9-1-1 is the nationwide emergency number. Should you ever need to call, be ready to report details, beginning with the nature of the emergency and the exact location (address).
In San Diego County (including UC San Diego) you can now Text to 9-1-1. Calling is still the fastest way to reach 9-1-1.
However, texting may be the better option if you are:
- hard of hearing, non-verbal or have difficulty speaking
- in a situation where it's not safe to call 9-1-1 for help
- having a medical emergency and cannot speak on the phone
Links to information:
You can also contact your local Police Departments for for non-immediate emergencies.
During normal business hours:The International Faculty & Scholars Office (IFSO) is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (e
xcluding holidays). For immigration-related emergencies contact our reception desk at
(858) 246-1448.
After hours or during holiday closures:The UC San Diego Police department can be contacted at
(858) 534-HELP (4357) with immigration-related emergencies when IFSO is closed (after hours or during a holiday closure). The UC San Diego Police department will contact an IFSO staff member to assist you with your immigration-related emergency.
The UCSD Campus Police provides escort service (someone to accompany you) to and from campus locations at night. Safety escort service is offered year-round (365 days) from sunset to 4:00am.
- Call (858) 534-9255 or (858) 534-WALK.
- Call extension 4-WALK or (858) 534-9255, or
- Use the Tapride app, available for download on iPhone/iPad and Android
For additional information, visit https://police.ucsd.edu/services/cso.html.
Just like many places around the world, it is always a good idea to be careful about crime anywhere. Basic keys to safety in unfamiliar places are knowledge and prevention. With sufficient knowledge about how to protect yourself and your property, and how to avoid taking unnecessary risks, it is possible to better prevent being a victim of crime. Common sense safety behaviors include:
- Never carry large sums of money. Never tempt a thief by displaying money in public. All large amounts of money brought from your home country should be deposited in a bank shortly after arriving in the USA.
- Never leave valuable things visible in a car. Items like luggage, money, cellphones, computers, and other electronics are tempting to criminals and easy to steal. If needed, hide valuables in the trunk of the car.
- There are pickpockets in any large city in the world. Pickpockets are skilled at identifying vulnerable people who may be displaying valuables, and then coming close enough to steal the valuables without being noticed. Handbags should be kept closed; wallets should be protected. Bags or backpacks left unattended may be stolen.
- Report any incidents of robbery or harassment on campus to the Campus Police by using the blue courtesy phones located around campus. Call 911 for EMERGENCIES whether on-campus or off- campus.
- Some areas of San Diego are safer than others. Check with friends about the areas to avoid. There is a difference in Day Safety and Night Safety: some places are safe during daylight, but less safe at night.
- There is safety in numbers in the city, especially at night. Going out with friends is safer than going out alone. When someone knocks on the door, make sure you know who it is before opening the door. Keep curtains closed at night and when no one is home, so people cannot look inside.
- Always lock the door and windows of the house/apartment/room and car, even if leaving for only a minute.
- Have keys ready upon entering your house or apartment.
- Be cautious about giving out a personal address or telephone number to unfamiliar people.
- Always remember to dial 911 for fire, police, or ambulance services. Keep this number near the phone.
UC San Diego publishes an annual campus security report (Clery Report) which includes data regarding crime statistics on and around campus for the past three years.
For information on these statistics visit the http://police.ucsd.edu/alerts/clery.html.
Crisis Hotlines
Telephone lines that can be called to find out information during times of crisis.
Campus leaders will use the campus-wide emergency system to notify you in the event of an emergency affecting campus. Experts advise that staff, faculty and students prepare to be on their own for up to 72 hours should an emergency or disaster occur. Emergency Supplies should include food, water and other supplies
For more information on emergency preparedness, please visit the following links:
- Emergency Preparedness:
- Wildfire Preparedness:
- Earthquake Preparedness
- Helpful Applications that can be downloaded onto your phone:
Medical Emergencies
During a medical emergency, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Room or Urgent Care facility. A medical emergency is generally defined as a sudden, serious and unexpected illness, injury or condition, including severe pain, requiring immediate medical attention.
La Jolla Urgent Care
8910 Villa La Jolla Drive
La Jolla, CA 92037
800-926-8273
Map and Directions
UC San Diego La Jolla Emergency
Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center
9434 Medical Center Drive
La Jolla CA, 92037
858-657-7600
UC San Diego Hillcrest Emergency
UC San Diego Medical Center
200 W. Arbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92103
Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla ER
Level II Trauma Center
(Located inside Prebys Cardiovascular Institute)
9888 Genesee Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-626-4123