EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS
Administrators, Teachers, Staff, and Volunteers

Because of structural requirements maintained by the state, school buildings may well be the safest structures of all and are planned as disaster shelters in city and county planning. Under its “Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Plan” (Administrative Regulation 5541), the district has assigned each principal the responsibility of organizing the school and staff for emergencies occurring during school hours. Please review and do the following:

PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE IN ADVANCE:

1. Remove heavy objects from high shelves and cabinets. Review your classroom and place equipment and containers in the best possible place for safety.

2. If there is a utility shut off device in your room or just outside, assume that you will have to know how to shut it off and be prepared to do so. Please advise the office if you need someone to assist you.

3. See that students are taught the safety precautions that need to be taken during an earthquake, especially if an adult is not present.

4. Provide for your safety and needs. A personal backpack can hold items like a jacket, warm ups, Tylenol/aspirin, medications for up to 3 days, glasses (extra pair) and sunglasses, sunscreen, hat or visor, usable shoes, and feminine hygiene needs.

DURING AN EARTHQUAKE

1. If indoors, stay indoors. Take “DROP” action by covering under desks, table, or any protective cover. If none exists, stay close to the center of the building and stay low. Hold on to table or desk that you have taken cover under.

2. Stay away from windows or other glass.

3. Do not light candles, matches, or other sparking devices.

4. If outside, stay in open areas away from buildings, overhangs, utility poles or wires, or other situations where there is danger of falling objects or debris.

5. If in a moving vehicle, stop the vehicle but stay inside. Avoid stopping on bridges or under overpasses.

AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE AT SCHOOL:

1. Utilizing adult supervision, evacuate students from the building to an outdoor area and then to your assigned area on the field. Stay away from overhangs!

2. Assemble students, take roll, administer first aid, if needed, call for assistance by sending your runner (with an orange vest on) to the Command Center on the field.

3. Maintain maximum supervision of students.

4. Go to your assigned team after turning your roll sheet and your backpack over to the nearest teacher/ adult who will then be in charge of your students.

top^