Emergency Procedure Plan
(417) 328-1556
Natural Disasters
Southwest Baptist University is near 2 fault lines. The Nemaha Uplift runs along the western border of Missouri and the New Madrid Fault in centered in southeast Missouri. Although these fault lines are located a distance from the campus, a major earthquake could severely effect SBU.
The last major earthquakes in Missouri were between December 1811 and March 1812. During a 3-month period there were 1850 tremors and three earthquakes over 8.3 on the Richter scale. Another major earthquake is expected in the next 50 years.
In the event of an earthquake:
- Remain calm
- Seek shelter under a desk or in a doorway. Stay away from glass, shelves and heavy equipment.
- After the initial shockwave, evacuate the building and do not go back in. Report missing persons to rescue workers. Be prepared for aftershocks.
- If outside, avoid buildings, trees and power lines. Report gas leaks and lines that are down.