Emergency Preparedness

Earthquake Information

 

Drop, Cover, and Hold On 

  1. DROP to the ground.

  2. Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk/table or crouching down close to a wall. Remember to cover your head and stay clear of falling objects.

  3. HOLD ON until the "shaking" stops (2 to 5 minutes). Remember, there may be aftershocks.

  4. If outside, stay clear of falling objects and power lines.

  • If indoors, stay there. Get under a desk or table and hold on, or stand in a corner. Do not go in a doorway. Protect your head, neck, and face.

  • If driving, pull over to the side of the road and stop. Avoid overpasses and power lines. Stay in the vehicle until the shaking is over.

  • If in a high-rise building, stay away from windows and outside walls. Get under a desk or table and hold on. Do not attempt to use elevators.

  • If in a crowded public place, do not rush for the doors. Move away from windows and shelves containing objects that could fall.

  • After the shaking subsides, turn off computers; unplug electrical equipment; replace telephone handsets; go outdoors; and stay clear of buildings, walls, power lines, and trees.

  • Follow the procedures in this manual for Fire, Hazardous Materials, and Serious Injuries as necessary.

  • Identify and assist the injured.

  • Keep phone lines clear except when necessary to report serious hazards or injuries.

  • Do not return to an evacuated building unless directed to do so by College Police or public agency personnel.

  • It is possible that roads will be blocked and impassable. Be prepared to stay where you are for a few hours or for several days depending upon your location.

Wherever you are, protect yourself! You may be in situation where you cannot find shelter beneath furniture (or against a wall). It is important to think about what you will do to protect yourself wherever you are. For example, what if you are driving, in a theater, in bed, at the beach, etc.?

Unless it is safe to do so and the earthquake has stopped, do not move to another location or outside. Earthquakes occur without any warning and may be so violent that you cannot run or crawl. You are more likely to be injured if you try to move around during a strong earthquake or aftershock.

In a stadium or theater: Stay at your seat and drop to the floor between rows and protect your head and neck with your arms. Don’t try to leave until the shaking is over. Once it is safe to do so, walk out slowly watching for anything that could fall on you during an aftershock.

Earthquake Safety (PE and Dance Areas)

Resources