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 This Policy is designed to assist Suffolk University in responding to earthquakes and maintaining services when those events occur that may prevent employees or students from entering or leaving the University for an extended period of time.

 What to Do During an Earthquake

Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might occur. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place and if you are indoors, stay there until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe. Be prepared for aftershocks.

If Indoors

  • DROP to the floor
  • COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture
  • HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building
  • Do not run outside
  • Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture
  • Wheelchair users: apply the chair’s brake and cover your head with your arms
  • Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place
  • Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave
  • Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may activate
  • DO NOT use the elevators

If Outdoors

  • Stay there
  • Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires
  • Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects
  • Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires
  • Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake
  • Do not light a match
  • Do not move about or kick up dust
  • Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing
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