EARTHQUAKES EVACUATION PROCEDURES
An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the Earth caused by breaking and shifting of rock beneath the Earth's surface. Ground
shaking from earthquakes can collapse buildings and bridges; disrupt electric and phone service; and sometimes trigger flash floods, fires,
and huge, destructive ocean waves (tsunamis). Buildings with foundations resting on unconsolidated landfill and other unstable soil are
at risk because they can be shaken off their mountings during an earthquake. When an earthquake occurs in a populated area, it may
cause deaths, injuries and extensive property damage. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes that follow the main shock and can cause
further damage to weakened buildings. Some helpful hints during an earthquake include:
Indoors: Drop, cover, and hold on until the tremors subside. Shield head with hands and elbows, shield eyes with arms, move away from
the windows, shelves, heavy objects, suspended objects, light fixtures, and furniture that may fall. Take cover under desks, tables
(hold onto legs of tables), doorways, or other heavy furniture. Choose to take cover near interior walls, leave doors open.
Hall, Stairway, Gymnasium, or other Area Where No Cover is Available: Move to an interior wall. Turn away from
windows, kneel alongside the wall, bend head close to knees, and clasp hands firmly behind neck, cover the sides of your head with
your elbows, with your back to the wall.
Library: Move away from windows and shelves and take cover under a desk or table.
Science Lab: If in a laboratory, all burners should be extinguished (if possible) before taking cover. Students should stay clear of hazardous chemicals that may spill.
Outdoors: Move to an open space, away from buildings and overhead power lines. Lie down or crouch low to the ground
because your legs will not be steady. Be aware of surrounding dangers that may demand sudden movement to another area of safety.
School Van or Other Vehicle: The vehicle should pull over and stop, away from power lines, bridges, overpasses, and buildings. Passengers
should remain in their seats and hold on.
Evacuation and End of Earthquake: After the earthquake has terminated, if necessary, evacuate building using stairs.
Never use the elevator. Follow the same procedures as for the Fire Evacuation, or utilize common sense for the best evacuation procedures.
Be aware of aftershocks and falling debris. Inform students NOT to touch any fallen electrical wires outside. Do not smoke or light a torch
during or after an earthquake.
IKNS EARTHQUAKE PROCEDURES
Upon realizing that an earthquake is occurring, everyone will stop what he/she is doing.
- Students will be directed to take cover under a desk or table. Drop, cover, and hold on until the tremors subside. Shield head with hands and elbows, shield eyes with arms. Move away from windows, shelves, heavy objects, suspended objects that may fall.
- Anyone outside the classroom should take cover in an open space, away from buildings and overhead power lines. Lie down or crouch low to the ground.
- If it is determined by the administration that it is safe to move, everyone will depart from the building as per the IKNS Fire Drill Evacuation procedure.