Earthquake Safety Guide

Earthquakes in our university may be inevitable, but damage from them may be reduced. Here are the steps you take before, during, and after an earthquake that will help make you safer and reduce injuries, damages, and losses.

BEFORE an earthquake

a. Be familiar with places where you can take cover, exit routes, and evacuation assembly areas, especially if you are new to the place.
b. If you are an occupant of a room, secure furniture and materials that can injure people.

DURING an earthquake

If you are inside a building/structure:

a. Immediately “DROP/DUCK, COVER AND HOLD“.

  • DUCK/ DROP down onto your hands and knees before the earthquake knocks you down. This position protects you from falling but allows you to still move if necessary
  • COVER your head and neck (or your entire body if possible) and take shelter under a sturdy table, desk, or chair. If none is available, get down near an interior wall or beside low-lying furniture that will not fall on you, and protect your head and neck with your arms and hands. In places like auditoriums, stadiums, or theaters, stay between seating rows or duck at your seat, shielding your head and neck with your arms.
  • HOLD on to your shelter or continue covering your head and neck until the shaking stops. Be prepared to move with your shelter if the shaking shifts it around. Do not try to leave until the shaking is over. Then walk out slowly watching out for anything that could fall in the aftershocks

Note to wheelchair users: Apply the brake. Cover your head with your arms. Ask for assistance.

b. Stay inside under cover until shaking stops. Do not run or panic.

c. Watch for falling objects and move away from danger areas, such as glass windows, hanging objects, and tall or unsecured furniture (bookcases, cabinets and appliances/equipment). Research or process equipment containing hazardous chemicals, as most casualties during earthquakes result from falling materials.

d. As you leave the area, and if it safe to do so, turn off and disconnect power to equipment containing hazardous materials. The last person to exit in the area will be most responsible to do this.

e. Take note of any unsafe conditions, trapped personnel, or other hazards to be reported when you evacuate to your Evacuation Assembly Area.

If you are outside a structure:

a. Stay outside.

b. Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, electrical/overhead wires, and other hazards.

c. If forced to stand near a building, watch out for falling objects.

If you are in a vehicle:

a. Stop your vehicle in the nearest open area without blocking the driveway.

b. Do not stop under bridges, overpasses or overhead wires.

c. Stay in the vehicle until the shaking stops.

AFTER an earthquake

When evacuating:

a. After the shaking stops, evacuate to the designated evacuation assembly area for the building you are in.

b. Take your emergency supplies, car keys, purse and/or wallet with you. You may not be able to re-enter the building.

c. Leave doors unlocked.

In the unlikely event that you are trapped in a building:

a. Stay calm.

b. If a window is available, place an article of clothing (shirt/coat) outside the window as a marker for rescue teams.

c. If there is no window, regularly use your whistle or tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can locate you.

d. If possible, use a flashlight or whistle to signal your location to rescuers.

e. If available, pull the manual fire alarm.

f. Shout only as a last resort (to prevent dust inhalation, preserve your energy and voice.)

Source : CSU Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office

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