It's never to late to get prepared

1. It's never to late to get prepared • Here are the things you should do to get prepared: • Practice the internationally recognized earthquake safety technique: • 1) DROP to the ground (before the earthquake drops you!)2) Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and3) HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops • Think about what's around you that might be hazardous in an earthquake (i.e. are heavy items stored on the top shelf?) • Discuss earthquake safety and emergency plans with friends, family and colleagues and to check the contents of your emergency grab and go back Before an Earthquake • Avoid storing heavy objects on high shelves • Secure bookcases, cabinets and equipment • Install restraints on laboratory chemical shelves and store glass cylinders in properly designed racks • Be familiar with emergency plans and procedures • Have an emergency kit at home, office and car • Practice earthquake response often and participate in earthquake drills

2. During an EarthquakeEarthquakes occur without warning. They may be so violent that you cannot walk, run or crawl; you may be knocked to the ground. Immediately protect yourself as best you can wherever you are: Inside &In Class • Stay inside, remain calm, stay where you are and protect yourself • Drop under a table, desk, or other sturdy piece of furniture • Hold on and remain covered until the shaking stops • Stay away from windows and shelves with heavy objects • If you can't get under something, flatten yourself or crouch against an interior wall Outside • Stay Outside • Go to an open area away from buildings, glass and power lines • Do not enter any buildings until they have been approved for re-entry In Transit • If you are inside your car, pull over. Avoid overhead structures such as bridges and overpasses. Set the parking brake and stay inside the car. • If you are on the bus, stay seated until the bus stops then Drop, Cover and Hold until the Shaking Stops. Stay inside if it is safe to do so Mobility Challenges • If you can, follow the drop, cover, hold-on procedure • If you are in a wheel chair, move to an inner wall if safe to do so. Lock the brakes and cover your head with your arms. • If available use a blanket or pillow to shield your face from falling debris/glass • If you have other mobility concerns, arrange your usual seating areas away from windows so you can stay seated. Use seat cushions or pillows to shield yourself from falling debris and broken glass • When the shaking stops move to refuge areas

3. After an Earthquake • After the shaking stops count to 60 and then move cautiously outside to an open area and gather with others to wait for further information • Things may have shifted in the shaking so move carefully and be aware of your surroundings • Expect aftershocks • Avoid broken glass and debris • Do not use elevators • Do not re-enter buildings until they have been inspected and approved for re-entry by a professional • Check yourself and others nearby for injuries • Do not leave SFU until you have checked in with a Fire Warden, Building Evacuation Coordinator or your supervisor to let them know you are safe. If you don't check in they may think you are injured somewhere and responders will be looking for you. Safety Tips • During the shaking, protect yourself by taking cover under a table, desk or crouch against an interior wall. Protect your head and neck and do not leave cover until the shaking has completely stopped • Try to predetermine a safe location to take cover in, prior to an earthquake • Do not stand in a doorway, under light fixtures, near bookshelves, beside windows, etc. because you become exposed to shrapnel hazard • Keep calm. Do not run. Watch for falling debris or electrical wires when leaving the building. Do not use elevators • If fire occurs, activate the nearest fire alarm pull station (as the system may still be functional) and follow procedures as outlined in the Fire Section • If qualified and it is safe to do so, give first aid to those who need it. Or assist those who are giving first aid and those in need • Alert Emergency Response Personnel to any details which may be critical to enable evacuation/rescue. Report any missing persons to the Building Evacuation Coordinator or Campus Security Patrol personnel.

4. DROP down onto your hands and knees (before the earthquake knocks you down). This position protects you from falling but allows you to still move if necessary. COVER your head and neck (and your entire body if possible) under a sturdy table or desk. If there is no shelter nearby, only then should you get down near an interior wall (or next to low-lying furniture that won't fall on you), and cover your head and neck with your arms and hands. HOLD ON to your shelter (or to your head and neck) until the shaking stops. Be prepared to move with your shelter if the shaking shifts it around. Credit: http://www.sfu.ca/srs/emergency/response/earthquake.html