Get Prepared

Preparedness Starts Here...

1. Confirm your PSU Alert preferences: This is the single most important thing you can do. PSU Alerts are the fastest way to receive official campus safety information via text.
   • Action: Log into myPSU and ensure you are opted into Text Messages.
   • Pro-Tip: Add psualert@notify.pdx.edu to your contacts so alerts never hit your spam folder.
2. Make a Plan: PSU Emergency Pocket Plan: What is your backup plan? Don't wait for a crisis to decide what to do. Our customized pocket guide is designed specifically for the PSU community.
   • Action: Download & Print: I am VIKING READY Pocket Plan (PDF)
   • Pro-Tip: Complete this plan with your community (roommates, office-mates, or family).
   • Live off Campus?: Fill out the "Alternate Commute Plan" section.
3. Know Who to Call: Seconds count. Add these numbers to your favorites now so you don't have to look them up later.
   • Immediate Threats to Life & Safety: Call 9-1-1 immediately for crimes in progress or medical emergencies.
   • Campus Emergency Line (CPSO) Emergency: 503-725-5911. For urgent campus-specific safety assistance.
   • Campus Non-Emergency Assistance: CPSO Crime Reporting Tool to keep emergency phone lines open for active, life-safety crises or call CPSO at 503-725-4407 for information or non-urgent help.
   • Off-Campus Non-Emergency: Call the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) at 503-823-3333.
   • Support & Wellness: If you are concerned about a student or colleague submit a PSU Cares Referral
4. Know What to Do (Emergency Procedures):  Every building on campus is different. Familiarize yourself with our standard responses before you need them.
   • Action: Review the Campus Emergency Procedures.
   • Go Deeper: Check out detailed specific hazard information (including winter weather, wildfire smoke, earthquakes, suspicious activity, active threat, and more.
   • Key Skills: Make sure you know...
     • Difference between "Evacuate" and "Shelter-in-Place."
     • Evacuation Routes and Assembly points
5. Build Your Community & Get Involved: Don't navigate disruptions alone. We are in this together. Connect with a neighbor, colleague, or friend today.
   • Ask Yourself: Who will I call? Who can help? Who is counting on me?
6. Review Campus Closure Guidance:  Portland weather and city-wide events can be unpredictable. Understand how decisions are made regarding unexpected closures.
   • Action: Read  Campus Closure Guidance to see how it affects your classes, work, and campus services.

What's New in 2026? (We Heard You)

We’ve updated our resources based on community feedback to make preparedness easier for everyone.

1. PSU Preparedness Pocket Plan: "I Am Viking Ready:" We built this based on your feedback to ensure you have a plan that works even when cell towers are down or batteries are dead. Portable, fillable, and specifically designed for the PSU community.
2. Refreshed Hazard-Specific Guides: new and updated resources for Inclement Weather, Wildfire Smoke, Active Threat, and Earthquakes.
3. Tailored Faculty & Researcher Resources:  Includes a recommended"Syllabus Safety " template and guidance for classrooms, labs and and off-site field research.
4. Continuity Planning: Manage a department? Check out our expanded Continuity Planning Resources for guidance and templates to help us keep critical services running during a campus disruption.
5. Crisis Communication’s Plan: We posted our plan and an overview online so you can learn how PSU communicates during an emergency.
6. New CPSO Online Reporting Tool: Use this for non-emergency crimes (theft, vandalism) to help campus dispatchers  keep phone lines open for active emergencies.

Preparedness Resources & Topics

At PSU, your safety is our top priority. Whether you’re a student, faculty, or staff member, being prepared helps us all stay safe. This page provides the essentials for building personal preparedness skills. Explore these resources and tips to help you confidently respond to emergencies, protect yourself, and support our community.

Do you Have Preparedness Ideas or Feedback? We are constantly working to break down barriers to preparedness. If you have ideas to improve campus safety or have questions about our resources, contact PSU Emergency Management.