UCSD - University of California - San Diego

09/30/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/30/2026 16:24

Prepare for Emergencies: 7 Safety Tips for Every Triton

Published Date

September 30, 2026

Article Content

As the new school year began, thousands of students returned to UC San Diego, while faculty and staff diligently prepared the campus for their arrival. Amid the excitement of a new quarter, it's easy to overlook emergency preparedness as a priority. However, spending a few minutes to learn how to respond during a crisis can help keep you and the entire community safer throughout the year.

"Natural events like wildfires, earthquakes, heavy rain and winds as well as infrastructure disruptions, like power or internet outages, could all impact our community," Director of Emergency Management and Preparedness, Julie Jeakle said. "While significant emergencies are rare on our campus, knowing how to respond and where to find accurate information can make a critical difference in keeping you and our campus community safe."

To assist you in preparing for emergencies, Jeakle offered seven tips on how the campus community can quickly and easily prepare to face the unexpected.

1. Sign up for Triton Alert text messages

To ensure you quickly receive information about emergency situations on campus, sign up to receive Triton Alerts by text. Triton Alert is the UC San Diego emergency notification system that sends messages via email or text during emergencies. UC San Diego email accounts are automatically registered to receive Triton Alerts, however students, staff and faculty need to sign up to receive text alerts. Guests or family members who are visiting campus can text "TRITONALERT" to 888777 in order to receive Triton Alert emergency notifications.

2. Review Established Emergency Protocols

Visit the campus emergency guide website and learn how to prepare for emergencies such as earthquakes, fires, tsunamis and acts of violence. The Get Ready & Prepared webpage also offers resources on a variety of emergency topics. Review fire safety requirements for living on campus. Find assembly area locations on the interactive campus map so you know where to go if buildings are evacuated.

3. Check the Emergency Status Website

If an emergency occurs, the campus emergency status website will be activated. This website is the main source of information during an emergency where ongoing updates will be posted.

UC San Diego's proximity to the beach makes it a great place to relax - but understand beach safety before going. Photo by Erik Jepsen.

4. Understand Beach Safety

UC San Diego is fortunate to be so close to the beauty of the Pacific Ocean. While the beach is a great place to take a break from school and soak up the sun, understanding how to visit safely is important.

An emergency "Go Bag" can keep supplies and important documents easy to access. Photo by Erik Jepsen.

5. Keep a "Go Bag" Handy

Being prepared for emergencies can be as simple as having essential supplies handy. Have a "Go Bag" ready that contains important documents and supplies you may need in an emergency.

Campus community members can gain life-saving skills in administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Photo by Erik Jepsen.

6. Consider Additional Training

ASSERT: The UC San Diego Police Department's Active Shooter Survival Education and Response Training (ASSERT) offers education on how to respond in a critical incident. ASSERT offers videos and reference sheets for quick training. Additional in-depth courses can be accessed through the UC Learning Center or organized by submitting a form to the ASSERT team.

CPR & AED: Campus community members can gain life-saving skills in administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) through training offered by the Emergency Management department. Learning these techniques can help increase the odds of survival for people experiencing a medical emergency.

CERT: Strengthen your ability to support yourself and others during an emergency by joining UC San Diego's Campus Emergency Response Team (CERT). Open to students, faculty and staff, CERT provides essential emergency-response skills that empower members to assist victims immediately, coordinate volunteers at disaster sites and offer vital support to first responders. Training must be completed prior to joining CERT.

7. Know How to Get Help

If you are experiencing an emergency, text or call 9-1-1.

Whether it's understanding emergency procedures, knowing where to find updates, or engaging in additional training, every action you take contributes to a safer UC San Diego. Emergencies may be unpredictable, but preparation empowers us all to respond with confidence and care.

UCSD - University of California - San Diego published this content on September 30, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 30, 2026 at 22:24 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]