2009 Annual Meetings
Emergency Advice to Participants

This note serves to remind everyone of how to be prepared for possible emergencies as well as what to do in case of an urgent evacuation or earthquake. In all cases, please follow the guidance given by local uniformed staff, who have all been trained in evacuating the premises in an orderly way.

Preparedness

• Know the location of the nearest fire alarm pull station.

• Know the location of the nearest fire extinguisher.

• Locate the nearest exits (exits are identified by illuminated green signs).

Reporting

• If you discover a fire or smoke, call one of the local uniformed staff for assistance or call Security.

• If the fire is small (wastebasket size), use the nearest fire extinguisher to put out the flames.

• If the fire is large, close all doors to the area to keep the fire from spreading.

• Evacuate the building as outlined below.

Emergency Evacuation

When the alarm sounds in your area:

• Follow any public address system instructions.

• Leave the building or area under the guidance of the local uniformed staff.

• Close all doors as you leave.

• Leave the building. Use the exit stairwells or connecting hallways into adjoining buildings. Move as far as possible away from the fire and smoke.

• DO NOT use the elevators. The controls could be damaged.

• Leave entrances clear so emergency services can operate freely.

• DO NOT reenter the building until Security gives the “all clear.”

In the event of an earthquake

Some earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might occur. Minimize your movements and stay indoors until the shaking has stopped and exiting is safe.

• Take cover by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and hold on until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.

• Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.

• Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.

• Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, loadbearing doorway.

• Stay inside until shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. (Most injuries occur when people attempt to move to a different location inside the building.

• Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.

• DO NOT use the elevators.

If outdoors

• Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.

• Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits, and alongside exterior walls. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.

If trapped under debris

• Do not light a match.

• Do not move about or kick up dust.

• Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.

• Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.