How to Prepare For and Survive an Earthquake

LINK TO EMERGENCY CHECKLISTS

EARTHQUAKES:

In Southern California, every day is "earthquake season". There is no cycle of earthquake occurrence - they can happen at any time. CSUN values its employees and wants each to be prepared.

EMPLOYEE PREPAREDNESS:

Employee preparedness begins at home. How well you and your family survuve an earthquake often depends upon how well you prepare beforehand. The informaiton provided here can be applied to emergency planning at home as well as in the work place.

BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE:

• Conduct a home hazard hunt - know the safe and danger spots. Know how to shut off utilities. Secure water heater and major appliances, tall, heavy furniture, pictures and mirrors. Heep flamable or hazardous liquid and heavy objects in secured cabinets or on lower shelves.
• Create a family emergency plan. Include a communication plan so family members know how to reach each other; select an out-of-state contact for everyone to vcall to report their whereabouts; evacuation routes; where the family will meet to reunite if separated during the quake. Practice your plan!
• Create an emergency kit of food, water and supplies for your home, car, and your workplace.
• Learn first aid and CPR.

During an Earthquake:

DUCK - Duck or drop down on the floor.

COVER - Take cover under a sturdy desk, table or other furnture. If that isnot possible, seek cover against an interior wall and 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.

• If you are in a HALLWAY, drop to the floor against an interior wall - protect your head and neck with your arms.
• If you are with STUDENTS, shout "EARTHQUAKE! DUCK, COVER AND HOLD!" Students should drop between the rows of classroom seats or under tables.
• DO NOT enter or EXIT THE BUILDING during the shaking - there is danger from falling debris.
• If you are OUTDOORS, find a spot away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines. Drop to the ground and stay there until the shaking stops. DO NOT return to your building until authorized.
• DO NOT use the ELEVATORS.
• IN A CAR - stop in the safest place away from underpasses/overpasses, bridges, etc. STAY IN THE VEHICLE until the shaking stops.

After an Earthquake:

• After the shaking stops, check for injuries and administer first aid if necessary and if qualified. DO NOT move victims unless absolutely necessary.
• REplace telephone handsets that have been shaken off. DO NOT use telephones except to report fires or medical emergencies.
• DO NOT use matches or other open flames.
• Upon notification, by emergency personnel (building marshals, police, fire personnel) evacuate the building to your designated evacuation site.
• Assist persons with disabilities.
• Notify emergency personnel as soon as possible of the location of anyone unable to evacuate the building.
• DO NOT use elevators in the building.
• DO NOT return to an evacuated building unless directed to do so by an emergency
• DO NOT enter a pearking structure until you are told it is safe by emergency personnel.
• Try to stay calm and assist others,
• Cooperate with emergency personnel
• Be prepared for AFTERSHOCKS!