Safety and Security

Earthquakes

Drop, Cover, & Hold!

Regardless of your location on campus (hallway, classroom, multi-story building or outside) it is important to know what to do and how to protect yourself during an earthquake. Practice what to do in the event of an earthquake and teach yourself how to react automatically when the shaking starts.

If you are outside when the shaking starts, get into an open area away from trees, buildings, walls, and power lines. Remain in the clear until the shaking stops. If you are on a sidewalk near a building, duck into a doorway to protect yourself from falling bricks, glass, plaster, or other debris. Once the shaking stops, move to an assigned assembly point and await instructions from the command center.

Procedures Inside Buildings

Drop
Drop down to the floor.

Cover
Take cover under a sturdy desk, table, or other furniture.  If that is not possible seek cover against an interior wall. Protect your head and neck with your arms. Avoid danger spots near windows, hanging objects, mirrors, or tall furniture.

Hold
If you take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, HOLD on to it and be prepared to move with it. Hold the position until the ground stops shaking and it is safe to move.

High-Rise or Multi-Story Buildings

If you are in a multi story building and an earthquake hits, follow the drop, cover and hold procedures. If you are not near a desk or table, move against an interior wall, and protect your head with your arms. Do not be surprised if the fire alarm or sprinkler system is activated. Once the shaking has stopped and it is safe to move, evacuate the building as quickly as possible. Do not use the elevators.

Additional Information

If you are in a wheelchair, stay in it. Move to cover if possible, lock your wheels, and protect your head with your arms.

Be prepared for the possibility of a tsunami.

Injured/Trapped

Once the shaking has stopped, and you have been injured or are trapped in a building/room by falling debris, yell for help to notify others of your situation. If a window is available, hang a piece of clothing out the window to alert others of your location.

Once the shaking has stopped and it is safe to move, move to your designated assembly point and await instructions from the command center.

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