5.   Earthquakes

1. Although earthquakes are rare in Central Indiana, they can occur without warning.  Some earthquakes are instantaneous tremors and others are significant sustained events followed by aftershocks.  Once a significant earthquake begins, building occupants must take immediate action.  Individuals should take emergency action on their own and additional actions will be implemented after the quake stops.
    
2. If indoors, watch for falling objects such as light fixtures, bookcases, cabinets, shelves and other furniture that might slide or topple.  Stay away from windows.  If in danger, get under a table or desk, into a corner away from windows or into a structurally strong location such as a hallway by a pillar.  Do not run outside.
   
   
   
   Drop, Cover, and Hold
   
   
   
    
3. Do not dash for exits since they may be damaged and the building's exterior brick, tile and decorations may be falling off.
    
4. Do not use the elevators.
    
5. Do not seek cover under laboratory tables or benches, as chemicals could spill and harm personnel.
    
6. When the shaking stops, check for injuries to personnel in your area.  Do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger.  Render first aid assistance if required.
    
7. Check for fires or fire hazards - spills of flammable or combustible liquids or leaks of flammable gases.
    
8. Turn off ignition and heat sources if it is safe to do so.
    
9. Shut off all gas sources.
    
10. Exit the building, if possible, and go to the assembly point to report injuries, damages and potentially hazardous conditions.  Contact the Emergency Operations Center, by calling Public Safety at x8590, to notify them of any needed assistance and emergencies that may exist.  Once you have exited the building, do not reenter until the building has been declared safe by trained emergency personnel.
     
11. Use the telephone system only for urgent matters.