7 Steps To Earthquake Safety

The Earthquake Country Alliance, California Earthquake Authority, and California Governor's Office of Emergency Services have come together to develop the Central Valley South edition of Staying Safe Where the Earth Shakes. This informational includes the 7 Steps to Earthquake Safety.

Preparing For An Earthquake

Step 1: Secure Your Space

Secure your space by identifying hazards and securing moveable items.

Step 2: Plan To Be Safe

Plan to be safe by creating a disaster plan and deciding how you will communicate in an emergency.

Step 3: Organize Disaster Supplies

Organize disaster supplies in convenient locations.

Step 4: Minimize Financial Hardship

Minimize financial hardship by organizing important documents, strengthening your property, and considering insurance.

Surviving & Recovering From An Earthquake

Step 1: Drop, Cover, & Hold On

Drop, Cover, and Hold On when the earth shakes.

Step 2: Improve Safety

Improve safety after earthquakes by evacuating if necessary, helping the injured, and preventing further injuries or damage.

Step 3: Reconnect & Restore

Restore daily life by reconnecting with others, repairing damage, and rebuilding community.

After the immediate threat of the earthquake has passed, your level of preparedness will determine your quality of life in the weeks and months that follow.

The Great California ShakeOut

Each year, Bakersfield College participates in The Great California ShakeOut to prepare for earthquakes. During this drill, the Incident Command Center is activated, BC's Emergency Responders and Red Bag Program are engaged, and the full campus participates. This helps us prepare for potential earthquake emergency situations.

The next Great California ShakeOut drill will be on October 19, 2025 at 10:19 AM.

During the drill, an emergency notification will be sent out campus-wide. When you hear the notification, Drop, Cover, and Hold On. A second alert will be sounded indicating a campus-wide evacuation. Please exit your building calmly and safety. Help others evacuate, especially those that require mobility assistance. Head to a safe location outdoors that is away from buildings, windows, and other structural hazards. Emergency Responders and/or College Safety Officers will begin checking buildings and other campus property to ensure every one has evacuated safely. Once the Incident Command Center has been notified that all buildings are cleared, an "all clear" will be sounded indicating when people on campus can return to their buildings.

Contact College Safety

Phone: (661) 395-4554 | Email: collegesafety@bakersfieldcollege.edu | Location: Administrative Services Building (AS)