Earthquakes are a reality in California. The more prepared you are to deal with earthquakes, the better you will be able to help yourself and others.
Before The Quake
Check to be sure that nothing heavy or breakable is hanging over your bed. Keep all breakable items stored low. Keep exits clear. Be familiar with the floor plan of the building. Keep a first-aid kit or earthquake preparedness kit in your room, along with a flashlight. The more self-reliant you are, the better. Although there is a campus-wide emergency plan that will be enacted after a large earthquake, your own self-reliance will help to ease the demands on emergency personnel.
During The Quake
Remain calm—do not run or panic. Remain where you are: indoors, outdoors, or in a car.
If you are indoors:
(1) Take cover under desks, tables, beds, or in doorways until the shaking stops.
(2) Do not stand near windows, shelves, or heavy objects, which may topple.
(3) Wait a few moments after the shaking stops before leaving your cover.
If you are outdoors:
(1) Move to an open area away from high buildings and power lines.
(2) Do not attempt to enter the Residence Halls or other buildings, or seek shelter beside building walls.
After The Quake
(1) Take time to think. Do not run down stairs. Do not run inside or outside. Wait until all motion has stopped.
(2) Do not light a match or turn on a light switch. There may be leaking gas or electrical shorts. At night, use a flashlight. The Residence Halls have emergency generators that will keep emergency lights lit.
(3) Wear shoes for protection from debris and broken glass.
(4) Check the immediate area for injured persons.
(5) Check for fires, spills, or other hazards. Turn off all appliances.
(6) Evacuate if there is an immediate danger (See Fire Safety: Evacuation). Use stairs, not elevators. Follow the evacuation route posted on your door.
(7) Follow staff instructions. Again, for a severe earthquake, the campus emergency plan will go into effect. This plan is designed to provide medical attention, food, and shelter to the campus community.