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Emergency Updates

Emergency Updates

Emergency Housing, Jan. 12. 7:16 p.m.:

The Eaton Fire has displaced many members of the Caltech community from their homes. Faculty Housing and Student Housing continue to receive requests for help in finding short-term and long-term housing for those displaced by the fire and by mandatory evacuation orders. To expedite the relocation process, the Institute has convened an Emergency Housing Working Group to match displaced community members with housing options, both on- and off-campus.  If you need housing assistance, please consult the Institute's Emergency Housing page at www.caltech.edu/fire/emergency-housing.

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Eaton Fire Community Meeting, Jan. 12, 3:24 p.m.:

Eaton Fire officials will host a community meeting to provide the current fire situation, address questions, and discuss recovery. The meeting will be held in-person and streamed live on YouTube. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation.

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CPA-GSC Donation Center, Jan. 12, 3:01 p.m.:

The CPA-GSC donation center at Caltech is no longer accepting donations. We encourage people who need supplies or know anyone who need clothes, water, drinks, toiletries, or other supplies to please come to Caltech's Hameetman Center to collect the free and available items. The building will be open today until 8 p.m. and resume traditional business hours Monday.

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Temporary Wi-Fi and Cell Phone Charging Station Centers, Jan. 10, 2:17 p.m.:

The Institute is providing temporary Wi-Fi and charging stations for Caltech community members.

The Hameetman Center's multipurpose room, located on the 2nd floor, and the Brown Gym classroom are open to all members of the community and their families and DO NOT require a Caltech ID:

Sherman Fairchild Library and Caltech Hall are open as well, but only for those with a Caltech ID.

  • Sherman Fairchild Library will be open until 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10.; and noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
    • Additional charging cables and power supplies will be available for loan at the information desk
  • Caltech Hall
    • TechHub, on the first floor, is open until 6 p.m.
    • The 9th floor is available via card swipe until 11 p.m.
  • Other library branches are available via card swipe as well: Dabney, Geology (N Mudd), and Cahill

A limited supply of N95 masks will be available in all locations. 

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County Alert System and Campus Status, Jan. 10, 1:19 p.m.:

Due to ongoing issues with the Los Angeles County emergency alert system, some area residents have received false alarms indicating that they are under evacuation orders.

Please note that the Caltech campus is NOT in an evacuation area or being asked to prepare for evacuation at this time. The campus is NOT under direct threat from the fire.

Conditions in your area may be different than those on campus. For the latest information on areas under evacuation order and evacuation warning, visit https://lacounty.gov/emergency/ or https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents and view the interactive maps.

We are continuing to monitor the situation and will provide updates for campus as conditions change.

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Free Masks and Campus Air Quality Update, Jan. 10, 11:40 a.m.:

High-quality masks are available for free and being distributed to all members of the Caltech community in the Caltech Store (first floor of Hameetman) today until 7 p.m. Mask distribution will continue through the weekend. 

Indoor air quality levels across campus depend on the amount of outside air circulating in the indoor spaces as a result of HVAC systems, doors opening and closing, windows, etc. Outside air has been restricted in offices and residences and the Institute has prioritized distribution of air purifiers to spaces where people congregate and live. The air quality in these spaces is better, but continues to be assessed. We advise members of the community to use a high-quality mask indoors if the smell of smoke is elevated. It is strongly recommended to wear a high-quality mask outdoors.

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Update on Caltech Athletics Facilities, January 10, 10:20 am.:  

The athletic facilities will re-open from 11a-7p on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  
No pools, no tennis courts, but all other facilities open for general exercise and recreation at your own risk.  There will be no organized classes, leagues or games.  Air quality is not great so please use personal caution as always.  We will communicate this weekend, about the conditions and hours for opening on Monday the 13th.

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Air Quality Advisory for Indoor Spaces, Jan. 10, 10:08 a.m.:

Indoor air quality readings from campus lab buildings this morning indicate that air quality in the labs, especially buildings with fume hood intensive labs that require outside air, is in an unhealthy range. Individuals who report to these spaces or are in buildings where the smell of smoke is elevated are advised to wear high-quality masks indoors. If you are part of a high-risk or sensitive population, please do not access these spaces until air quality indoors and outside improves.

The Institute has limited the circulation of outside air in the buildings and installed carbon filters to reduce the smell of smoke. Air purifiers have been deployed, where available, across campus with a focus on campus residences and dining facilities. 

The following best practices are encouraged in an unhealthy air environment:

  • Limit your outdoor activity 
    •    Avoid vigorous exercise
    •    Keep windows and doors shut and make use of air purifiers indoors where possible
    •    Wear a mask equivalent to N-95 or better when outdoors

An air-quality map prepared by the South Coast Air Quality Management District can be viewed at https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/6a6a058a177440fdac6be881d41d4c2c/

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Campus Operations for Friday, Jan. 10, Jan. 9. 8:02 p.m.:

The Caltech campus will reopen Friday, January 10 to campus community members. Classes will resume on Monday, January 13.

Resuming campus operations, which have been restricted to critical and essential functions only since the windstorm and resulting fires erupted on Tuesday evening, comes as the campus has been cleared of debris and hazards. Staff members have worked heroically to prepare the campus to resume fully its mission of research and education. The region's historic fires, which continue to burn for the third day, pose no direct threat to campus.

The shift in operations also allows members of the Caltech community who have been without power, water, Internet, and other resources this week to more readily access such services on campus. Caltech has been fortunate in that utility services have mostly remained uninterrupted and reliable throughout the fires.

Hundreds of Caltech's staff, faculty, postdoctoral scholars and students have been impacted by mandatory evacuation orders and long-term power outages. Initial reports indicate that dozens of Caltech community members may have lost their homes and personal belongings. The Institute continues to mobilize resources and services to support those in need. We will provide additional information in the coming days and weeks on ways in which community members can access requested resources and others can support their colleagues.

Managers and supervisors are asked to continue to work with their direct reports to provide as much flexibility as possible in working arrangements on Friday.

What the campus reopening means:

  • Campus buildings will reopen Friday and be accessible without keycards during normal campus business hours. Individuals who have lost or misplaced their ID cards may request a replacement by emailing [email protected]; the cards will be ready for pick up Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Card Office, located on the first floor of the Center for Student Services.
  • Dining services will operate in a more traditional manner:
    • The Red Door Café will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for drinks, baked goods and CStore. And 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. for regular service to students.
    • Browne Dining Hall will be open 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for breakfast and lunch; and 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for dinner.
    • Undergraduate students on meal plans will also have access to Open Kitchen in their houses and dinner at Browne.
    • The Broad Café and Avery Ramen remain closed.

As air quality on campus continues to be impacted by the fires, the ventilation systems of campus buildings have been configured to limit the circulation of outside air indoors and air purifiers have been distributed and activated in buildings across the campus. Additionally, the Institute is providing free, high-quality masks to Caltech community members and encourages the use of masks outdoors. Masks may be picked up on Friday at Browne Dining Hall.

Updates on the fires, campus operations, and recovery resources will be shared as available.

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Campus Status Update, Jan. 9, 4:07 p.m.:

Please be advised that the Caltech campus is NOT in an evacuation area or being asked to prepare for evacuation at this time. The campus is NOT under direct threat from the fire.

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Air Quality Advisory, Jan. 9 at 1:28 p.m.:

Smoke from fires burning across Los Angeles County is impacting air quality across the region. Air quality in Pasadena continues to be at unhealthy levels for all groups, especially due to the Eaton Fire. 

While Caltech is NOT under an evacuation warning, individuals on campus and nearby areas should take appropriate measures to ensure their health and safety. 

The following best practices are encouraged:

  • Limit your outdoor activity 
  • Avoid vigorous exercise
  • Keep windows and doors shut and make use of air purifiers indoors where possible
  • Wear a mask equivalent to N-95 or better when outdoors

The Institute has limited the circulation of outside air in the buildings and installed carbon filters  to reduce the smell of smoke in the buildings.  Additionally, air purifiers have been provided to Student Affairs for use in campus residences and have also been provided to some of our sensitive labs. 

For those who need them, high-quality masks are available for pick up in limited quantities at Browne Dining Hall today. We will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as necessary. An air-quality map prepared by the South Coast Air Quality Management District can be viewed at https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/6a6a058a177440fdac6be881d41d4c2c/

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REVISED Water Advisory, Jan. 9 at 10:44 a.m.:

Pasadena City and Pasadena Water and Power Officials have confirmed this morning that the tap water on the Caltech campus is safe to drink and cook with; it has not been impacted by the Eaton Fire.  For your awareness, a map of the affected areas is posted on the City of Pasadena's website. 

For members of our community who need it, bottled water is available for pick up in a limited capacity at Browne Dining Hall. 

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Campus Status Update, Jan. 9, 8:59 a.m.:

Please be advised that the Caltech campus is NOT in an evacuation area or being asked to prepare for evacuation at this time. The campus is NOT under direct threat from the fire.

Members of the community have reported receiving emergency notification alerts this morning from LA County Office of Emergency Management that warn of a "fast moving" for their area and call for an immediate evacuation.

There are several active fires across the LA County area. Local authorities have advised us to consult watchduty.org for timely maps and notifications on area fires and evacuations zones.

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Bottled Water Distribution, January 8 at 10:05 p.m.:

Caltech students on campus may collect bottle water for tonight in the following locations:

Undergraduate students may pick up two bottles each from Caltech Dining staff in Browne Dining Hall from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Graduate residents in the Cats may pick up two bottles of water per resident from housing staff in the Cats Rec Room from 10 p.m. to midnight.

Information on the distribution plan for bottle water for campus residents on Thursday will be provided once finalized. 

If possible, essential reporting employees who are reporting to campus on Thursday are asked to bring bottle water for their personal consumption.

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Important Water Advisory, Jan. 8 at 8:47 p.m.:

Based on conversations with Pasadena Water and Power (PWP), residents of Pasadena, even those in areas who are not currently under evacuation, are advised TO NOT drink tap water.  PWP says it is not safe to drink water from the tap, including from the filtered drinking fountains and refilling stations. You should only drink bottled water.

You may still use tap to shower and flush toilets. 

Contradicting messages about water safety have been circulating in the community. Out of an abundance of caution, we advise members of our community to adhere with this direction. We will update you all on the matter as additional information is available.

Information on how and where to access bottled water on campus will follow.

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Operations at Caltech During the SoCal Wildfires, Jan. 8 at 2:15 p.m.:

Student Affairs has been in touch with student leaders regarding concerns about the nearby wildfires, and has the following updates to share:

  • Though Caltech's campus remains closed except for residents and critical operations, the campus is NOT under any evacuation order. Pasadena fire and local authorities have confirmed that while the fire is active and air quality is a concern, there is no active threat to the campus.
  • Caltech classes have been canceled for today, January 8. A decision will be made later today about classes for tomorrow. We will provide an update when we have it.
  • The Browne Dining Hall at the center of campus will be open today as a location for students to congregate and get food. Air quality in Browne is currently good, and food will be served until 3:30 p.m. and then again from 5-7:30 p.m.
  • Air purifiers are being distributed to the common spaces of residential communities. We have limited outside air to all buildings and installed carbon filters to minimize the smell of smoke.
  • Students in need of non-urgent medical care can contact Student Wellness Services at (626) 395-6393. For emergencies, call campus safety at (626) 395-5000 or call 911.
  • Students who are experiencing anxiety or stress related to the fire may contact Student Counseling Services for consultation and support by calling (626) 395-8331.

Should you have an emergency or concern about your safety or well-being, please contact Caltech Security at 626-395-5000.

More information will be made available as we continue to monitor this continuing and unfolding situation.

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Update on the impact of the Eaton Fire on Caltech's campus, Jan. 8 at 12:13 p.m.:

The Caltech campus remains closed except to essential reporting personnel, emergency responders, and campus residents. The campus is NOT under any evacuation order. Students on campus have reported that they received emergency notification and evacuation orders from the county on their personal cell phones, but these are not directed to our area. Pasadena fire and local authorities have confirmed that while the fire is active and air quality is a concern, there is no active threat to the campus.

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Update from Jan. 8 at 12 p.m.:

The health and safety of our community is a priority. Caltech emergency response personnel, in conjunction with Pasadena Fire and local authorities, are actively monitoring the Eaton Fire and windstorm, and this message is meant to provide an update on the situation:

Caltech Security and Facilities personnel continue to patrol the campus to assess damage, identify safety concerns, and to conduct clean-up of the campus from the windstorm. The campus is not under direct threat from the fires, the closest of which is the Eaton Fire burning in the foothill communities to the north of the 210. That said, air quality on campus and in the surrounding region is poor and we advise that individuals wear a high-quality mask when outdoors. Protective eye wear may be advisable, if available.

The campus remains closed except for critical functions, which include the operations of student housing and dining, custodial and grounds, security, and facilities and lab management. If you do not need to be outdoors on campus to support one of these functions, we ask that you remain off campus or indoors for your safety and for the safety of our campus personnel who are responding to the event.

We ask for your continued patience, as this emerging situation continues to affect not just our campus, but the staff and faculty, and neighbors across the region.

Below is some important information on campus operations:

Housing

All campus residents are asked to remain indoors, to wear a mask, keep devices charged, and report any issues or concerns to Caltech Security at 626-395-5000. As of this morning, access to power, internet, and other utilities remains uninterrupted. If that changes, you will be notified via Everbridge.

If you are a student who lives off-campus in the region and you have an evacuation concern, please contact your respective deans' office (Undergraduate Office: 626-395-6341; Graduate Office: 626-395-6346). Employees who have been impacted by the fires or need help, can call Human Resources at 626-395-6443 or 626.395.6382.

The City of Pasadena has set up the Pasadena Convention Center (300 E. Green Street) as evacuation site for the region.

Dining

In response to current events, Caltech Dining has consolidated its operations and dining locations for Wednesday, January 8. Food is available to students on campus in the following locations:

  • Browne Cafe will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  • Open kitchen will be available students in their Houses as usual.
  • Red Door, Broad Cafe, and Avery will be closed.

Classes

Caltech classes have been canceled for today, January 8. A decision will be made later today about classes for tomorrow. We will provide an update when we have it.

Travel

If you do choose to travel out of the area or are on the local roadways, please proceed with caution and follow all instructions from local emergency personnel and highway safety. Trees and power lines may still be down from last night's windstorm. Gather essential items (such as medications, IDs, and passports) and travel away from impacted communities.

Mental Health and Safety

Students who are experiencing anxiety or stress related to the fire may contact Student Counseling Services for consultation and support by calling (626) 395-8331. Staff, faculty, and postdoctoral scholars can access counseling resources through the Staff and Faculty Consultation center by calling (626) 395-8360 or email [email protected].

Should you have an emergency or concern about your safety or well-being, please contact Caltech Security at 626-395-5000.

Further updates will be provided as they become available.

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Caltech's Emergency Notification System

In the event of a fire, earthquake or other emergency, members of the Caltech community need information as quickly as possible: Has the campus been closed? Do we need to evacuate or take shelter? What's happening?

Caltech has contracted with Everbridge to provide emergency notification to all Caltech students, faculty and staff using the contact information from access.caltech. To be included in the notification process, at least one valid phone number is required for each person.

For this system to be effective, your access.caltech contact information must be current.To verify or update your contact information, please:

  1. Go to http://access.caltech.edu
  2. Log in with your access.caltech username and password
  3. Go to My Personal Information
  4. Click on Name and E-mail and enter/verify/correct your primary e-mail address
  5. Click on Addresses and Phones and review/edit/add phone numbers. Include a mobile number to receive text messages in an emergency.

Mobile App

Everbridge's mobile app, "Everbridge360," will give you the ability to communicate via text and to send photographs of suspicious persons/events directly to Security Dispatch.

You can download the app now for Apple or Google devices. Please review "Emergency Communications and Everbridge App Instructions" for instructions on how to log into the app.

Questions? Contact Caltech Security at (626) 395-4701.

Additional Resources

Caltech homepage
Caltech Emergency Preparedness website

Latest Notifications from Caltech