Earthquakes

While earthquakes are typically not associated with the Midwest, Indiana does have a history of major quakes in both modern and prehistoric eras. Learn about the history of Indiana earthquakes from the IU Indiana Geologic Survey.

During a major earthquake, you may experience a shaking that starts out to be gentle and within a second or two grows violent and knocks you off your feet.

OR

You may be jarred first by a violent jolt-as though your building was hit by a truck. A second or two later you'll feel the shaking and, as in the first example, you will find it very difficult (if not impossible) to move from one room to another.

During the quake

1. If you are indoors, stay there. Get under a desk or table, or stand in a doorway or corner. Stay clear of windows, bookcases, mirrors and fireplaces. If possible extinguish any open flames or sources of ignition immediately.
2. If you are outside, get into an open area away from trees, buildings, walls and power lines.
3. If in a high-rise building, stay there. Stay away from windows and outside walls. Get under a desk or table. Do not use elevators!
4. If in a crowded public place, do not rush for doors. Move away from display shelves containing objects that could fall.
5. If driving, pull over to the side of the road and stop. Avoid overpasses and power lines. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking is over. If the earthquake has been severe, do not attempt to cross damaged bridges, overpasses or damaged sections of road.

After the quake

1. Check for injuries. Do not move seriously injured individuals unless they are in immediate danger. Help people who are trapped by furniture or other items that do not require heavy tools to move. Rescue and emergency medical crews may not be readily available.
2. Do not use the telephone immediately unless there is a serious injury, fire or gas leak.
3. If you suspect or know that someone is trapped in the building contact IUPUI Public Safety Dispatch Center at 911 or in person. Have someone post a message at the front of the building noting the time, date, number of victims and their last known location in the building.
4. Check for gas and water leaks, broken electrical wiring and broken sewage lines. Check building for cracks and damage. If there is gas leaking, extinguish all sources of ignition and do not turn on or off any electrical switches in the area. Call Campus Facilities Services for assistance immediately. If there is damage, report it to Campus Facilities Services at 278-1900 or IUPUI Public Safety Dispatch Center at 911. Attempt to block off damaged areas to keep people away from the hazard until additional help can arrive.
5. Do not touch downed power lines or damaged building equipment.
6. Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline or other chemicals. If spill is significant, utilize the emergency procedure as outlined in this handbook for spills.
7. If building is damaged, evacuate and attempt to secure the building against entry. Notify IUPUI Public Safety Dispatch Center by calling 911 and Campus Facilities Services at 278-1900 of the damage and evacuation. Do not reenter damaged buildings.
8. If you have to evacuate, post a message in clear view stating where you can be found. List reunion points so that others looking for you later can find you. If you have a University pager, radio or cellular phone, take them with you along with batteries and chargers if available. This may be your only method of communication for several hours.
9. Turn on a battery powered radio for damage reports and information. Check AM 1610 for campus information.
10. Do not use your vehicle unless there is an emergency. Keep the streets clear for emergency vehicles.
11. Be prepared for aftershocks. Aftershocks are usually smaller than the main quake but may be large enough to do additional damage to structures weakened during the main shock.