Earth Quake Safety Tips

At first indication of ground shaking: TAKE "QUAKE SAFE" ACTION:

1                      Stay where you are.

2                      Protect yourself: Drop to the floor. Cover yourself. Hold on to your shelter.

3                      Be aware of items that might fall. Move away from windows and heavy objects.

4                      Don't enter or exit a building during shaking due to danger from falling debris.

 

Inside:

1                      Place your head between your knees to protect your face from flying glass or objects.

2                      Crouch under a table or desk away from the windows and hold on.

3                      Physically locate yourself away from windows in the innermost corner of the room.

4                      Avoid bracing yourself in an inner doorway because of possible injury from the moving door.

5                     Don't use elevators during a quake.

 

Outside:

1                      Move far away from buildings to avoid being struck with broken glass or debris.

2                      Stay away from utility poles, power lines, and trees.

 

In a vehicle:

1                      Drive away from underpasses and overpasses. Avoid buildings and utility wires.

2                      Stay in the vehicle until the shaking stops.

3                      When shaking stops, proceed cautiously. Avoid bridges and elevated structures.

 

In a classroom or laboratory:

1                      Turn off gas burners. Extinguish open flames. Beware of hazardous chemicals.

2                      Faculty are to remain in control of their classes. Keep students inside until the shaking has stopped unless an identified hazard such as fire or toxic fumes exist.

 

In an auditorium:

1                      Crouch in the aisles of the auditorium or large lecture hall. Cover your head and neck.

2                      Stay calm, and urge others to stay calm.

 

After an Earthquake: STAY CALM. THINK OF CONSEQUENCES.

1                      Recognize that if you are inside, the electricity and lights are probably out.

2                      Don't move a seriously injured person unless he or she is in danger of further injury.

3                      Be prepared for additional, likely milder earthquake shocks as they may cause additional damage.

4                      Don't use a telephone except for a true emergency.

5                      Check for fires and fire hazards. Don't use candles around natural gas breaks.

6                      Report gas, water, and sewer breaks to Facilities Management or University Police.

7                      Don't use any elevator unless it has been checked.

8                      Wear shoes to avoid injury from broken glass.

9                      Don't eat or drink from open containers because they may contain broken glass.

10                  Don't drink from taps unless you have been told the lines are safe.

11                  Don't flush toilets unless Facilities Management or Police has told you that sewage lines are intact. Watch for downed power lines.