing across the bottom of the door to keep smoke out. Move towards the window, but do not break the window unless the area becomes filled with smoke. Breaking the window prematurely may draw more smoke into the room.

If you have taken shelter in a stairwell, stay away from the door swing area and the top of the stairs to avoid falling or being accidentally pushed onto the stairs. If possible, use the stairwells that are pre-designated as sheltering areas as they contain more room for you to wait for assistance. 

Be aware that the fire alarm may be even louder in the stairwell due to the echo. Cover your ears if needed, but remain alert to the sound of rescuers calling out to you.

Floor Evacuation Coordinator Program (FEC)

The Floor Evacuation Coordinators (FEC) are employees who have volunteered to assist in the event of an emergency affecting their building. FECs receive specialized training that includes evacuation procedures, assisting those with special needs, as well as, other tools to better be prepared for an emergency.

Our Floor Evacuation Coordinators are a valued resource and contribute to the overall safety and emergency preparedness of our campus community.

If you are interested in joining this team, please contact the Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) at 530-898-5126.