Pro-Earthquake

procedure earthquake modified Wed Aug 09 2023 10:39:08 GMT-0400 (Eastern Daylight Time)

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University of Louisville

OFFICIAL
UNIVERSITY
ADMINISTRATIVE
PROCEDURE

PROCEDURE NAME

Earthquake

EFFECTIVE DATE

PROCEDURE APPLICABILITY

This procedure applies to the University Community (administrators, faculty, staff, and students).

PROCEDURE STATEMENT

The University of Louisville has established procedures to follow during and after an earthquake:
 
 During the earthquake:

  1. Stay where you are, get under a desk or table, or stop, drop, and cover. Do not seek cover under tables or benches in laboratories. Chemicals could spill and harm you. If possible, extinguish fires, flames, or other sources of ignition. 
  2. If you are outside, get into an open area away from buildings, power lines, and trees. 
  3. Do not use elevators. 
  4. If you are driving, pull over to the side of the road and stop immediately. Avoid overpasses and power lines. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking has stopped. 

After the earthquake:

  1. Gather your valuables and leave the building quickly. If necessary, provide assistance to those who have been trapped in the building, including those with mobility impairments or those who are trapped by debris. Gather at the designated meeting location ________________________________.  (Fill in the blank)
  2. If persons are injured or cannot be accounted for, or if you know someone is still trapped in the building, call Public Safety at 502-852-6111. If there is no answer or the line is busy, call local emergency services at 911.
  3. Check for injuries, but do not move seriously injured people unless the danger in the area is greater than their injuries. Call Public Safety at 502-852-6111. If their line is busy or they do not answer, call 911.
  4. Remember, a significant earthquake will affect the entire city and county. You may have to fend for yourself and your fellow workers for quite a long time. Render whatever aid you can provide but remember that you are responsible for your personal safety. 
  5. Use telephones only to report emergencies (i.e., gas leaks, fire, injuries). 
  6. Physical Plant or other trained individuals should turn off utilities. 
  7. Never touch downed utility poles or lines. Avoid damaged building equipment. 
  8. Do not use your vehicle unless there is an emergency. Keep the streets clear for emergency vehicles. 
  9. Be prepared for aftershocks. Aftershocks are usually smaller than the main earthquake, but they may be strong enough to topple already damaged buildings. 
ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY

Vice President for Finance and Administration/Chief Financial Officer

RESPONSIBLE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT/DIVISION

Emergency Management

Department of Public Safety

University of Louisville

Louisville, KY 40292

502-852-7379

https://louisville.edu/police/emergency-management

HISTORY

Revision Date(s): August 3, 2023

Reviewed Date(s):

The University Policy and Procedure Library is updated regularly. In order to ensure a printed copy of this document is current, please access it online at http://louisville.edu/policies.