Californians are no strangers to earthquakes, nor are we and our fellow USC students. The United States Geological Survey reports that there are approximately 10,000 earthquakes each year in California and about 27 earthquakes every day in Southern California alone. 

The state has the most earthquakes that cause harm or injury of any other region in the U.S. According to the California Earthquake Authority, most residents live within 30 miles of an active fault. The 1994 Northridge earthquake, of magnitude 6.7, was one of the most devastating in California, causing $25 billion in estimated damage and 57 deaths, and injuring thousands of people.

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USC is in a prevalent region for active faults. Just under two months ago, on Feb. 9, a 4.6 magnitude earthquake struck around 30 miles north of USC in Malibu. We were both in class as the earthquake occurred. The earthquake could be felt across campus, and many students and professors were unsure of the proper safety procedures. 

Jillian recalls no attempts made to go under desks by students in the Montgomery Ross Fisher Building room 303, as the chairs and small desks are connected on a swivel. Ashley was in a class in the same building in room 320, where the professor instructed students to get underneath the desks. She and her classmates struggled as these desks are incredibly tiny, with the desktop being all of 17 inches wide, and packed tightly next to each other. 

These desks are not conducive to safe earthquake procedures, as students cannot fully fit nor get quickly underneath. Additionally, the desks in many classrooms are not sturdy enough to withstand falling objects and can be moved to the side with minimal force. 

USC needs to get better desks that are comfortable and safe for students of all sizes, that will promote learning and protect students during the event of a natural disaster. Given the prevalence of earthquakes, as well as the potential devastating impacts they can have on human life at USC, we want to advocate for enhanced safety measures and preparation for everyone on campus. 

In addition, the desks must be sturdy and big enough to ensure the safety of students and staff in the event of an earthquake. All faculty need to be prepared to execute and instruct students on proper safety measures in the classroom.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following earthquake safety procedures in the classroom: First, drop on your hands and knees; second, cover your neck and head with your arms, and cover your whole body under a sturdy table or desk; third, if possible, hold on to a sturdy or secure surface. Danger and harm can occur within seconds, so these steps must be done as quickly as possible. 

USC students are unable to perform all these steps, nor do them in a quick manner, when the chairs and desks are way too small and not sturdy. We advocate for USC to supply chairs and desks that are universal to everyone, that can provide proper comfort and protection in the event of an earthquake.

Ashley Campbell & Jillian Lasker

Dworak-Peck School of Social Work

Class of 2025