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There are two sensory indicators of earthquakes: sound and motion. Both vary widely. Depending on your distance from the center of the quake, you may not notice any sound. Or you may notice sounds that resemble anything from a rifle shot to rumbling thunder. Motion may obviously range from a very minor shake to a catastrophic shifting of the earth. The most earthquakes in Oklahoma are very minor and require no emergency procedures; however, more severe earthquakes have occurred in the area and remain potential threats. Should you experience any significant shaking of a building or the earth, the following procedures should be followed.
If you are inside, immediately take cover under a table or desk, or stand in a doorway or other structure that will provide cover from falling objects. In areas where cover is not available, kneel at the base of an interior wall and face the wall with your head down and covered by your arms. Turn your body away from windows and mirrors. Be alert for falling objects and stay away from overhead fixtures, filing cabinets, bookcases and electrical equipment.
If you are outside, try to move to an open area away from buildings, trees, power lines and poles. If you are unable to move to an open area, watch for falling objects, and be aware that the ground may sink and craters may form.
If you are in an automobile, stop your vehicle in the nearest open area. Stay in the vehicle until the shaking stops. Since bridges and overpasses may have been weakened, do not park under them or drive on them.
After an earthquake, be aware of the possibility of aftershocks. Survey your immediate surroundings to see if there are individuals requiring assistance—for example, the disabled, those requiring first aid, or those trapped under fallen debris. If it is possible and you judge it safe to provide assistance, do so. But do not move injured persons unless they face life-threatening situations such as fires or the imminent collapse of a building. If it is not possible to render assistance or you judge it unsafe to do so, attempt to contact the MACU Police Department and provide information about the location of individual needing assistance. If you are not able to contact the MACU Police Department because of power outages, make a mental note of the people needing assistance and their locations, and then attempt to exit the building.
Open doors carefully. Watch for falling objects and downed electrical lines. Do not use elevators. Do not use matches or lighters as gas lines may have ruptured. Once outside, move to an area away from buildings, signs, trees and utility poles that may pose a threat if they collapse or fall. Immediately contact any The MACU Police officer or other emergency personnel and convey to them information about those who may remain in the building.
Since buildings may have experienced significant structural damage and aftershocks are likely, do not re-enter any buildings unless The MACU Police Department or emergency personnel indicate that you may.
VII. In cooperation with any external emergency personnel available, the Director of The MACU Police Department shall direct all post-quake operations, including search and rescue, assistance to the injured, shut down of campus utilities, damage assessments, and communications with the media and University personnel.