April 28, 2008 | April 24, 2008

EARTHQUAKE INFORMATION

April 28, 2008

The Reno area has experienced a noticeable increase in seismic activity since late February 2008. While the possibility of an earthquake of major significance is unlikely, the following important information is for you to review and share with others:

  • A Town Hall meeting to discuss the recent seismic activity will take place on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 5:00 P.M. at the Jot Travis Building in the new auditorium (Enter at the Lake Level Entrance). Presenters will include John Anderson, Director of the Nevada Seismological Laboratory, Jon Price, State Geologist and Director of the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Craig DePolo, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Ed Atwell, Emergency Management Coordinator for the University of Nevada, Reno.
  • Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to remove heavy objects from walls and file cabinets. This includes televisions, large pictures, mirrors, etc. You are also encouraged to strap down computer monitors, books shelves and other large objects. Voluntary safety audits will take place in dorms and other buildings on campus to advise students and staff on the appropriateness of items which may hurt you if not removed.
  • If an earthquakes strikes, 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 are not recommended. 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 research facilities, ensure that chemicals are properly secured, and after an event, caution is advised when opening hazardous materials storage cabinets and upright refrigerators and freezers since internal containers may have been knocked over or may fall out upon opening of the container door. Please assess your laboratory and office space for items that may be prone to tipping or falling during an earthquake. Hazardous chemicals should be stored in cabinets according to hazard class so that incompatible chemicals are not in close proximity, and secondary containment is recommended.  Flammable liquids are of special concern since a release can easily result in fire, especially when these chemicals are stored near heat and spark sources.  All compressed gas cylinders should be secured to prevent tipping since a sudden release of internal pressure can cause serious injury and facility damage, and the release of toxic and flammable gases present obvious additional concerns. Please contact Ben Owens (327-5196) or Mike Kivistik (784-4981) with the Environmental Health & Safety Department if you have questions or need assistance.  The EH&S 24-hour emergency number is 327-5040.
  • Information on counseling for students is available at http://www.unr.edu/stsv/cs/
  • Detailed information on home and office earthquake planning and preparedness, elimination of hazards, and other information is available at www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_583_,00.html
  • Additional information specific to Nevada earthquake preparedness, survival and recovery can be obtained from the handbook “Living With Earthquakes in Nevada” available at www.seismo.unr.edu/ep/nvguide/nvguide.pdf

Please contact me or UNR Emergency Management Coordinator Ed Atwell at (775) 682-7247 if you have any questions.

Adam Garcia
Director
University of Nevada
Police Services

POLICE ADVISORY ON EARTHQUAKES

April 24, 2008

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 3rd most seismically active state in the U.S., after Alaska and California.
  • Western Nevada is in a seismic zone similar to Los Angeles.

  • Statistically speaking, sometime in the next 50 years, there is 90% chance that Northern Nevada will experience a 6.0 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