...and more

Two more earthquakes in the last hour, around 3.somethings (low 3's). About 310 in the last three days. If the semester weren't still in, we'd be out of town by now because I am on the verge of all-out panic. (Like I might have mentioned a time or two, earthquakes make me irrational.)

Here's the newest e-mail we were sent (yes, I'm sharing it...please don't take back my TAship, and, no, I don't know what is up with all of the weird Ss. I've included the whole e-mail, even the disclaimer at the bottom).

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The Reno area has experienced a noticeable increase in seismic activity since late February 2008. While the possibility of an earthquake of major significance is unlikely, the following important information is for you to review and share with others:

–ššššššššš A Town Hall meeting to discuss the recent seismic activity will take place on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 5:00 P.M. at the Jot Travis Student Union in the new “Lake” classroom. Presenters will include John Anderson, Director of the Nevada Seismological Laboratory, Jon Price, State Geologist and Director of the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Craig DePolo, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Ed Atwell, Emergency Management Coordinator for the University of Nevada, Reno.



–ššššššššš Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to remove heavy objects from walls and file cabinets. This includes televisions, large pictures, mirrors, etc. You are also encouraged to strap down computer monitors, books shelves and other large objects. Voluntary safety audits will take place in dorms and other buildings on campus to advise students and staff on the appropriateness of items which may hurt you if not removed.



–ššššššššš If an earthquakes strikes, DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON! Take cover under a piece of furniture or against an inside wall. Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you're sure it's safe to exit. Stay away from windows. In a high-rise building, expect the fire alarms and sprinklers to go off during a quake.

–ššš ššššš If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow.

–šš šššššš If you are outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Drop to the ground.

–ššššššššš If you are in a car, slow down and drive to a clear place (as described above). Stay in the car until the shaking stops. Other recommendations which are contrary to the DROP, COVER and HOLD ON ššššare not recommended. Research has shown that most injuries in U.S. earthquakes occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave. Quickly seeking a place of safety, such as under a sturdy table or desk, and moving as short a distance as possible to that place of safety, is recommended based on research.

–ššššššššš In research facilities, ensure that chemicals are properly secured, and after an event, caution is advised when opening hazardous materials storage cabinets and upright refrigerators and freezers since internal containers may have been knocked over or may fall out upon opening of the container door. Please assess your laboratory and office space for items that may be prone to tipping or falling during an earthquake. Hazardous chemicals should be stored in cabinets according to hazard class so that incompatible chemicals are not in close proximity, and secondary containment is recommended. Flammable liquids are of special concern since a release can easily result in fire, especially when these chemicals are stored near heat and spark sources. All compressed gas cylinders should be secured to prevent tipping since a sudden release of internal pressure can cause serious injury and facility damage, and the release of toxic and flammable gases present obvious additional concerns. Please contact Ben Owens (327-5196) or Mike Kivistik (784-4981) with the EH&S Department if you have questions or need assistance. The EH&S 24-hour emergency number is 327-5040.

–ššššššššš Information on counseling for students is available at http://www.unr.edu/stsv/cs/

–šššš Detailed information on home and office earthquake planning and preparedness, elimination of hazards, and other information is available at http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_583_,00.html

–ššššššššš Additional information specific to Nevada earthquake preparedness, survival and recovery can be obtained from the handbook “Living With Earthquakes in Nevada” available at http://www.seismo.unr.edu/ep/nvguide/nvguide.pdf

Please contact me or UNR Emergency Management Coordinator Ed Atwell at (775) 682-7247 if you have any questions.


Adam Garcia

Director

University of Nevada

Police Services



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