Pro-Earthquake

procedure earthquake modified Mon Oct 10 2022 09:25:11 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 quake

  1. Stay where you are, get under a desk or table, or stand in a doorway or the corner of the room. 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 quake

  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. To expedite rescue and emergency services, a sign should be posted on the front of the building denoting that all of the occupants got out or that people may be trapped in the building. If you know someone is trapped, note the time, date, number of victims and their last known locations on the sign.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Use telephones only to report emergencies (i.e. gas leaks, fire, injuries).
  7. Physical Plant or other trained individuals should turn off utilities.
  8. Never touch downed utility poles or lines. Avoid damaged building equipment.
  9. Do not use your vehicle unless there is an emergency. Keep the streets clear for emergency vehicles.
  10. Be prepared for aftershocks. Aftershocks are usually smaller than the main quake, but they may be strong enough to topple already damaged buildings.
ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY

Senior Associate Vice President for Operations

RESPONSIBLE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT/DIVISION

Environmental Health & Safety
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 40292
502-852-6670
dehsubm@louisville.edu 

HISTORY

Revision Date(s):

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.