Practice Earthquake Safety During the Annual ShakeOut Drill

October 15 is the annual ShakeOut Earthquake drill

The annual ShakeOut Earthquake Drill will take place on October 15, with a WarnMe test message sent at 10:15 a.m. 

Campus community members are encouraged to practice “Drop, Cover and Hold On” and learn how to adapt these safety steps to their individual needs.

What to Do During an Earthquake

During an earthquake, protect yourself by following the steps to Drop, Cover and Hold On. Use the instructions below based on your surroundings and individual needs.

If a Table or Desk is Nearby

  1. Drop where you are, onto your hands and knees.

  2. Cover your head and neck with one arm and hand.

    • Then crawl underneath the table or desk for additional shelter.

    • Stay on your knees and bend forward to protect vital organs.

  3. Hold On to your shelter with one hand.

    • Keep covering your head/neck with your other hand.

Three-panel safety graphic showing person dropping to knees, covering head, and holding a doorway

If There is Nothing to Get Under

  1. Drop where you are, onto your hands and knees.

  2. Cover your head and neck with one arm and hand.

    • Then crawl next to a wall, away from any windows. 

    • Stay on your knees and bend forward to protect vital organs.

  3. Hold On to your shelter with one hand.

    • Keep covering your head/neck with your other hand.

Graphic set of three blue earthquake safety icons: person drops, covers under desk, holds on.

Adapt for Your Situation

If you cannot get back up again by yourself, do not drop to the ground. Instruct others how to assist you.

  1. If using a wheelchair or walker, lock the wheels (or set the brake).
  2. Bend over and cover your head and neck with your arms/hands. You can also hold on to a book or other object over your head. 
Graphic: three blue-and-orange bike-safety panels: lock brakes, cover head, hold handlebars.
Three-panel blue graphic of safety icons: LOCK, COVER, HOLD ON

Classroom, Auditorium or Laboratory

CLASSROOM OR AUDITORIUM:

  1. Drop to the floor where you are.
  2. Cover your head and neck with one arm/hand.
  3. Nearby tables or desks: crawl underneath and Hold On to your shelter with your free hand.
  4. Rows of chairs: get between the rows and Hold On to a chair with your free hand.
  5. Alternative: get next to a wall with no windows and cover your head and neck with both arms/hands.

LABORATORY:

  1. Step back from the lab table.
  2. Drop to the floor on your knees next to a wall, away from glass and other hazards if possible.
  3. Cover your head and neck with your hands and arms.
  4. Hold On to something sturdy if possible.

Resources

Primary Category

Emergency Preparedness