Translate
Earthquake Guide
Your safety during an earthquake or any emergency is Metro’s top priority. There are numerous procedures Metro has in place in the event of an earthquake.
Tips in Case of an Earthquake
- If possible, “Drop, Cover and Hold On” until the shaking stops.
- Stay onboard buses and trains or in train stations until instructed to do otherwise by Metro personnel.
- The safest place to be during an earthquake is on Metro’s underground — you may not even know an earthquake has occurred.
On a Train or in a Station
- The operator will stop the train until the shaking stops and make the appropriate announcements to the passengers to keep them informed.
- If you are in a train or station underground, you might not be aware an earthquake is occurring. Sensors will alert Metro personnel that an earthquake is underway and emergency procedures will go into effect. If the magnitude of the earthquake is sufficient to cause damage to rail infrastructure, automatic shutdown will occur.
- Once it is safe to do so, the train will proceed at a reduced speed to the next station with street level trains avoiding all underground areas, elevated stations and all stations under overhead structures.
- If the train cannot proceed and it is not safe to remain where you are, the operators will assist you in evacuating to a safe location.
- Depending upon the magnitude of the earthquake, rail system maintenance engineers may be dispatched to inspect the system before the train can proceed. Transportation field supervisors will be sent out to assist with any inspections or evacuations required.
- Radio dispatch will be monitoring the rail system to handle any emergencies, broadcast instructions to the operators and allow them to proceed along the route when safe.
On a Bus
- Stay onboard the bus unless instructed to do otherwise by the operator.
- After the shaking stops, the operator will stop the bus at the first available safe area away from overpasses, tall buildings, electrical wires or other hazards.
- If it is necessary to evacuate the bus, the operator will survey the situation outside the bus for any unsafe conditions and direct passengers to a safe area.
- Radio dispatch will be monitoring the bus fleet to handle any emergencies, broadcast instructions to the operators and allow them to proceed when safe.
