The recent wildfires have profoundly affected our Southern California community, and we want to ensure that our campus remains a safe and supportive environment. This page provides updates on campus operations, safety advisories, and resources available to those affected. Please check back regularly for the latest information.

While CSUB is in no immediate danger from wildfires, we recognize the impact of the ongoing situation in our region. The following safety guidelines and resources are provided to ensure the well-being of our employees and students during this challenging time.

• Monitor Air Quality and Stay Indoors
  Check local air quality reports (AirNow) and avoid outdoor activities when air quality is poor. Use air purifiers indoors, and keep windows and doors closed to reduce exposure to smoke.
• Wear Protective Masks
  If you must be outdoors, consider wearing an N95 or P100 mask to help filter out smoke particles. Standard cloth or surgical masks are not nearly as effective against wildfire smoke.
• Stay Informed
  Sign up for campus emergency alerts and monitor updates from trusted sources like Cal Fire and the National Weather Service.
• Prepare for Evacuations
  Have a go-bag ready with essentials like medications, important documents, water, and non-perishable food. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and shelters in your area.
• Limit Physical Activity
  Smoke exposure can irritate the respiratory system and reduce lung function. Minimize strenuous activities, especially if you have preexisting conditions such as asthma or heart disease.
• Access Emergency Support
  Employees: Reach out to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or your benefit provider(s) for resources, counseling, or assistance.
  Students: Contact the Student Health Center for health and counseling support.
• Report Safety Concerns
  Notify University Police or facilities management of any hazards on or near campus.

Campus Operations and Safety

CSUB remains open, but we encourage flexibility during this time. If you are affected by the wildfires, please reach out to your supervisor to discuss specific work accommodations. Stay informed about air quality by monitoring local air quality resources and limit outdoor activities as needed.

Support and Resources for Employees

All employees are eligible to access confidential support and resources through their benefit providers as well as the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Specific details can be found below in the Benefits and Leaves sections.

For student employees, counseling services are available through the Student Health Center to provide emotional support. Campus Recreation and Wellbeing also has a multitude of resources available to support various aspects of personal wellbeing.

CSU employees and their family members who are impacted by the recent disasters in California may be eligible to receive one or more of the following benefits and/or leaves:

Benefits

CalPERS Health Plans – Accessing Care During a Disaster
CalPERS health plans have provided information for members who may be impacted and/or displaced during a natural disaster. The CalPERS website includes an FAQ that answers several critical questions such as continuity of care, network access, prescription fulfillment and facility closures.

LifeMatters by Empathia - Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
LifeMatters by Empathia is a free, confidential counseling service that can assist employees with recovering from the emotional and physical impact of natural disasters. Empathia offers information on evacuating and rebuilding. Additional resources include referrals to local non-profit organizations, along with community-based support. The toll-free number for LifeMatters is (800) 367-7474. Employees will need to have their campus specific password to access. 

Empathia has created a resource site for those impacted by the California wildfires - please visit sfas.support and use event code: LAFIRES2025

California Casualty Auto, Home & Renters Insurance
If CSU policy holders need assistance in filing a claim, California Casualty as updated messaging on their website, CalCas.com. To get assistance, employees can call (800) 800-9410 and choose option 4, or log in to their account portal to file a claim. If employees do not have an online account set up, they will need to set one up. Employees can also review their article Navigating Your Insurance Claims Process and Taking Care of You for more information.

Health Advocate℠ Resources through The Standard
In partnership with The Standard, anyone impacted by the California wildfires can access on demand support via Health Advocate℠ by calling (866) 799-2921. Health Advocate℠ can provide resources regarding shelter, aid and more. There is no charge to call the Health Advocate℠ team. Learn more on their flyer.

ARAG Legal Insurance
Policy holders who have questions about the insurance coverage(s) on their properties can get access to Immediate Advice attorneys who can provide assistance as needed. Members can reach Immediate Advice Attorneys by calling ARAG Customer Care at (800) 247-4184. Additional resources can be found in these articles: Help During a Natural Disaster and Six Legal Tips After A Disaster.

VSP Vision Insurance
Impacted VSP members can receive no-cost eye care and replacement eyewear if your eyewear was lost in the recent wildfires. Any VSP member who has lost or broken their eyewear due to the LA fires can call our Member Services Support Line at (800) 877-7195 to have their VSP benefits reinstated regardless of eligibility. Individuals without VSP coverage can contact their local American Red Cross chapter or shelter or call (800) RED-CROSS (800) 733-2767 to ask about support for replacement eyewear, which may include VSP Eyes of Hope gift certificates or an alternative solution. Learn more on VSP’s website.

Delta Dental Insurance
Delta Dental affirms their commitment to provide access to care and assistance to impacted members during this difficult time. Delta Dental will make accommodations for our Los Angeles and Ventura County members impacted by the fires including but not limited to authorization of replacement of dental equipment (retainers, dentures, partials) and access to an appropriate out-of-network provider, if an in-network provider is unavailable due to the state of emergency and/or displacement. Any member who has special or extenuating circumstances as a result of the fires should call Delta Dental Customer Service for assistance at (800) 626-3108.

Supplemental Retirement Plan – 403(b) 
If employees have a 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan account through Fidelity Investments, they may be eligible to withdraw money from their account under certain circumstances, even while still working. Certain taxes and penalties may apply. To learn more and see what options may be available, employees can visit Fidelity’s website. Participants can also review their Southern California Fires document.

Savings Plus Program – 401(k)/457(b) 
If employees have a Savings Plus supplemental retirement savings account, they may be eligible to withdraw money from their account under certain circumstances, even while still working. Employees can visit the Savings Plus website to see what options may be available. Certain taxes and penalties may apply. To learn more, employees can go to Savings Plus website.

 

Leaves

Unpaid Leave of Absence (LOA), including Family Medical Leave
An approved unpaid leave of absence allows employees to take time off work with a mandatory right of return when the leave ends. For more information, please email the benefits office at benefits@csub.edu. 

Catastrophic Leave Donation Program
The CSU Catastrophic Leave Donation Program allows employees who have exhausted their leave credits and must miss work due to a prolonged illness or injury (including that of an eligible family member) to request approval of catastrophic leave. Catastrophic Leave can also be for natural disaster and state of emergency. This leave can be applied to an employee whose principal residence is located in a county where a state of emergency has been declared by the Governor, is unable to work due to the effect of the natural disaster/state of emergency on the recipient employee’s principal residence and who faces financial hardship because the employee has exhausted accrued leave credits. Please email the benefits office for additional information at benefits@csub.edu.