D. Assistance required at this time, in addition to an increase in manpower, will be emergency procurement and provision for emergency expenditure of funds. Back to top of page. As in the case of all emergency actions at the University, safeguarding the lives of employees and students is paramount. This is particularly important in an earthquake, since all employees and students will be affected at the same instant. Fear of an earthquake is inherent in our population, and immediate fear breeds panic.
Panicked action accounts for more deaths and injuries than the direct results of an earthquake.
Therefore, prompt action is required to calm personnel and to assure them of their safety. Although aftershocks must be anticipated, safe areas and routes of evacuation are the next consideration for Public Safety. Any decision to evacuate will be made as soon as possible and activated by the use of loud speakers, telephones, word of mouth, fire alarms, and any other methods available to Public Safety staff and Building Coordinators. An assembly area will be determined and employees and students will be requested to remain in the area until it is deemed safe to be released. Accountability of employees and students can be accomplished in the assembly area, and instructions and information about road conditions and the situation in general can be provided more easily there.