Ready Slug Videos

The Ready Slug videos discuss a variety of safety and emergency preparedness topics for students, faculty, and staff at UC Santa Cruz. The videos are divided into four series, each focusing on different aspects of campus life and operations; however, all videos contain valuable information. 

Working Slugs – faculty and staff
Campus Slugs – campus life, including on-campus residents
City Slugs – student off-campus residents
Slugs in Motion – pedestrian, bicyclist, and motorist safety on campus

Ready Slug Productions logo.

Santa Cruz Water Safety

Water Safety – The Toilet Bowl

The Toilet Bowl is a small, narrow cove next to Santa Cruz’s famous Steamer Lane surf spot. It’s also one of the most dangerous places to swim in California. Four people have died in the cove in the last five years. In this short educational documentary, learn about the cove and why Santa Cruz lifeguards warn against entering it on even the calmest of days.


Working Slugs Series

Faculty/Staff Emergency Responsibilities

Faculty and staff have responsibility for their own safety as well as for the safety of students under their care. Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education Richard Hughey discusses these responsibility and how to be a Ready Slug while working for the campus.


Campus Slugs Series

Mental Health Awareness

See Something, Say Something, Do Something. A Ready Slug stays aware of their own mental health and those around them. There are many resources to assist the campus community. Don’t be afraid to approach someone you feel may needs a friend.

Suspicious Activity – See Something, Say Something, Do Something

When a Ready Slug sees something out of the ordinary and of concern, they say something and do something. Reporting suspicious activity not only allows emergency personnel to respond to the situation, it demonstrates that we care for one another. It also allows the campus to ensure the safety of others via the CruzAlert system.

How to Handle an On-Campus Medical Emergency

Medical incidents are one of the most common types of emergencies that a student may need to deal with on campus. A Ready Slug knows how to request help and deal with the situation. This video – combined with first aid, CPR and AED training – can help you be more prepared to deal with these situations.

Flu Season Prevention

Staying healthy on a university campus can sometimes be a challenge. During flu season, it is especially important to take extra steps to prevent the spread of disease. A Ready Slug knows how important it is to follow these basic steps to keep the flu at bay.

Sprinkler Systems Keeping you Safe

Sprinkler systems provide valuable protection to campus buildings, but careless actions can lead to damage to sprinkler heads or prevent them from working properly. A Ready Slug never uses sprinkler heads to hang items such as clothes or decorations. Doing so can result in significant water damage and make residential spaces unlivable.

Evacuation

What do you do when the fire alarm sounds? If you’re a Ready Slug, you evacuate. Failing to leave when the fire alarm sounds not only places you – and emergency responders – at risk, it also puts you at risk for student judicial action and possible loss of on-campus housing

Cooking on Campus

Ready Slugs love to cook, but also love to cook safely. Learning to cook in a campus environment can be a challenge and can also be a hazard if not done properly. UCSC firefighters offer tips on how to cook safely and make a delicious meal – not a fire hazard.


Lock Up to Avoid Opportunity Theft

Opportunity theft is the most common crime that occurs on campus. By taking a few simple steps, a Ready Slug can ensure that their laptop, phone and other personal belongings are safe and secure.

Weapons on Campus

It seems simple on the surface, but understanding what is and what isn’t considered a weapon is something every Ready Slug should know. The UCSC Police offer guidance on what the law and UC policy allow – and don’t allow – on campus.


City Slugs Series

Preparing for an Emergency

All emergency response starts with being personally prepared to deal with the emergency. A Ready Slug knows how to make sure they are prepared, with a plan for their residence and some basic supplies to see them through the emergency situation.

Emergency Supplies

An emergency can occur at any time, and a Ready Slug needs to be prepared to deal with the impacts of the situation. Developing a go kit with some basic emergency preparedness supplies can help you to get through the emergency and ensure that your basic needs are

Common Causes of Off-Campus Fires

Fires in off-campus residences are the leading cause of student death nationally. Being fire safe is a critical part of being a Ready Slug. Know the common causes of residential fires and know how to prevent them from starting.

Smoke Detector Maintenance

Do you have working smoke detectors in your home? If you’re a Ready Slug, you do! Watch as the UCSC Fire Department discusses the proper testing and maintenance of these life-saving devices and make sure your smoke detectors are in good working order.

How to Handle an Off-Campus Medical Emergency

Medical incidents are one of the most common types of emergencies that a student may need to deal with in off-campus housing. A Ready Slug knows how to request help and deal with the situation. This video – combined with first aid, CPR and AED training – can help you be more prepared to deal with these situations.

Smoking Safely

If you must smoke, make sure you do it safely. Smoking near upholstered furniture and beds – especially when tired or intoxicated – can lead to tragedy. A Ready Slug knows that if they must smoke, they should do so in a safe, outdoor area free of fire hazards. And remember: smoking is not allowed on campus!

What Is Your Landlord Responsible For?

Did you know that your landlord is responsible for certain basic fire safety precautions in your rental house or apartment? Learn from the Santa Cruz Fire Department what is required of your landlord and be a Ready Slug who knows your renter’s rights.


Slugs in Motion Series

Pedestrian & Bicyclist Safety

Ready Slugs don’t crawl around campus – they walk, bike, drive and ride the bus. Given the size and topographic challenges of our campus, this can present hazards. Know how to be a safe pedestrian or bicyclist and keep from getting hurt while getting to class.


Ready Slug Productions Project Team

The ready slug productions team filming
Behind the scenes images of the filming of the Ready Slug videos.

The UCSC Office of Emergency Management would like to thank the following students, faculty and staff for their assistance in developing the Ready Slug Video series.

Project Manager

Soraya Danesh ’13

Cinematographers

Joe Bourekas ’14
David Murakami ’14

Editors

Shon Bullock ’13
Sam Clevenger ’14
Vanessa Gonzalez ’13

Cast

Richard Hughey, Vice Provost & Dean of Undergraduate Education

Students (graduation year given if known)

Giancarlo Arechiga ’13
Chella Ayala-Hogan
Joe Bourekas ’14
Shon Bullock ’13
Prajan Chauhan ’14
Len Dalit
Soraya Danesh ’13
Jacob Delgado ’13
Paulina Flores Dias
Jack Lester ’13
Chelsea Mattiello ’12
David Murakami ’14
Mahsa Olamai ’13
Ahil PonArul ’13
David Silver
Evelyn Vega

UCSC Fire Department

Jeff Trapp – Fire Chief
Rick Rodewald – Assistant Chief/Campus Fire Marshal
Rosemary Anderson – Business Continuity Planner
Tim Batinovich – Fire Captain
Chris Gaylord – Fire Captain/Campus Emergency Manager
Andy Emhoff – Fire Engineer
Sean McKenna – Fire Engineer
Troy Souza – Fire Engineer
Johnny Fox – Firefighter
Jim Fuller – Firefighter
Brian Thomas – Firefighter/Paramedic

Santa Cruz Fire Department

Dave Sasscer – Fire Inspector

UCSC Police Department

Nader Oweis – Chief of Police
Mark Larson – Police Sergeant
Linda Robinson – Detective
Tony Contreras – Police Officer
Brian Hughes – Police Officer

UCSC Student Health Services

Emile E. Cate, Ph.D. – Counseling Psychologist/SMHI Grant Coordinator
Doylene Chan, Ph.D. – Counseling Psychologist/SMHI Grant Specialist
Beth Hyde – Family Nurse Practitioner/Patient Care Coordinator

Special Thanks to the Film and Digital Media Department

Larry Andrews, Associate Professor
Tamra Schmidt, Undergraduate Advisor
Nicole Rios, Department Assistant

Last modified: Oct 09, 2024