Earthquake

 

Important Contacts

Key Contacts

UC Police Department (UCPD) & UCLA Fire:          9-1-1

Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S):                  (310) 825-9797

Division of Laboratory Animal Medicine (DLAM): (310) 825-2200

DGSOM Security:                                                        (310) 267-7100 

Facilities Management (FM):                                      (310) 825-9236

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

Prepare 

  • Review the Earthquake Preparedness Factsheet
    • Review the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for your area
    • Conduct earthquake drills
    • Put together or purchase an emergency kit including at least three days’ worth of food and water in your home and workplace
    • Install strong latches or bolts on cabinets, shelves, equipment and any other furniture
    • Place large, heavy and breakable items on lower shelves
    • Ensure cabinets are shut after each use to avoid spills and shattering of glass during an earthquake
    • Anchor top-heavy and freestanding furniture such as bookcases, cabinets and other tall furniture to wall studs to keep them from toppling over
    • Anchor overhead lighting fixtures to joists
    • Bolt and brace water heaters and gas appliances to wall studs.

 

Respond 

  • "DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON." If you are not near a sturdy table, drop to the floor against an interior wall and cover your head and neck with your arms
  • Avoid windows, hanging objects, mirrors, tall furniture, large appliances and cabinets filled with heavy objects
  • Do not stand in doorways
  • Do not run out of your building during strong shaking, as you could be injured by falling debris (glass, roof tiles, concrete, etc.)
  • Do not use elevators
  • Stay inside a building after an earthquake unless there is a life-threatening situation
  • If you use a wheelchair, lock the wheels and cover your head. 
  • Move to a clear area if you can safely walk
  • Avoid buildings and trees.
  • Pull to the side of the road and stop
  • Avoid stopping under overhead hazards or near buildings.
  • Be prepared for aftershocks—they may be frequent and could exceed the first quake
  • Evacuate if it is safe to do so and proceed to your designated area
  • Check the people around you for injuries; provide first aid. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of a gas leak, hazardous material spill, fire or falling debris
  • Check for dangerous conditions such as fires, downed power lines and structure damage
  • Put out small fires immediately with a nearby fire extinguisher (if you are trained to use them)
  • Check office phones to ensure they have not been disconnected
  • Inspect your work areas for damage.
  • Move as little as possible to not kick up dust. Cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief or clothing
  • Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are. Use a whistle if one is available (keep one in your emergency kit). Shout only as a last resort.
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