EARTHQUAKES

ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY, OFFICE OF
(310) 825-5689
www.ehs.ucla.edu

Before An Earthquake:
Identify hazards in places where you spend most of your time--heavy objects on high shelves, tall bookcases, etc. Know the danger spots such as windows, skylights, brick walls, and unsecured furniture. Eliminate these hazards or secure items, if possible.

Select safe areas in each room--under tables or desks, or against inside walls and supported doorways. Prepare an emergency kit containing items such as a First aid kit, flashlight and sturdy shoes, extra medication, spare eyeglasses, battery-operated radio, bottled water and snack foods, sweater or jacket, telephone number of an out-of-state contact.

During An Earthquake:

  • IF INSIDE, in any quake, big or small:
  • DUCK under a desk or sturdy table. Stay away from windows, bookcases, file cabinets, or other heavy objects.
  • COVER your head and neck. Stay where you are until the shaking stops.
  • HOLD on to the desk or table. If it moves, move with it.
  • DO NOT try to run out of the building during the shaking.
  • IF OUTSIDE, move away from buildings, falling objects, and power lines. Find a clear area and drop to the ground.
  • IF IN A CAR, pull over to the side of the road and stop. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, over- passes, and utility wires. Listen to the radio for information.
  • IF IN A CROWDED PLACE such as an auditorium, stay calm and crouch on the floor between chairs. Cover your head and neck.

    After An Earthquake:

  • EXPECT AFTERSHOCKS. Plan where you will take cover when they come. Check for injuries. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in danger of further injury.
  • Check for fires and fire hazards. Watch for downed power lines. Wear shoes to avoid injury from broken glass or other materials.
  • DO NOT make phone calls unless they are lifesaving. An overloaded phone system becomes worth- less in a disaster.
  • DO NOT use matches, lighters, electric switches, or any source of ignition until you are certain that there are no gas leaks.
  • Listen to the radio for important instructions and emergency shelter information.

    After A Major Earthquake On Campus:
    Follow emergency personnel to the following Disaster Evacuation Areas after the shaking:
    Sunset Canyon Recreation Center
    Drake Stadium/IM Field
    Sculpture Garden
    Perloff/Schoenberg/Dickson Plaza
    Court of Sciences
    Botanical Gardens
    Stein Plaza
    Gayley/LeConte
    Lot 36

    If you are off campus during an earthquake disaster, call the UCLA Emergency Hotline (310) 825-1234; 800-900-UCLA for campus information or listen to announcements on the UCLA Emergency Radio, AM 810. To report potential safety hazards on campus, call (310) 206-7994.

    For information about preparing for an earthquake, and a wallet card with emergency information resources, please contact the Office of Environment, Health and Safety at (310) 825-5689 or visit the EH&S web page at www.ehs.ucla.edu.