Both the University Park and Health Sciences campuses are outfitted with supplies and equipment to help maintain the safety of students, faculty and staff in the aftermath of a disaster or other emergency.

Building Emergency Supply Kits

Every building is equipped with two emergency supply kits, one containing first-aid supplies and the other general emergency supplies and tools.

First-aid Supplies

First-aid supplies for use in an emergency are maintained at various locations on the University Park and Health Sciences campuses.

Emergency Response Equipment

Electrical power generators, emergency lights, emergency tools and special evacuation chairs for disabled persons have been placed at strategic campus locations.

USC also maintains several emergency-response vehicles:

• Staffed by the Hazardous Materials Response Team, the university's hazardous materials vehicles ensure that USC can respond independently to chemical spills and other hazardous materials releases in any of its 1,500 campus research laboratories.
• In the event that the Los Angeles Fire Department is unable to respond, USC's mini-pumper truck can connect to a standard fire hydrant or draw water from a pool. The truck's pump has the ability to pump 500 gallons of water a minute as well as to apply foam from the pre-connected hose.

Water Filtration

If the public water supply becomes contaminated, USC has water filtration trailers on both campuses that can provide clean water for drinking, first aid and cooking for up to seven days.

Food Reserves and Supply

USC has stockpiled ready-to-eat meals and food bars on both the University Park and Health Sciences campuses sufficient to provide 30,000 meals, providing the university community with food for up to three days. USC also has agreements with local food suppliers to prioritize deliveries to campus in the event of a major emergency.