General Safety

  • Be aware of your surroundings and any signs that something appears to be wrong or out of place.
  • Stay in well-lighted areas and walk mid-point between curbs and buildings and away from alleys and bushes when possible.
  • Don't carry extra credit cards or large sums of money.
  • Lock your valuables securely, even in your room.
  • Walk with someone whenever possible. Request an escort when traveling alone at night.
  • Do not risk personal injury if someone forcibly attempts to take your wallet, purse or property.
  • Do carry a whistle or personal alarm and use it when you feel threatened.
  • Keep an inventory of personal property and mark items with your driver's license number and the state.
  • Acquaintance rape happens. Learn the danger signs. Victims suffer significant life disruption.
  • Distance yourself from the misuse of alcohol or drugs; it can be far worse than a bad headache the next morning.
  • Do not attach your ID to your key chain or mark our keys with your name and address.
  • Get to know your neighbors and share information about suspicious activities.
  • Call Campus Security at extension 2113 or 2114 or 2222 in an emergency or to report any crime or suspicious activity.

Art Studio Safety

It is essential for artists to understand studio hazards and how to protect themselves and those working around them. This safety guide provides an overview of the hazards associated with the arts and is intended to help instructors safely orient their students to those hazards. Labor and environmental laws extensively regulate many of these areas. This guide is not intended to replace the safety standards and training required of institutions and their employees. Specific resources pertaining to applicable workplace standards are listed in the reference section at the end of this guide. [by Thomas Ouimet, CIH, CSP]

Download Art Studio Safety Guide

Earthquake Safety

Unlike other emergencies, procedures dealing with an earthquake are less specific. Since earthquake magnitude cannot be predetermined, everyone must initiate emergency precautions within seconds after the initial tremor is felt; assuming the worst case. The best earthquake instructions are to take precautions before the earthquake [e.g. secure or remove objects above you that could fall during an earthquake].

For your convenience, Campus Safety and our insurance company Lockton have prepared a quick tip sheet for earthquake precautions as well as what to do should an earthquake happen while on campus.

If you have any questions about earthquake safety at CalArts, please contact Campus Safety at 661-222-2702.

Download Earthquake Preparedness Tips

Suspicious Mail and Packages

The U.S. Postal Service has provided tips and information on how to recognize a suspicious package and what to do should you notice a suspicious item. 

The Postal Inspection Service’s Poster 84, Suspicious Mail or Packages, illustrates key characteristics of a suspicious or potentially dangerous mail item.

Download USPS poster (PDF)

Office Safety

  • When working late, make sure doors are locked. Let someone know of your location and expected departure time.
  • NEVER prop doors open, even for a short time. Your action could contribute to harm to yourself or someone else.
  • Do not loan your office keys or allow them to be copied.
  • Do not hold a door open for a stranger.
  • Keep your purse, wallet, or other valuables in a locked cabinet or drawer. Office thieves know where to look.

Car Safety

  • Auto theft is a problem nationally as well as on campuses. Take action to safeguard your vehicle.
  • Lock all doors after parking.
  • Help secure your car against grand theft/burglary with an electronic alarm and/or kill switch.
  • Keep a copy of your registration, title, and vehicle ID number in a safe place, separate from your vehicle.
  • Store your valuables out of sight.
  • If you park your car but don't use it regularly, check on it daily.
  • Immediately report thefts, as well as suspicious activity in parking lots or near parked cars, to Campus Security

Conclusion

All members of the CalArts community must cooperate and work hand-in-hand to resolve criminal matters in a timely fashion. By working together the CalArts community can create a safe and secure environment.