October 10, 2024
Southern California has experienced several earthquakes over the past few months. This earthquake activity is a reminder that we must all be prepared and know what to do. Seismologists warn us that a large-scale earthquake is highly probable. We urge all staff to participate in this year’s Great ShakeOut, an international earthquake drill on Thursday, October 17, at 10:17 a.m.
During the drill, USC will test its All-Hazards Emergency Response Operations Plan that includes communications, damage assessment, and other essential functions.
All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to “drop, cover, and hold on” at 10:17 a.m. as part of this year’s drill. Detailed instructions and more information are included below. Information is also available on our ShakeOut website.
This will be the largest earthquake drill in history, with more than 15.2 million people participating worldwide. This drill and campaign are organized internationally by the Earthquake Country Alliance, which is led by the Statewide California Earthquake Center headquartered here at USC.
Please also take this opportunity to ensure that you have taken steps to protect your home and family in an earthquake, such as developing a family disaster plan, having a home emergency kit, and mitigating hazards in the home environment. Remember, if you have not already signed up for payroll direct deposit, doing so will help ensure timely receipt of your pay following a disaster.
Additional ShakeOut drill information is available at www.shakeout.org. For information about the drills being conducted at USC or for assistance with emergency planning, please contact Steve Goldfarb in the Office of Fire Safety & Emergency Planning at sgoldfar@usc.edu.
Thursday, October 17, 2024, 10:17 a.m.
INSTRUCTIONS
Major Earthquake Shakes Southern California
Each department is asked to facilitate this drill within their own offices, labs and classrooms. Here’s how:
- At 10:17 am, the designated time that the first shake hits, everyone will drop, cover, and hold on. In a big quake, falling objects such as bookcases, light fixtures, and other heavy items are the biggest hazard, so the safest thing to do is get under a desk or table and hold on till the shaking stops.
- In our quake today, the shaking lasts for a full 30 seconds. Remember, do not panic, run, or get into a doorway. If you are in a hallway, move away from windows and drop down near an interior wall, protecting the back of your head and neck.
- Be sure to drop and cover the moment you feel the initial jolt. If you wait till the quake gets stronger, it may be too late. Earthquake procedures for mobility disabilities are available here.
Supervisors: Download the broadcast audio from the ShakeOut website.
Here’s some valuable information on what to do after an earthquake:
- Check for injuries in your area. Do not attempt to move seriously injured people unless they are in immediate danger. Call for medical assistance (213-740-4321 at UPC; 323-442-1000 at HSC) and render first aid if required. Request aid from building emergency response teams if needed.
- Check the area for safety hazards such as building damage, fires, or gas leaks. If the area or building appears to be unsafe, leave the building using stairs, not elevators. If there are no evident safety hazards, then there is no need to evacuate.
- If evacuation is necessary, report to your building’s designated emergency assembly area. Building specific information is available here.
- For emergency information, go to emergency.usc.edu or call 213-740-9233.
- After a major earthquake, the university will implement emergency services to ensure the well-being of staff, faculty, and students.
- University leadership will announce any necessary suspension of classes.
- Departments will implement their emergency plans. All departments should have a plan in place allowing them to both assist in taking care of the campus community and resume normal operations and academic instruction as quickly as possible.
Here’s a helpful preparedness checklist:
- Familiarize yourself with the emergency exits, emergency assembly area, and location of emergency supplies in your building. Maintain a personal emergency kit in your office with flashlight, batteries, AM/FM radio, food and water, small first aid kit, and personal items.
- Bolt tall bookcases and other heavy items in offices to a wall to prevent toppling in an earthquake. Contact FPM for assistance.
- Thoroughly familiarize yourself with your department’s emergency plan. Talk to your supervisor to learn your group’s role in an emergency on campus.
- Ensure that all important data used in your workplace is backed up electronically, and that all vital paper records are protected.
- Ensure your correct cell number is entered into Workday to receive TrojansAlerts.
- Sign up now for automatic payroll deposit to ensure proper pay after a disaster.
- Ensure that you have taken steps to protect your home and family in an earthquake, such as developing a family disaster plan, having a home emergency kit, and mitigating hazards in the home environment. Information is available at www.ready.gov and www.shakeout.org.
- Download the MyShake app to receive earthquake early warning alerts.