Category: Documents

Introduction and Scope

This Guide is designed to familiarize university employees and students with appropriate procedures before, during, and after an earthquake. Although earthquakes in this region are rare, they are still possible. This guide is designed to support university departments, employees, and students prepare and respond to earthquakes and should be used in conjunction with the Emergency Evacuation Guide.

Preparation

Earthquakes cannot be predicted; therefore, it is best to be prepared at all times. The Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommend the following actions to prepare for an earthquake:

Create a family emergency plan that includes:

• Alternate meeting locations in case you or your family cannot return home.
• Emergency contact numbers.
• Basic supplies such as bottled water, non-perishable food, and medications.
• For a template and more information, visit: Make A Plan | Ready.gov

Identify safe locations in spaces you frequent that can protect you from falling items, such as:

• Under a sturdy table or desk.
• Against an interior wall that does not have exposure to the exterior.
• Familiarize yourself with evacuation signage in buildings you frequent.
• Identify Primary and Alternate Assembly Areas. These areas would be a location a safe distance away from the building where occupants can gather during an emergency evacuation.
• Store heavy or breakable objects in closed cabinets, as low to the ground as possible.
• Secure heavy furniture and appliances (e.g., bookshelves, refrigerators) to wall studs.
• Evaluate locations of hanging objects (e.g., mirrors or frames) above beds or desks that could fall and cause injury. Arrange these items so they do not pose a fall hazard to those below.

Response: During an Earthquake

If You Are Indoors:
Remain indoors and immediately take the following actions until the shaking stops:

• Drop to the floor and get under or next to a sturdy table, desk, or permanent fixture.
• Cover your head and neck with your arms and hands.
• Hold On to the table or desk you are under as objects may shift during the earthquake.

If a sturdy table or desk is not nearby:

• Drop to the floor against an interior wall.
• Stay clear of windows, overhead fixtures, wall-mounted items, tall furniture, large appliances and cabinets that could tip or fall.

Additional Considerations:

• If you are in an elevator, you are afforded a reasonable amount of protection and should remain in place. Entrapment may occur; use the elevator phone, help button, or cell phone to contact emergency services.
• If you are in bed, remain in bed, and cover your head with a pillow.
• If you use a wheelchair or mobility device, lock the wheels and remain seated. Protect your head and neck with your arms or any available item such as a pillow or book.

If You Are Outdoors:
Move to an open area, away from buildings, overhangs, trees, and power lines to a clear area, such as a large open public area or field Avoid anything that could fall or collapse. If driving, pull over and stop in an area free from overhead hazards. Remain in your vehicle until the shaking stops.

Response: After an Earthquake

After the Earthquake: Once the earthquake has stopped, do the following:

• Move carefully as there may be “aftershocks” (smaller earthquakes after the main earthquake) which can continue for days or weeks.
• Exit the building when safety permits and move to the Designated Assembly Area.
• Use emergency exit route information posted throughout university buildings to determine the quickest route out of the building. Elevators should not be used.
• If the building loses power during the earthquake and you are unable to safely navigate exiting the building due to low visibility, remain in place and notify University Police of your location.
• Once in the Designated Assembly Area, take account of co-workers, students and peers. Report missing persons to emergency response personnel and University Police.
• Do not re-enter any building until it is cleared by University Police; Facilities Management; emergency response personnel; Risk, Safety, & Resilience; or similar university official.

The university will assess buildings for damages, chemical and physical hazards, and utility failures prior to authorizing re-occupancy of buildings. If you witness trapped or injured people, contact 911 or University Police at (703) 993-2810. Never re-enter a building that appears to have structural damage.

Additional Guidance following an earthquake:

• Limit cell phone use to text messaging to help keep emergency communication channels clear.
• If you cannot return to your work area or classroom for an extended period, contact your supervisor or instructor to discuss alternate arrangements.
• Monitor Mason Alert notifications via email, text, or the university website for important updates.
• Avoid unnecessary travel, as roads may be congested due to regional evacuations or emergency activity.
• Buildings, parking structures, and roadways may remain closed during damage assessments and repairs.
• Check for damaged utilities. If you detect a gas leak, power outage, or other utility failure, report it to the Facilities Management at (703) 993-2525.

Introduction and Scope

This guide outlines procedures to respond to a bomb threat or to a caller who claims a bomb is located on campus. All bomb threats must be taken seriously to minimize the risk of injury to students, employees, and visitors. A false bomb threat is a federal offense punishable under United States Code 18-844e, with a penalty of up to five years in prison, $10,000 fine, or both. Bomb threats can be delivered via phone, letter, email, or in person. All threats received by George Mason University faculty, staff, and students must be reported to University Police: (703) 993-2810 or 911.

Response

If a bomb threat is received by phone:

• Remain calm. Attempt to keep the caller on the telephone as long as possible. Do not hang up, even if the caller does.
• Listen carefully, be polite, and show interest.
• Try to keep the caller talking to gather more information.
• If possible, write a note to a colleague to call University Police (703-993-2810).
• Use the Bomb Threat Checklist.
• Record the time and phone number if possible.
• Immediately notify University Police with a different phone if possible.
• Do not take further action until advised by University Police. Responding officers will assess the threat and advise whether evacuate of the building and/or area is necessary.

If a bomb threat is received by email, fax, or other electronic communication:

• Immediately notify University Police.
• Do not delete or respond to the message.
• Provide or relay the entire message and any previous correspondence with the sender.
• Take no further action until advised to do so by the University Police. Responding officers will assess the threat and advise the building occupants if it is necessary to evacuate the building and/or area.

If a bomb threat is received by handwritten note:

• Immediately notify University Police.
• Preserve the note but handle as little as possible.

RSR-Emergency Management & Fire Safety | Last Reviewed: October 2025