Safety & Emergency Preparedness

This is the Pitzer College Emergency Information webpage. In the event of an emergency, we will communicate via this webpage, email, telephone and/or campus broadcast system.

September 11, 2024

Dear Pitzer Campus Community and Families,

The Southern California wildfires continue to pose no threat or likelihood of evacuation orders for The Claremont Colleges. The Pitzer and Claremont Consortium Emergency Management teams continue to monitor the situation closely, including ongoing updates from state and county authorities on the four fires in the region. Details on each are available at CAL FIRE or Watch Duty.  None are in close proximity to or approaching campus. 

Air clarity and quality on campus today is improved as temperatures have dropped and winds have shifted smoke away from Claremont. Though cancellation of classroom activities is not warranted (read the indoor air quality details sent to the campus community by our Facilities team last night), we have suspended some outdoor activities such as pool use, and Pomona-Pitzer Athletics Sports Medicine staff monitor air quality data very closely to determine if outdoor practices and other intercollegiate athletic activities should be cancelled.

Visit Pitzer’s Emergency Preparedness web page to view current and recent communications on the fires, and information and instructions should any campus emergency occur. All current students, faculty, and staff receive real-time text, email, and phone alerts via the Everbridge mass communication app in every situation requiring timely communication of a serious, imminent, or continuing threat. Students may also use, and register their family members for, the LiveSafe app, which facilitates communication between students, employees, and Campus Safety. (Students: Download LiveSafe, select Pitzer College from the list that appears, and add your/your family members’ contact information.)

In the event of an emergency requiring campus evacuation, the College would coordinate with Consortium and city/county authorities. Notifications and updates for students, employees, and families would occur by the means listed above.

We hope this information is helpful, and please continue to watch the web page for further updates.

Sincerely,

Pitzer College Emergency Management Team

September 10, 2024

Dear Pitzer Community,

Good afternoon. As our regional fires continue, we want to share that air quality in our buildings at Pitzer is being mitigated by a two-pronged approach in accordance with the LA Dept County of Health recommendations: through our upgraded air conditioning and heating high-efficiency filters that were replaced in all buildings prior to the start of the school year, and through the ion generators (air scrubbers) that were previously installed in all our academic buildings.  Additionally, N95 masks are being provided in every building lobby.  For precautions for poor air quality, reference the 9/9/24 email from Communications entitled: Heat and Wildfire Update – Air Quality Advisory.

Should there be additional needs, please feel free to use our work request form.
 

Regards, 

Patrice Langevin
Architect | AIA | LEED AP BD+C

Associate Vice President of Facilities, Capital Projects, and Safety
McConnell Center ] Facilities and Campus Services ] 909.607.2226

September 9, 2024

Dear Pitzer Community,

As Southern California experiences high temperatures and ongoing wildfires, we want to assure you that there is currently no direct threat to Pitzer or The Claremont Colleges. However, smoke from nearby fires is affecting air quality in the region, particularly in the foothills near campus. We encourage everyone to take precautions to protect their health, especially those with respiratory conditions.

Precautions for Poor Air Quality:

• Stay Indoors: Limit outdoor activities, especially strenuous ones, to reduce exposure to smoke. Only go outside when necessary.
• Close Windows and Doors: Keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering your living spaces.
• Wear Masks: If you need to be outdoors, consider wearing an N95 mask or similar respirator to reduce inhalation of harmful particles. N95 masks are available throughout campus, including in all residence hall lobbies and academic buildings on campus.
• Monitor Air Quality: Stay updated on local air quality conditions using resources such as: http://map.purpleair.com
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, as staying hydrated can help your body cope with the effects of smoke inhalation. There are hydration stations throughout campus.
• Seek Medical Attention if Needed: If you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or severe coughing, seek medical help immediately. Please contact Campus Safety at 909-607-2000 if you are experiencing a health/medical emergency.
  
  More information on wildfires in the region can be found at: http://fire.ca.gov
  
  We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. The health and safety of the Pitzer Community is the highest priority.
  
  Thank you for your attention and cooperation.
  
  Sincerely,
  Pitzer College