safety

General Safety and Emergency Guidelines

In general, you will find San Francisco to be a reasonably safe city, and the safety precautions you take in your home country probably are not much different than what you should do here. As a reminder here are general tips on safety in the U.S.:

• Avoid walking late at night by yourself.
• When using cell phones, iPods, laptop computers, and expensive equipment in public, be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Always lock your doors, even while you are at home, and keep your car windows closed both when driving or parked.
• Don’t give out personal information over the phone or via email. Never give out your Social Security Number to someone you don’t know or trust.
• Be aware of certain unsafe areas in the city.
• Move away from suspicious activity.
• Avoid protests or violence-prone demonstrations.

If you find yourself in a situation where you need emergency attention for yourself or someone you are with, dial 911 from any phone. This will immediately connect you with an emergency response team that will direct medical, police, or fire-fighting personnel to your location.

Earthquake Safety

California is known for earthquakes, and in fact some type of earthquake occurs almost every day in the Bay Area. Usually they are at such a low magnitude that people in the Bay Area may go years without ever feeling one. However, the chances of a large earthquake occurring in the Bay Area are high and you should be prepared and know the proper steps to protect yourself.

One of the most important steps you can take to is to assemble an earthquake kit and to choose a meeting spot for you and your family or friends. To learn more about earthquake readiness visit the U.S. Geological Survey or www.72hours.org. Here are some general tips to follow in the event of an earthquake:

• Prepare an earthquake kit that includes medical provisions, water, food, flashlight, extra batteries, small portable radio, extra contact lenses, warm clothing, and some cash in an easily accessible place. Store enough food for at least three days. Four liters of water per day is recommended for each person.
• Determine a meeting spot within the city where you can meet up with friends, family, neighbors, or fellow students. Exchange contact information with each other in advance.
• Assess your living situation. Secure furniture such as bookshelves to the wall and avoid hanging heavy objects or glass over your bed.
• Be aware of the location of all fire extinguishers and gas valves.

If you do experience an earthquake, stay calm and keep the following tips in mind:

• Stay inside and take cover under a table or desk to avoid falling objects.
• Stay clear from windows and beware of glass, signs, and other falling objects.
• Do not use elevators.
• Turn off lights, electrical equipment, and the main gas valve and extinguish all sources of fire.
• Put on shoes to avoid broken glass and debris.
• Use a wet towel across your face to avoid smoke inhalation.
• Listen to the radio for news and instructions.
• Eventually, if needed, leave the house and take refuge in a pre-determined meeting spot. Keep in mind aftershocks may occur for a considerable time.