DRAFT – Earthquake or Explosion

If You Are Outside, Stay Outside

  1. Move away from trees, signs, buildings, electrical poles and wires. Protect your head with your arms from falling bricks, glass, plaster, and other debris.
  2. Move away from fire and smoke.
  3. Once outside, move at least 300 feet away from the affected building. Proceed to the Emergency Assembly Area for your group, if safe to do so. Check with your supervisor to determine your Emergency Assembly Area.
  4. Check for injuries and give or seek first aid.
  5. Be alert for safety hazards (fires, electrical, gas leaks, etc.).
  6. Do not use telephones or use roadways unless absolutely necessary.
  7. Be prepared for aftershocks.
  8. Cooperate with emergency response personnel, keep informed, and remain calm.

  If Indoors 

“Drop, Cover, Hold On!” Training

    1. Immediately take cover under tables, desks or other such objects for protection against flying glass and debris.
    2. If you are not near a sturdy object, make yourself as small as possible and cover your head and neck.
    3. In an earthquake, if you stand in a doorway, brace yourself against the frame and watch out for swinging doors or other people.
    4. Avoid overhead fixtures, windows, tall furniture, bookcases and heavy objects that could fall or shatter.
    5. If possible, stabilize laboratory procedures that could lead to further danger (turn off gas or electrical equipment).
    6. After the effects have subsided, gather personal belongings if safe to do so and evacuate the immediate area and, in the event of an explosion, call police (911).
    7. Seek and assist injured and persons with special needs in evacuating the building.
    8. Do not light matches and DO NOT turn lights on or off.
    9. Exit via the stairway.
    10. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS.
    11. Keep roadways and walkways clear for emergency vehicles. Wait for further instructions from OU Police or other properly identified emergency personnel. DO NOT RE-ENTER the building until instructed to do so.
    1. Other Resources on Earthquakes

For Explosions