Earthquake

On this page:

• Introduction
• Definitions
• Preparing for an Earthquake
• Procedures during an Earthquake
• After the Earthquake

Introduction

This Emergency Action Plan (EAP) outlines the appropriate actions that employees, students, and visitors at Wright State University should take before, during, and after an earthquake. 

Definitions

• Aftershock - An earthquake of similar or lesser intensity that follows the main earthquake.
• Earthquake - A sudden slipping or movement of a portion of the earth’s crust accompanied and followed by a series of vibrations.

Preparing for an Earthquake

Earthquakes cannot be predicted.  The following are best practices to prepare for earthquakes.

• Consider maintaining an emergency supply kit for your office.  Recommendations on contents can be found at http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes/supplies.asp
• Store heavy or breakable objects in closed cabinets, as low as possible.
• Secure refrigerators, book shelves, appliances, bookcases and other heavy items to prevent them from falling during an earthquake.
• Evaluate where hanging objects are placed.  Mirrors, pictures, or other hangings near seating or sleeping areas could fall and cause injury.  Arrange these items so they do not pose a fall hazard to those below.
• Participate in the nationwide annual earthquake drill, “The Great Shakeout” to learn how to drop, cover, and hold on. 
• Students with disabilities should refer to the “Students with Disabilities Emergency Plan” available from the Office of Disability Services.

Procedures during an Earthquake

If inside when the shaking starts:

• Drop, cover, and hold on.  Move as little as possible.
• If you’re in bed, stay there.  Curl up and hold on.  Protect your head with a pillow.
• Stay away from windows to avoid being injured by shattered glass.
• Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit.  If you must leave the building after the shaking stops, use stairs rather than an elevator in case there are aftershocks, power outages, or other damage.

If outside when the shaking starts:

• Find a clear spot and drop to the ground.  Stay there until the shaking stops (away from buildings, power lines, trees, streetlights).
• If you are in a vehicle pull over to a clear location and stop.  Avoid bridges, overpasses and power lines, if possible. Stay in your vehicle until the shaking stops.  Then, drive carefully, avoiding bridges and ramps that may have been damaged.
• If a power line falls on your vehicle, do not get out.  Call 911 and wait for assistance.

After the Earthquake

Once the earthquake has stopped:

• Exit the building if safe to do so and move to the designated assembly area.
• If the building loses power during the earthquake and you are unable to safely navigate your way out of the building due to low visibility; remain in place and notify Wright State police at 937-775-2111 or 911 from a university phone of your location.
• Move to the designated assembly area and take account of your co-workers, students, and peers; report missing persons to Wright State police.
• Do not re-enter any building until it is cleared by Wright State Police, Physical Plant, emergency response personnel, Environmental Health and Safety, or another university official.
• The university will assess buildings for damages, chemical and physical hazards, and utility failures prior to authorizing re-occupancy of buildings.  If you witness trapped or injured people, contact Wright State Police at 937-775-2111 or 911 from a university phone.
• Never re-enter a building that appears to have structural damage.

Consider the following after an earthquake:

• Limit cell phone usage to text messaging only to allow emergency response communications to function properly.
• Monitor Wright State Alert for updates.
• Remain aware of the potential for aftershocks to occur in the days or weeks following the initial earthquake.  Aftershocks are typically less severe than the initial earthquake but can still result in significant damage.
• Buildings, parking structures, and roadways may remain closed for a period of time following an earthquake while damage assessments and repairs are conducted.
• Be aware that utilities such as gas, power, and water lines may be damaged.  If you are aware of a gas leak, power outage, utility failure, or other building damage, report the issue to Wright State Police at 937-775-2111.