Before
Earthquakes are detected at the University through seismic alarms. However, at home or in other places there may not be these systems, so we must be prepared in case of an earthquake.
Identify the sound of the seismic alarm. At UDLAP it is intermittent when the earthquake is detected, and continuous while it is ocurring. In both cases you must evacuate.
Fasten paintings, bookshelves, filing cabinets, shelves, etc. so they do not fall.
Find and identify the power switches, and gas and water shut-off valves. Know where the extinguishers, fire hydrants and first-aid kits are located.
Keep your cell phone nearby and try to always have at least 50% battery, as well as flashlight and FM radio apps, so you can have light and communication.
Find the evacuation signs to know what route to take to the meeting point.
Prepare by training, and talk with colleagues about how to act during an earthquake.
During
Keep calm.
Reassure your colleagues.
Protect yourself when you start feeling the earthquake.
Use the triangle of life. Stand next to the most resistant furniture or walls.
Stay protected until the earthquake ends, either in safety areas or meeting points.
Outdoors stay away from buildings, constructions, trees, lampposts and electric or phone lines. Look for an open space to keep safe during the earthquake.
When traveling in a vehicle, control it and drive to a place away from buildings, trees, lamppost, bridges, overpasses, etc. Stop in a safe area, turn off your car and don’t block traffic. Stay in your vehicle until the earthquake has stopped or traffic is moving. It is important to turn on the radio to be informed.
Help people with disabilities, the elderly and children.
After
When the earthquake ends, all building residents must exit quickly (without running, pushing or shouting), covering your head with an object (portfolio, bag, etc.) and heading towards the meeting point (following the previously established route).
Avoid returning to the building as there may be another earthquake.
Do not light matches, cigarettes, equipment with open flames or electrical items that may produce a spark.
Tune a portable radio to the news, to find out about the situation and follow the instructions of trained personnel.
Do not overuse your phone with unnecessary calls.
Once the danger is over, specialized personnel will inspect every office in the building to look for structural damage, gas leaks, fires and short circuits. During their search, they will close the shut-off valves for gas and water and turn off the main power switches.
Building occupants may return to their offices when the Safety Department determines that there are no more risks.
Keep calm and reassure your colleagues.
Reduce risks and optimize resources; close gas and water valves and turn off the power switches.
Stay away from windows and objects that can fall.
Use the stairs. Do not use electric escalators or elevators.
Go the safety areas and/or meeting points.
Find the evacuation route. Help people with disabilities, the elderly and children.
Place fire extinguishers next to access doors.
Sound the alarm.
Never place a fire extinguisher at the end of a hall.
Identify what has started the fire.
Fire extinguishers should be located away from heat sources.
Keep calm and reassure your colleagues.
Never place fire extinguishers at a height above 1.50 meters; this distance is measured from the top of the extinguisher to the floor.
Use the fire extinguisher.
Do not obstruct fire equipment.
Find the evacuation route.
Place signs where the extinguishers are located.
Do not use the elevators.
Periodically check the barometer to make sure that the extinguisher has pressure.
If the smoke is thick, crawl on the floor.
Moisten a piece of cloth and cover your mouth and nose.