Earthquake

During an Earthquake

Drop under a sturdy piece of furniture, cover your face and head with your arms, and hold on until the shaking stops. If you are not near a strong table or desk, sit on the floor near an interior wall and away from windows, fireplaces, appliances or furniture that could topple over.

Doorways are not necessarily safer than other locations. Avoid being in or under stairwells or near building expansion joints.

If you're outside, get to an open area away from trees, poles and windows.

After the Shaking Stops

Wait until the shaking stops to exit the building. The earthquake may cause power outages, broken water lines, activate sprinkler systems or start fire alarms.

Exit the building carefully, watching out for broken glass, electrical lines, wet floors and dangling overhead building materials (light fixtures, ventilation grilles, ceiling grids).

Go to the meeting area for your work unit or class.

Do not re-enter any building until approved by emergency responders.

Special Hazards on Campus

Chemical containers in laboratory spaces may fall and break, causing dangerous chemical spills. Only trained personnel should evaluate potential damage.

Olympia's campus has a 2" natural gas line running from the Central Utility Plant to the Lab Buildings (including Labs I, II and Annex) and a 1" natural gas line to the Child Care Center. There are above ground propane tanks at the House of Welcome and Motor Pool. In the event of an emergency, our  procedures call for gas to be shut off until we can assess the gas lines.

In addition, Olympia has underground tunnels that contain steam, electrical, water, chilled water and telecommunication lines. The tunnels are heavily reinforced and are not likely to collapse in the event of an earthquake.

Long-term Emergencies

For students living on campus, Evergreen has emergency food stores for up to a week and would establish shelters as needed.

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