Campus Evacuation and Earthquake Drill

In our continuing effort to provide relevant useful training for the benefit of our entire Chapman Community, we have elected to participate in the Great California Shakeout, a statewide earthquake drill scheduled for October 15. Participation in the drill will allow the university to test various facets of our emergency response plan, including the Panther Alert system, building evacuations, and emergency response.

On October 15 at 10:15 a.m. the Chapman Community will be notified via the Panther Alert system with instructions to Drop, Cover, and Hold On for approximately 60 seconds. After such time, floor wardens will sweep each area with instructions for the building occupants. As part of the exercise some buildings will be instructed to stay in place while other buildings may hear the fire alarm signaling occupants to evacuate due to fire, gas leaks, or structural damage. If you hear the fire alarm, evacuate the building and floor wardens will assist by directing you to an open area away from the building and other structures. For evacuation sites and emergency procedures click here.

During the Shakeout Drill note your surroundings in your classroom, office, or dorm room and consider which everyday objects may become hazards in the event of a large earthquake; are bookcases and file cabinets bolted to the wall, are there large objects above you which can fall causing head injuries, or is there a potential for large amounts of broken glass from windows or cabinets? Take the time to make these same assessments when you get home and visit this website to get some tips on how to secure your space.

Take a brief moment to read The Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety provided by the Earthquake Country Alliance and, if you have not done so already, register for the Panther Alert to assure you receive pertinent information and instructions in the event of an incident affecting the community.

Everyone’s participation can make this exercise a great success. We realize that drills can sometimes feel disruptive and that is why we chose to consolidate three separate components into one session. The unique benefit to trying it this way is the flexibility that it provides faculty, staff, and students in choosing their level of participation. Even if your building is not evacuated you can take the few minutes during the actual exercise to review safety information and discuss earthquake survival strategies. Being prepared can really make a difference when the real thing happens and we look forward to everyone getting something out of our participation in this statewide drill.

For additional information or specific questions please contact Mark Davis at mcdavis@chapman.edu or (714) 744-7875.