The Great Shakeout comes to Lane
What do you do when an earthquake strikes? It is a situation nobody wants to find themselves in, however, such a thing is inevitable. If that’s the case, what steps can students take to stay safe? What about students who are less familiar with earthquake drills? Or what should students do during or after an earthquake? Most importantly where can students find dependable resources regarding
LCC has the answer in the form of the Great Shakeout. The Great Shakeout is a campus-wide optional event where students participate in an earthquake drill. To understand this event and help us understand what to do during an earthquake The Torch sat down to speak with Lisa Rupp, director of emergency preparedness, for some tips on getting through an earthquake and about the event itself.
What is the Shakeout event?
The Great Shake Out is a global earthquake drill. It is an opportunity for our community to practice how to be safer during an earthquake.
What are the primary goals of this event?
The primary goal is to educate our community about DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON.
What other methods of protection can students use during an earthquake?
Other methods of protection for students would be to secure their space by identifying hazards around them. Create a disaster plan for communication, evacuation routes, and learning first aid. Have a “go bag” easily readable with first aid kit, medications, water, food, flashlight, and small amounts of cash. Keeping important documents close by such as identification, vehicle registration, passports and other personal documentation.
What should students do once an earthquake passes?
Once an earthquake passes and it is safe to do so, evacuate if necessary. Follow emergency evacuation notices. Avoid downed power lines. Pay attention to your surroundings because aftershocks can cause damage from falling debris and broken glass. Gas lines could be ruptured. If you are able, and are willing to do so, help others around you.
For students who have never experienced an earthquake themselves, what are some important things to know?
For students that have not been in an earthquake before: DROP to the ground, COVER your head and neck with your arms and seek shelter by getting under a desk or table, and HOLD ON to your desk or table and be ready to move with it until the shaking stops.
The Shakeout encourages students to practice earthquake safety drills. However, what would you say the worst thing to do during an earthquake is?
The worst thing to do during an earthquake is to try and get out of a building or go to another room.
What would you like students to know/be aware of overall?
If students would like more information on emergency preparedness, they can contact me at ruppl@lanecc.edu.
Students interested in participating can expect the optional drill to begin on Oct. 20 10:21 a.m. Remember to stay safe and prepared!
