Safety, Security and Parking
Emergency: Any Kind - Any Time: Call x5000 or (626) 395-5000
Important Phone Numbers
Emergencies: Police, Fire, Paramedics, Security
On-Campus (24 hours): x5000
Off-Campus (24 hours): 626-395-5000
Security Non-Emergencies (escorts, reports, or information, etc.)
On-Campus (24 hours): x4701
Off-Campus (24 hours): 626-395-4701
Campus Security
All members of the campus community are encouraged to contact Campus Security immediately of suspicious activity, and for medical or other emergencies. Security officers are trained to respond to and investigate suspicious activity, criminal incidents, and coordinate medical or other emergencies. Call x5000 or 626-395-5000 to report emergencies.
Although Caltech does not have a large problem with crime on campus, we provide several programs to help ensure your safety. We recommend that you do not walk alone after dark. Ask a friend to walk with you or use the escort service operated through Security. In the event of a fire alarm in your place of residence it is important that you exit the building each and every time. You can be fined by the Pasadena Fire Department if you do not leave the building. The alarms are there for your safety.
Emergency Notification System
Caltech has contracted with Everbridge Emergency Notification Systems to offer the campus community a more interactive communication resource to use during times of crisis. In addition to receiving Caltech Alerts via the app, the Everbridge Mobile Member will also give you the ability to communicate via text and to send photographs of suspicious persons/events directly to Security.
During an emergency, official information will be posted at www.caltech.edu. Recorded information lines will also be activated during or following an emergency: 1-888-427-7465 or 1-888-427-7512. Multiple methods of communication will be utilized to alert students, staff, faculty, and visitors about a hazardous or dangerous situation on Campus. One important method of communication is the Caltech Emergency Notification System called "Caltech Alerts." The Caltech Emergency Notification System is an alert system that can notify subscribers using four communication methods:
- Voice calls/messages to your home, work and cell phone
- An e-mail to your primary e-mail address
- An SMS text message to your cell phone
- A mobile member alert to your cell phone
Please register at www.access.caltech.edu to receive important alerts. See Emergency Preparedness for information on campus emergency plans, procedures and resources.
Environment, Health and Safety
California is known for its earthquakes. Most earthquakes are relatively small and do not cause any damage. However, everyone should have an earthquake preparedness kit on hand. Should you feel a minor earthquake while on campus, do not become alarmed. Should a major emergency event occur, such as an earthquake, fire, utility failure, or hazardous chemical incident, the Caltech emergency preparedness plan will go into effect. You should follow the directions of the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator as you evacuate your residence or laboratory. For additional information on Caltech's Emergency Management planning, please refer to the Environment Health and Safety website.
Parking
Caltech's parking program is fee based. All vehicles parking on the campus must be registered and display a current parking permit. To register your vehicle, please fill out the Caltech Vehicle Registration form and bring it to the parking office. The campus Parking and Commuter Services office is located at 515 S. Wilson Avenue on the second floor and is open Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. The registration form, Caltech parking regulations, and fee structure may be obtained from the Parking Office.