Earthquake
At St Joseph's School, the board ensures that the school is a physically and emotionally safe place where risks to health and safety (both physical and mental) are eliminated or minimised (Health and Safety at Work Act 2015; Education and Training Act 2020). We prepare for earthquakes to occur at all times of the day, in all environments. This information is part of our emergency management plan and kept with our printed emergency plans and procedures.
Preparing for an earthquake
As part of our emergency management planning, we prepare for earthquakes by:
- managing hazards:
- ensuring that exits and evacuation routes are clear of obstructions
- having a procedure for responding to an earthquake on site (see below)
- having procedures in place for managing earthquakes when off site – see EOTC Contingency and Emergency Planning
- planning for people who may need
additional supportThe board, as the PCBU, has a responsibility to ensure the health and safety of all students and staff, including those with additional or high health needs. They are also responsible for the health and safety of other people on site, including visitors and contractors. We expect visitors and contractors to inform the school of any additional or high health needs.
Students and staff
Our emergency management plan addresses the diverse needs of our students and staff with medical, physical, emotional, and sensory needs. We recognise that students and staff with disabilities who have difficulty moving, hearing, seeing, communicating, and/or learning may need specific support related to their disability during an emergency.
Individual or safety plans may be developed, including:
- consideration given to being part of large crowds during evacuations
- managing sensory noise (e.g. sirens)
- designating a person to support the individual with additional needs (e.g. ensuring they are safe in an earthquake)
- supporting them to follow instructions in an emergency (e.g. being quiet during lockdowns, using a buddy system to support those with hearing impairments, other communication supports)
- having medication/medical equipment (e.g. for those with respiratory conditions) and ensuring emergency supplies cater for different dietary/food requirements.
See Prepare for an emergency or traumatic incident 
(Ministry of Education) – "Planning and Preparing for Emergencies"
- holding earthquake drills regularly so that staff and students can react quickly
- evaluating our drills.
Each term, the principal assures the board that evacuation drills have taken place and reports on their success. See Emergency Management and Review Schedule and Board Assurances.
Response to an earthquake
Our procedure for responding to an earthquake (which we practice during a drill) includes the following is:
- We use a command such as, “Earthquake! Drop!” or "Drop, Cover, Hold". When we hold an earthquake drill, the signal is the intermittent (pulsing) ringing of the bell.
- On the command, we expect everyone to Drop, Cover, and Hold immediately.
- Drop: Drop to the ground on hands and knees.
- Cover: Cover your head and neck (or your entire body if possible) under a sturdy table or desk (if it is within a few steps of you). If there is no shelter nearby, cover your head and neck with your arms and hands.
- Hold: Hold your position (or hold on to your shelter) to protect your head and neck until the shaking stops. If the shaking shifts your shelter, move with it.
Keep away from windows, buildings, power lines, and heavy objects that may fall.
Get Ready: Drop, Cover and Hold
- We expect everyone to stay in position until the shaking stops and it is safe to stand up. We check for hazards and clear them away, if required, and safe to do so.
- We expect everyone to take cover again if there are aftershocks.
After an earthquake
When the shaking stops, we:
- move away from dangerous areas and may activate our evacuation and/or emergency closure procedures
- help anyone that may need additional support
- call emergency services, if appropriate, and/or administer first aid if needed
- monitor for the smell of gas leaks or chemical spills – see Gas Leak or Chemical Spill
- monitor information sources for instructions from local authorities, as appropriate.
We have processes in place to support our school community and check property is safe before resuming school operations. See After an Emergency.
Related policies
Legislation
- Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
- Education and Training Act 2020
Resources
: Term 4 2025, Term 2 2022
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