Emergency Management

What to Do in Case of... Earthquake

The Puget Sound region is seismically active, with hundreds of earthquakes occurring every year. Most of these earthquakes are so small they can only be detected by sensitive instruments. However, damaging earthquakes have occurred in this region during the past 130 years. The danger and risks of earthquakes can be reduced if people know what actions to take before, during and after an earthquake.

Before

Make sure shelves are secure and designed with latching doors or raised edges to prevent objects from falling.

Top-heavy furniture and equipment must be bolted to walls or floor. (Physical Plant can assist with these measures.)

Store breakables and heavy objects on lower shelves. Overhead lights, heavy artwork, and mirrors need to be anchored (by Physical Plant).

Academic Aftershocks: January 17, 1995, One Year After the Northridge Earthquake: California State University, Northridge (video, 46 minutes)

Administrators, faculty and staff members, and emergency response professionals discuss the Northridge earthquake's affect on the California State University, Northridge campus. Developed by the California Office of Emergency Services and California State University, Hayward, the video examines the crucial issues on the campus in the hours, days, and weeks following the disaster: securing the campus; emergency communications; obtaining recovery materials and equipment; hazardous material incidents; assessing structural safety; acquiring temporary classroom and administration facilities; and re-opening the campus. The documentary also addresses the need for updated emergency plans, training for faculty and staff, and frequent and regular campus exercises.

1906 San Francisco Quake (streaming video)

While covering what happened in CA, similar impacts and effects will occur from a Seattle Fault Earthquake. This 14min video shows what happened in 1906, what has been learned since, and what still needs to be done. Potential for lives lost, property damage and economic impacts are similar to the Central Puget Sound, but we can take action to minimize our risk. This video created for the Quake '06 Conference commemorating 100 years since the true "Big One", a 7.8 quake."

What to Do During an Earthquake (Quiz)

"What to Do During an Earthquake -- Click here for a fun and informative 10 question mini-quiz on what to do -- and not to do -- during and immediately after an earthquake. Test your knowledge and see how seismically-smart you really are. "

UW Community Earthquake Awareness Training (PowerPoint Presentation)

Click here for a self-running Powerpoint presentation that describes the earthquake threat in Western Washington. The slideshow contains interesting facts, figures and fun activities to prepare you, your family and workplace for the eventuality of a large-scale earthquake.

Store flammable liquids in flammable liquids storage cabinets.

During

If INDOORS, stay indoors. Move away from windows that may break and furniture or large objects that could fall over. Take cover under a table, bench or desk and hold on, or go to an interior wall or hallway. Expect fire alarm and sprinkler systems to activate.

If you're in a CROWDED ROOM OR PUBLIC PLACE, do not rush for exits. If outdoors, stay outdoors. Move to an open area away from trees, buildings, utility poles and lines, or signs.

If in a VEHICLE, pull to the side of the road as quickly as possible, but keep away from overhead hazards such as trees, buildings, utility poles and lines, signs, and bridges. Stay in the vehicle until the shaking stops.

If you're in a THEATER OR STADIUM, stay in your seat or get under it if possible, and protect your head with your arms. Do not try to leave until the shaking is over.

After

UW Seattle Building Emergency and Evacuation Procedures After an Earthquake. Click here for detailed instructions on what building occupants and Building Evacuation Directors should do immediately after an earthquake on the Seattle campus. This step-by-step checklist provides basic information for building evaluation and staff/student guidance

Only after the shaking stops, evacuate cautiously, taking your keys, wallet, purse, coat, and any emergency supplies.

On your way out, look for signs of building damage or for persons who are injured or trapped. Watch for falling objects as you leave the building.

Go to your department Evacuation Assembly Point, tell your supervisor or department floor warden that you are out of the building and report injured or trapped persons and any signs of building damage you observed.

Turn on a battery-powered or vehicle radio if available for information.

If possible, do not use the phone for local calls, except emergencies, during the first 15-30 minutes after the earthquake. Overloading the phone system with calls may delay the delivery of emergency assistance.

Additional Information

Affirmation of "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" in an Earthquake at: http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/eq_during.shtm
Your department Health and Safety/Emergency Plan available from your supervisor.
Environmental Health and Safety website: http://www.ehs.washington.edu/psotrain/corsdesc.shtm#eqdisasterprep
Washington State Emergency Management website: http://emd.wa.gov/hazards/haz_earthquakes.shtml
American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/services/0,1103,0_313_,00.html
Federal Emergency Management: http://www.fema.gov
Department of Homeland Security: http://www.ready.gov/
The Truth about the "Triangle-of-Life" Theory: http://www.disaster-zone.com/2008/05/triangle-of-life-internet-rumors-and.html

Keeping Updated

UW Information Line (recorded message) 206-UWS-INFO, Toll Free: 1-866-897-INFO
"Red Alerts" on UW Home page http://www.washington.edu/
Your supervisor, department/college administrator or building coordinator
KIRO 710 AM (Emergency Alert System)