Earthquakes

Every campus has its faults. Ours is 74 miles long and runs directly under our campus. Stay calm, shake it off, earthquake preparedness is easier than you think.

Stay Informed

  • Visit the Berkeley News page, listen to KALX 90.7 FM (UC Berkeley's radio station), and watch for UC Berkeley WarnMe alerts
  • Download the MyShake app on your mobile device (developed by UC Berkeley researchers). MyShake is California's earthquake early warning system.
  • Check the USGS Latest Earthquakes Map on your computer to see the most recently detected earthquakes. 
  • Check Zonehaven for real-time evacuation warnings and orders for the City of Berkeley. 
  • Consider signing up for Alameda County Alerts, the Alerting and Notification system for Alameda County and the City of Berkeley. 

Berkeley Specific Hazards 

  • Coastal regions are subject to Liquefaction, where the ground becomes less stable increasing the likelihood of building instability and collapse. 
  • Coastal regions are especially at risk for Tsunamis, a large sea wave triggered by an earthquake that can flood the city. 
  • The Berkeley Hills regions are at risk for Land Slides, where soil, mud, and debris may slide down the hill. 
  • Check the City of Berkeley's website for earthquake preparedness, and specific hazards. 

During an Earthquake

Indoors:

  • DROP to the floor immediately
  • Take COVER under sturdy furniture (or near an interior wall) and protect your head with your elbows and arms
  • HOLD ON until the shaking stops
  • Immediately evacuate the building once the shaking stops

Outdoors:

  • Move away from buildings, power lines, and trees
  • DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON to keep yourself stable and protect yourself from falling/thrown objects
  • If you are driving, pull over in a clear area

Other Tips:

  • Stay away from windows and other objects that can fall on you
  • Do NOT run outside
  • Do NOT stand in a doorway (it's safer under sturdy furniture)
  • Do NOT use the elevators when evacuating a building

After an Earthquake

  • Check yourself for injuries
  • Exit campus buildings and go to an Emergency Assembly Area (EAA) or open space; if you are off-campus, stay only if the building is structurally safe
  • Don't tie up phone lines if it's a non-life-threatening emergency; use text messages and social media
  • Do NOT re-enter buildings until allowed by emergency personnel
  • Be prepared for potential aftershocks and remain vigilant of falling debris

Signaling for Help

In the unlikely event that you are trapped by falling debris:

  • Don't yell because you may inhale dust
  • Tap on metal objects to get attention (3 consecutive taps is a universal SOS) 
  • Use your mobile phone to call 911 (510-642-3333 on campus) to alert emergency personnel to your location
  • Do NOT light a match due to potential gas leaks; use your cell phone's flashlight if available