Environmental Health & Safety

Earthquake Safety

The best way to stay safe during an earthquake is to be prepared.

Plan Ahead

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• Take notice of the environment, building, and rooms where you spend much of your time.
• Identify the best areas to take protective cover during an earthquake as well as the possible exits from the building.
• Notice items that may fall on you or block your exits, such as cabinets, bookshelves, and ceiling lights.
• Place large and heavy objects on lower shelves. Securely fasten shelves to walls.
• Have a flashlight, a battery-powered radio, and spare batteries in case the power is off.
• Have a first aid kit available. Know who in your department is certified in First Aid, CPR, and AED skills.
• Go to the emergency assembly point once the building has been evacuated. (See the Emergency Assembly Point map.)
  
• Stay away from buildings, power lines, and trees.
• See more information for earthquake mitigation here.
  

During an Earthquake

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1. STAY where you are! Do not rush to an exit as it may be blocked and you could have little or no protection.
2. DROP to the floor, under a desk or sturdy table. Standing along an interior wall or door may be another safe option. Stay away from windows, filing cabinets, bookcases, overhead fixtures or objects that may fall or collapse.
3. COVER.
4. HOLD onto the desk or table. If it moves, move with it.

1. MOVE away from buildings, trees, and electrical lines. Falling debris outside doorways and close to outer walls of buildings poses a severe hazard.

1. PULL OVER slowly to the side of the road and stop. Stay in the vehicle until the shaking stops.

After an Earthquake

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Aftershocks: Be prepared for earthquake aftershocks. Although most of these are smaller than the main shock, some may be large enough to cause additional damage.

• Be sure the shaking has stopped.
  
• Assess which exits appear safest.
• See if anyone within sight needs assistance.
• If possible, retrieve the nearest first aid kit as well as your emergency supplies kit and any personal valuables.
• Replace your telephone receiver in its cradle.

• For your building:
• Conduct a head count to see if anyone from your group is missing.
• Check for injuries. Do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Do not take injured persons to the Health Center. Emergency personnel will be coordinating all responses to emergency health situations.
• Check utilities. Earth movements may have broken gas, electrical, water, and sewage lines. If you notice such damage, please report it to Campus Safety at x7911. They will contact Facilities Management to shut off power, gas, or water to the building.
• Do not touch downed power lines or objects touched by downed power lines.
• Do not eat or drink anything from an open container located near shattered glass.
• Do not re-enter buildings until they have been officially determined to be safe.
• Refrain from making phone calls so emergency communication can take place.