Emergency Information

We are thankful to not currently be facing an emergency situation. We will update this page as information develops that may be helpful to you. We will also use various other means to reach our students, staff and faculty, including text message, automated voice calls, emails, and word of mouth.

You may also wish to keep in some convenient location our Crisis Hotline number: 888/565-7911. It will be refreshed with updates that are as current as possible if our website is down.

Students should add a contact in their cellphone titled "Westmont Emergency" and showing the number "281-207-4890". This is the number that will show up on caller ID in case Westmont broadcasts an emergency announcement by cell phone or text message.

Emergency Response - Immediate Actions

WILDFIRE   EARTHQUAKE
  • Go to the gym
    If it's safer to leave campus, we'll coordinate departure from there.
    If it's safer to shelter at the gym, that's what we'll do.
    Bring backpack, meds, empty bladder
  • Do not leave the campus solo
    Wait for official word about whether to stay or go.
    We may need to use the seats in your car.
  • If time is short you're s afer here
    Gym has housed us safey before
    Leaving late can be dangerous

More on Wildfire response

 
  • Duck & Cover
    away from windows, falling objects, power lines, building perimeters
  • Hold on
  • Go to Lovik Field when safe
    and if safe, bring your meds
  • Food, shelter, medical
    The very basics will be available ASAP
  • If trapped, BANG on something
    That sound travels better, and you won't get worn out shouting

More on Earthquake response

     
DORM FIRE   ACTIVE SHOOTER
  • If door HOT, stay in room
    or exit thru window if possible
  • If door COOL, open slightly
    to check for smoke
  • If SMOKE, stay in room
    and use towels, etc to cover openings
  • If no smoke, close door behind you and go to assembly area
    (pull alarm en route)
 
  • If possible, GET OUT
    and call 911
  • Next option , HIDE OUT
    in the safest place you can find
  • While hidden, KEEP OUT
    the assailant: barricade the doors
  • If all else fails, TAKE OUT
    the assailant. It's him or you.
  • To the extent possible, HELP OUT
    those around you with needs
     
MEDICAL / PSYCHOLOGICAL   POWER LOSS
  • Call 9-1-1
    or 6222 if not life-threatening
  • Stay with victim
    keep them as comfortable and stable as possible
  • Determine identity
    and be prepared to communicate key info to responders (ID, medical need, etc)
 
  • Never use candles
    Use flashlights instead
  • Turn off computer
    to prevent surge when power restored
  • Minimize movement in the dark
    Library, DC and Gym may have backup power in case it's safe to find your way there
     
SUICIDE THREAT   PANDEMIC FLU
  • Sustain communication
    They need to know you'll listen.
    Discuss specific intentions openly.
    Don't argue; and don't leave them.
  • Take threat seriously
    Don't assume they won't do it,
    but don't assume they can't be stopped.
  • Call Public Safety (565x6222)
    If they have a plan, the means, a lethal method, and a time in mind, they need intervention now.

As recommended by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. For more info and help check the ULifeline link at Westmont's Counseling Center.

 
  • Westmont will monitor public health advisories and take appropriate action. Our draft Pandemic Response Plan corresponds to the World Health Organization phases, with stages of increasing preventive and response actions under the categories Planning; Alert; Danger; and Full.
  • College actions could include such steps as community education, isolation/quarantine, collaboration with County health officials, temporary suspension of campus activities, and so on.
Emergency Phone Numbers
24/7 SERVICES     WEEKDAY-ONLY  

Emergency
Public Safety
Cottage Hospital ER
Poison Hotline
Rape Crisis Center Hotline

911
565x6222
805/569-7210
800/876-4766
805/564-3696
  Sexual Assault Response
  Team
Westmont Health Center
Westmont Counseling Center
Rape Crisis Ct,r front desk

565x7089
or 565x7421
565x6164
565x6003
805/963-6382

Dorm Assembly Areas
DORM     DORM  

Armington
Clark
Emerson

Deane Lawn
Front Lawn
Front Parking Lot
  Ocean View
Page
Van Kampen

Parking Lot
Parking Lot
Front Parking Lot

Emergency Response Planning

Westmont's Situation Readiness & Response Team (SRT) meets regularly to plan and practice for a wide range of events. Both generic and specific incident plans are constantly being refined to enhance our ability to be nimble and caring when some misfortune occurs. For more information, please contact our Office of Risk Management.

Grab & Go Tips

Go Kit

Prepare your own go-kit and keep it by your door. Include a flashlight, your prescriptions (medications and corrective lenses), and a change of clothing (with a couple extra undies).

Minimum to Grab

If you don't have a prepared Go Kit, at least bring these things if possible (in priority order):

  • Prescription medications/eye care
  • Wallet (with driver license and Westmont ID)
  • Cell phone and charger
  • Full water bottle
  • Small snack

If Time Allows

Bring these things if the time to gather them will not jeopardize your safety (in priority order):

  • Change of clothes (including underwear)
  • Jacket or other warm layer
  • Computer and charger (optional depending on circumstance)
  • Toothbrush

Do NOT Bring

Valuable as they may be, the following things are not worth risking your life over:

  • A large bag or container crammed with your possessions
  • Sentimental items