Skip to Content

Earthquake Guide

BRCC’s policies and procedures are intended to protect all members of our community while on campus and when participating in college related or sponsored activities. This guide is designed to help College employees and students with appropriate procedures before, during, and after an earthquake.

Response – During Earthquake

If You Are Indoors:

Remain indoors and seek protection until the earthquake subsides. Stay calm and take precautions to protect yourself from potential debris by:

  • Drop to the floor, and get under or adjacent to a sturdy table, desk, or permanent fixture.
  • Cover your head and neck with your arms and hands.
  • Hold On to the table or desk you are under. Objects may shift during the earthquake
  • If you are not near a sturdy table or desk, drop to the floor against an interior wall, and cover your head and neck with your arms and hands.
  • Stay away from windows, overhead fixtures, objects on walls, tall furniture, large appliances and cabinets filled with objects that may fall during an earthquake.
  • If you are in an elevator, you have a reasonable amount of protection and should remain in place. Entrapment may occur. Notify emergency response personnel by using the elevator phone, help button, or cell phone.

If You Are Outdoors

Move away from buildings, overhangs, trees, and power lines to a clear area, such as a large open public area or field. If you are driving, pull over and stop in an area with no overhead hazards.

If getting safely to the floor to take cover is not possible

Identify an inside corner of the room away from windows and objects that could fall on you. The Earthquake Country Alliance advises getting as low as possible to the floor. People who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices should lock their wheels and remain seated until the shaking stops. Protect your head and neck with your arms or whatever is available.

Response – After Earthquake

Once the earthquake has stopped, do the following:

  • Move carefully as there may be “aftershocks”- smaller earthquakes after the main earthquake.
  • Exit the building when safety permits, and move to the Designated Assembly Area.
  • Use emergency exit route information posted throughout university buildings to determine the quickest route out of the building.
  • Elevators should not be used.
  • If the building loses power during the earthquake and you are unable to safely navigate exiting the building due to low visibility, remain in place and notify Public Safety of your location.
  • Once in the Designated Assembly Area, take account of your co-workers, students or peers. Report missing persons to emergency response personnel and Public Safety. Safety.
  • Do not re-enter any building until it is cleared by emergency response personnel or a similar College official.

The College will assess buildings for damages, chemical and physical hazards, and utility failures prior to authorizing re-occupancy of buildings. If you witness trapped or injured people, contact 911. Never re-enter a building that appears to have structural damage.

Consider the following after an earthquake:

  • Limit cell phone usage to text messaging, as this will help allow emergency response communications to function properly.
  • If you are unable to re-enter your work area or classroom for an extended time, consider alternate work arrangements, and discuss them with your supervisor or instructor.
  • Monitor BRCC Alert notifications via email, text message and the BRCC webpage for information updates.
  • Limit travel as major roadways may be congested due to regional evacuations.
  • Remain aware of the potential for aftershocks to occur in the days or weeks following the initial earthquake. Aftershocks are typically less severe than the initial earthquake, but can still result in significant damage.Buildings, parking structures, and roadways may remain closed for a period of time following an earthquake while damage assessments and repairs are conducted
  • Be aware that utilities such as gas, power, and water lines may be damaged; if you are aware of a gas leak, power outage, utility failure, or other building damages, report the issue to the Public Safety Office at 540-453-2370.