Assessing possible earthquake damage

To: UCSC Community

From: Amanda Gullings, Office of Emergency Management

A magnitude-5.1 earthquake struck about 12 miles east of San Jose at 11:42 a.m. today, according to a preliminary estimate from the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake rattled much of the San Francisco and Monterey Bay regions. The shaking was felt on our Main Residential and Coastal Science campuses in Santa Cruz and at our Silicon Valley Campus in Santa Clara.

There are not yet reports of damage or injury, but municipalities from throughout the area have dispatched public-works employees to assess possible damage to essential services and infrastructures. Teams of university workers are inspecting all of our buildings and facilities.

If you see possible quake-related damage anywhere at one of our campuses, please call the Physical Plant Service Center Operations line, also known as the physical-plant work order desk, at 831-459-4444.

Today’s quake was a nerve-rattling reminder to be prepared in the event of a larger quake. The university’s “Be Prepared, Be Aware, Be Ready” webpage includes resources that will help you prepare for a future quake as well as tips on what to do when a more significant earthquake strikes.