Policy 6114.3 - Earthquake Emergency Procedure System

Rule 6114.3

Earthquake while indoors at school

When an earthquake occurs, the following actions shall be taken inside the school building and in individual classrooms:

1. The teacher or other person in authority shall implement the DROP action. Each student shall:
   1. Get under equipment (desk, table, etc.) where available Otherwise get next to an inside wall or under an inside doorway
   2. Drop to knees with back to the windows and knees together
   3. Clasp both hands firmly behind the head, covering the neck
   4. Bury face in arms, protecting the head and close the eyes tightly
   5. Stay there until the procedure or emergency is over or until subsequent instructions are given (such instructions will depend upon circumstances and the extent of damage to the buildings)
2. As soon as possible, teachers shall move the children away from windows and shelving, and out from under light fixtures
3. Teachers shall implement action to leave the building when the earthquake is over, ensuring that students do not run, particularly on stairways.

Earthquake while on school grounds

When an earthquake occurs, the following actions shall be taken if teachers and students are on school playgrounds:

1. The teacher or other person in authority shall direct the children to WALK away from buildings, trees, poles, structures, or wires
2. The teacher shall implement the DROP action. Teachers and students shall cover as much skin surface as possible, close eyes, and cover ears
3. Teachers and students shall stay in the open until the earthquake is over, or until further directions are given.
4. Subsequent Emergency Procedures
   1. Teachers shall see that students avoid touching electrical wires that may have fallen
   2. Teachers or students shall not light any fires after the earthquake until the area is declared safe; laboratory or shop teachers shall be watchful of students' relighting burners or stoves
   3. Teachers shall render first aid if necessary
   4. Teachers shall take roll of their classes
   5. The principal shall see that guards are posted at a safe distance from all building entrances to see that no one reenters for any reason until the buildings are declared safe (guards may be custodians, teachers, or students)
   6. The principal shall direct a custodian to shut off all pilot lights on water heaters, furnaces, stoves, and other appliances
   7. The principal shall request assistance as needed, through appropriate channels, from the county or city civil defense office or fire and police departments
   8. The principal shall notify utility companies of any break or suspected break in lines which may present an additional hazard (if damage has occurred, the custodian shall shut off all utilities at the main valve)
   9. The principal shall, if possible, contact the district office for further instructions
   10. The principal shall determine the advisability of closing the school, if possible with the advice of district, local and/or state building officials
   11. Following the earthquake, the principal and custodian shall inspect all buildings for safety in accordance with inspection procedures below
   12. If the building is safe for use, the principal or designee shall clear debris in order to resume educational activities as soon as possible
   13. Until such time as the buildings are safe for use, the principal shall provide educational facilities outside so that the educational program may be continued with as little interruption as possible.

General Procedures

Students shall be taught the following safety precautions to be taken during an earthquake in the event that adults are not present to give specific directions:

1. The safest place to be and remain is in the open
2. Move away (do not run) from buildings, structures, trees, and exposed wires
3. After the earthquake, if you are on your way to school, continue to school
4. After the earthquake, if you are on your way home, continue home

Inspections after Earthquake

1. The school custodian shall make a thorough inspection immediately after a severe earthquake.
   Check points:
   • Large cracks affecting buildings
   • Earth slippage affecting buildings
   • Water leaks
   • Gas leaks
   • Electrical breakages
     If leaks are detected, the custodian shall shut off the utility in the building affected and notify the maintenance department.
2. The building principal shall inspect the facility. If the principal believes the school is damaged sufficiently to be a hazard, he/she shall notify the Superintendent or designee.
3. The district architect or engineer, or the appropriate local or state official shall be responsible for determining if the structure is safe for occupancy. The Superintendent or designee shall expedite reconstruction and replacement of equipment.

Earthquake while on the bus

When students are on the school bus and an earthquake occurs, the following actions shall be taken:

1. The bus driver shall pull to the side of the road away from any buildings, poles, wires, overhead structures or bridges, if possible, and issue the DROP action
2. The driver shall set the brakes and turn off the ignition
3. The bus driver shall wait until the earthquake is over before proceeding on the route
4. The bus driver shall contact the Director of Transportation for instructions
5. If the bus driver continues on, he/she shall watch for hazards created by earthquakes, such as fallen electrical wires, cracked roads, or fallen poles