Emergency Procedures: Earthquake
IF INDOORS DURING AN EARTHQUAKE
- DROP to the ground
- TAKE COVER by moving under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture
- HOLD ON until shaking stops
- If you cannot take cover under a piece of furniture, tuck your head into your knees and cover your head with your arms
- Evacuate only after shaking has stopped and it is safe to do so
- DO NOT USE ELEVATORS
IF OUTDOORS DURING AN EARTHQUAKE
- Remain outdoors; DO NOT enter a building
- Move away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and utility wires
- Drop to your knees and into fetal position, close your eyes, and cross your arms over the back of your neck for protection
- Remain in this position until shaking stops
- Stay in an open area; the greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at building exits, and alongside exterior walls
IF IN A VEHICLE DURING AN EARTHQUAKE
- Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle
- Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires
- Proceed cautiously once shaking has stopped
- Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake
AFTER SHAKING STOPS
- DO NOT USE MATCHES/LIGHTERS OR OTHER SOURCES OF IGNITION
- Power outages may occur; fire alarms and sprinkler systems may be activated
- If possible, provide assistance to persons with disabilities who may need it or alert emergency responders to their location
- Do not enter any building that has been deemed or appears to be unsafe
- Leave the area if you smell gas or chemical fumes
- Be prepared for aftershocks
- If you are properly trained and able, provide first aid to victims
- DO NOT move the seriously injured unless they are in immediate danger of further injury
- Open doors carefully
- Watch for falling objects
- Avoid using telephones unless reporting an emergency
Call USC Police at 911 and tell the dispatcher:
- Your location
- Status of the victim (conscious, breathing, bleeding)
- Any visible injuries
- Stay on the phone until released by the dispatcher
IF TRAPPED IN A BUILDING
- DO NOT USE MATCHES/LIGHTERS OR OTHER SOURCES OF IGNITION
- Cover your nose and mouth with cloth to protect against dust
- If you are properly trained, provide first aid to victims
- Do not move about or kick up dust
- Signal for help by whistling or tapping on the building
- Shout only as a last resort
Call USC Police at 911 and tell the dispatcher:
- Your location
- Status of the victim (conscious, breathing, bleeding)
- Any visible injuries
- Stay on the phone until released by the dispatcher
PREPARE FOR AN EARTHQUAKE
- Fasten shelves securely to walls
- Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves
- Store breakable items such as bottled foods and glass in low, closed cabinets with latches
- Hang heavy items such as pictures or mirrors away from beds, couches, and any other seating areas