POLICE SERVICES ADVISORY

 

 

Police Services would like to provide you with information on Earthquakes. There has been significant seismic activity in Northern Nevada and the following important information is for you to review and share with others.  

 

According to the Nevada Earthquake Safety Council:

• Nevada is the 3^rd most seismically active state in the U.S., after Alaska and California.
• Western Nevada is in a seismic zone similar to Los Angeles.
• We are due for a 6.0 or greater earthquake.

 

What to Do When the Shaking Begins

• DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!   Take cover under a piece of furniture or against an inside wall.  Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you're sure it's safe to exit.  Stay away from windows.  In a high-rise building, expect the fire alarms and sprinklers to go off during a quake.
• If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow.
• If you are outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Drop to the ground.
• If you are in a car, slow down and drive to a clear place (as described above). Stay in the car until the shaking stops

Other recommendations which are contrary to the DROP, COVER and HOLD ON advice, have been made by individuals with limited expertise and questionable credibility.

Research has shown that most injuries in U.S. earthquakes occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave. Quickly seeking a place of safety, such as under a sturdy table or desk, and moving as short a distance as possible to that place of safety, is recommended based on research.

In the 2003 San Simeon, California, earthquake, two people were crushed by falling debris when they ran from the building. Studies of the 1979 El Centro, 1987 Whittier, 1989 Loma Prieta, and 1994 Northridge earthquakes, as well as mounting evidence from earthquakes outside the United States, confirm this pattern of injuries.  DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON reduces the likelihood of serious injury from falling objects.

After the Shaking Stops

·         Be prepared for aftershocks which can occur in the first hours, days, weeks or even months after the quake.

·         Help injured or trapped persons.

·         Check your home or building for damage.  Leave the area if you smell gas or chemical fumes.

 

 

Todd Renwick

Associate Director

University of Nevada, Reno Police Services

1664 North Virginia M/S250

Reno, Nevada 89557

775-784-4013 - Work

775-784-1695 - Fax

www.unr.edu/police

 

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