If a Campus Building is Evacuated:
For detailed information regarding Evacuation on campus, please refer to the Building Emergency Evacuation Plan (BEEP)
Remember:
If evacuation is necessary, ALWAYS evacuate first. When safe and able call College Police at 619-388-6405 and/or 911.
Prioritize Immediate Safety
When you hear the evacuation alarm or are told to evacuate the building:
DO NOT IGNORE THE ALARM OR INSTRUCTIONS
- Remain CALM.
- Immediately SHUT DOWN ANY HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS.
- A hazardous operation is anything that can contribute to or increase the dangers of an emergency by being left unattended.
- EXIT THE BUILDING, regardless of the reason the alarm sounded (real, accidental, or drill).
- Do NOT use elevators during an active alarm; only use the designated stairways.
- Classes in session MUST be evacuated, with faculty and students exiting to the designated evacuation area/assembly point.
- Take: Car Keys, Purse, Cell Phone, Medications, Glasses, Flashlight Wallet, etc.
- Do not attempt to take large or heavy objects.
- WHEN EXITING:
- Do not run.
- Feel doors for heat before opening. If hot, seek another, safer route
- Advise and direct any other people to exit the building.
- Evacuate quietly so you can hear emergency instructions
- Use handrails in stairwells and stay to the right
- Watch for falling glass and other debris.
Mesa Specific Information
Once you have exited the building:
NOTE: ALL BUILDING PERSONNEL MUST CHECK-IN WITH THE EVACUATION AREA COODINATOR.
- Do not go back into the building for any reason.
- Proceed to the designated emergency evacuation assembly point and check in with the Evacuation Area Coordinator.
- Remember it is each employee’s responsibility to check in!
- If the designated assembly point/area is unsafe or blocked due to the emergency, proceed to an alternate assembly point, which will be communicated to employees.
- Return to the building only after emergency officials or Emergency Facilitator give the all-clear signal. Silencing of the Alarm doesn’t mean the emergency is over.
Reentering the Building:
- Once the all-clear is given by emergency personnel, the Emergency Facilitator will communicate to the Evacuation Area Coordinator that the all clear has been given.
- The Evacuation Area Coordinator will then release those in the evacuation zone and allow them to reenter the building.
CAMPUS EVACUATION
If the Campus needs to be evacuated, do the following:
- Drive carefully through campus parking lots.
- Drive to nearest campus exit, even if it may not be your normal egress point.
- Follow the directions of the San Diego Community College District Police Department or other emergency preparedness personnel.
- At campus exits, do not attempt to cross traffic on main roadways. In most cases, you will need to turn right on main roadways to avoid bottlenecks behind you.
- Carpool if feasible.
- Do not return to campus unless directed by authorities.
For Individuals who use wheelchairs or have mobility issues: Evacuation Stair Chairs are located in every multi story building on campus. These specialized chairs are used to safely transport individuals with mobility impairments or injuries downstairs during an emergency when elevators are unavailable or unsafe to use. Instructions on how to use the chairs are attached to each Stair Chair.
Evacuation Stair Chair Training Video
Building Evacuation Procedure:
In advance, all building personnel should:
- Know your pre-designated evacuation site. Students will look to faculty and staff to lead.
- Read and understand the Mesa College Building Emergency Evacuation Plan.
- Recognize the sound of the evacuation alarm.
- Know at least two ways out of the building from your regular work space.
The SDCCDsafe app is the official safety communication tool for the San Diego Community College District. The application integrates directly with Campus Police to distribute real-time emergency notifications and crisis alerts. Available for iOS and Android devices. Download the SDCCDsafe App
Last Updated: 8/12/26
