PDP 103–01: Earthquake

To provide emergency guidance to the university community following a major earthquake

Arizona State University Emergency Operations Manual

An earthquake is one of the few disasters where assistance from cities, such as Phoenix, Tempe, Glendale, Mesa, Gilbert, Maricopa County, and the American Red Cross may not be immediately available. If a major earthquake hits the area, ASU must be prepared to provide its own resources for an unlimited period of time. Evacuation from the campus is not recommended, unless in the aftermath of an earthquake there is the additional threat of fire or other serious hazard.

In the event of major damages and/or injuries, classes and work will be canceled. ASU Police Department will provide instructions for immediate action by means of telephone, word of mouth, portable bull horns, or public address systems.

In the event of a major earthquake, the following precautions should be taken:

1. If outside, get away from buildings and utility wires.
2. If inside a car, stop the car away from power poles and stay inside.
3. If indoors, get under sturdy furniture or a doorway, away from windows.
4. Don’t use candles or matches as there may be a gas leak.
5. Use the telephone ONLY for emergencies—do not use cellular telephones, as they tie up emergency lines.
6. Prepare for aftershocks.
7. Do not enter damaged buildings.
8. Stay away from exposed electrical wires.
9. For medical assistance, report to a designated staging area on campus (listed below).
10. Listen to the radio for additional information.

In the event of the evacuation of a building, an area, or an entire campus because of an earthquake, you will be notified where staging areas are located. Food, water, first aid, shelter, and information will be available at these staging areas.

For more information, see PDP 101–03, “Emergency Evacuation.”

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