If a major utility failure occurs between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, you should immediately notify Facilities Services at (626) 585-7277.

If there is a potential danger to the building occupants, or if the utility failure occurs after 4:00 p.m. or before 7:30 a.m. on weekdays, weekends, or holidays, notify Pasadena City College (PCC) Police at (626) 585-7484.

Electrical/Light Failure:

If an electrical short in equipment occurs, you should immediately shut off the electricity. You do this by pulling the electrical plug or by shutting off the electrical breaker switch. Call Facilities Services at (626) 585-7277 if you require assistance. In case there is a power outage, most campus buildings are equipped with an emergency lighting system that will provide enough illumination in corridors and stairs to exit safely. It is still advisable for departments to have flashlights available. During a power outage, you should consider the following:

  • Try to remain calm.
  • Facilities Services (626) 585-7277 or PCC Police (626)585-7484 should be called.
  • Provide assistance to students, visitors, and staff in your immediate area.
  • You should turn off computers and unplug electronic equipment to prevent a power surge from damaging equipment when the power comes back on.
  • The building should be evacuated if you hear the fire alarm or are notified by PCC Police, Facilities Management, or other emergency personnel to do so.
  • Before leaving the building, be sure to secure your files, lock any windows or doors, turn off the lights, and take your personal belongings with you.
  • In laboratory buildings, fume hoods may not be operable. Most labs should not be used until ventilation is property restored.

Elevator Failure:

If you are trapped in an elevator, use the emergency phone in the elevator to notify Facilities Services (626) 585-7277 or PCC Police (626) 585-7484. If the elevator does not have an emergency phone, turn on the emergency alarm (located on the front panel), which signals your need for help. If outside a stalled elevator, tell persons inside that help is being summoned, then call PCC Police (626) 585-7484 and report. Have someone stand by elevator to keep persons inside informed until help arrives unless evacuation is imminent.

Gas Leak:

Natural gas has an added odorant which smells like rotten eggs. If you smell gas or hear hissing and suspect a gas leak you should cease all operations and take the necessary precautions:

  • Shut off sources of ignition. DO NOT use an open flame, light a match, turn a light on or off, use a telephone (portable, cellular, or regular), unplug appliances, or operate any electrical switch or electronic device during this time as any flames or electric sparks could ignite the leaking gas. If possible, stay away from carpeted areas to avoid sparks of static electricity.
  • Alert others in the area and advise them to do the same.
  • If the source is not immediately located and controlled, or if it is clearly beyond your control, IMMEDIATELY call Facilities Services (626) 585-7277 or PCC Police (626) 585-7484 from an unaffected area. Provide them with the location and details.
  • If you suspect a gas cylinder leak and are trained to do so, shut off the cylinder and tighten the hose or pipe connections if they are the source of the leak. Do not attempt to repair the leak at the valve threads or safety devices.
  • If you smell natural gas, leave as many windows and doors open as possible.
  • You should evacuate if the odor of natural gas is strong. You should proceed to an emergency assembly area at least 500 feet upwind. You should instruct others to do the same.
  • Do not re-enter the affected area until advised by emergency personnel that it is safe to do so.

Plumbing Failure:

Cease using all electrical equipment. Notify Facilities Services at (626) 585-7277 or PCC Police at (626) 585-7484 after hours. If necessary, vacate the area of flooding. Shut off water and/or contain flooding if possible.

Ventilation Problem:

If smoke or offensive odors come from the ventilation system, immediately notify Facilities Services (626) 585-7277 or PCC Police (626) 585-7484. If necessary, cease all operations and vacate the affected area.