Police Department Manual (PDP)

Effective: 9/13/1984

Revised: 3/1/2010

PDP 103–01: Earthquake

Purpose

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

Source

Arizona State University Emergency Operations Manual

Background

An earthquake is one of the few disasters where assistance from cities (i.e., Phoenix, Tempe, Glendale, Mesa, Gilbert) or from the county or state may not be available. Earthquakes may also affect the services rendered by other sources (i.e., the American Red Cross). ASU must be prepared to provide life-sustaining resources to those left at ASU. Evacuation from the campus may not be recommended, unless it is determined there are additional threats to the university community.

Policy

Classes may be cancelled after an earthquake. If needed and able to convene, the emergency operation center may be activated and the emergency operation plans followed. Regardless, information about ASU will be disseminated using the university notification plan.

Procedure

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 using the university notification plan.

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.

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Shelter/Staging Areas

Information about staging areas will be broadcast if the campus is partially or fully evacuated.

Cross-References

For more information, see:

1. PDP 101–01, “Reporting Emergencies”

   and

2. PDP 101–03, “Emergency Evacuation”

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