Lock Down Procedures

Woodside Elementary Earthquake Procedures
We live near a major fault line where earthquakes are natural and occasional phenomena. It is vitally important that students are trained in the drop, cover and hold earthquake response—their lives may depend on how well we train them.

Woodside Elementary Earthquake Procedures

We live near a major fault line where earthquakes are natural and occasional phenomena. It is vitally important that students are trained in the drop, cover and hold earthquake response—their lives may depend on how well we train them.

In preparation for earthquake drills, teachers are to:

· Teach the drop, cover and hold procedures to your class. (See below.)
· Tell your class that it is your expectation that they drop, cover and hold if there is an earthquake. They should not wait for your direction.
· Identify room hazards. Large bookcases should be secured to the wall. If you are concerned about the safety of heavy furniture or equipment, speak with Betty or Marguerite about whether we need to secure them to the floor or wall.

Use these procedures to practice earthquake drills and during an actual earthquake.

To start a drill, the intercom will announce:

“Staff, at this time we are beginning our earthquake drill.”

In the case of an earthquake or an earthquake drill, everyone (students and staff) is expected to drop, cover and hold immediately and to remain in this protected position until dismissed by an administrator. It is important that staff impart the seriousness of this drill by modeling correct drop, cover and hold procedures.

At the end of the drill do not leave the building. Keep your class together as a group. When dismissed from drop, cover and hold, classes may be directed to return to work or to evacuate the building. If instructed to evacuate, follow fire drill procedures.

How to Drop, Cover and Hold

Drop to your knees with your back to any windows, keeping your knees together. Clasp your hands behind your head, covering your neck and bury your face in your arms with your eyes closed tightly.

Get under furniture. Hold on to the furniture with one hand while protecting the back of your neck with the other hand. Student desks, while they may look relatively weak, have held up collapsed ceilings during quakes in California.

Stay in this position until the earthquake is over and you are instructed differently.

Revised 1/21