ARTICLE 10.5. Earthquake Emergency Procedures [35295. - 35297.]

Cal. Education Code - EDC 10.5.

in effect

Cal. Education Code - EDC § 35295. Section 35295.

The Legislature finds and declares the following: (a) Because of the generally acknowledged fact that California will experience moderate to severe earthquakes in the foreseeable future, increased efforts to reduce earthquake hazards should be encouraged and supported. (b) In order to minimize loss of life and disruption, it is necessary for all private elementary schools and high schools to develop school disaster plans and specifically an earthquake emergency procedure system so that pupils and staff will act instinctively and correctly when an earthquake disaster strikes. (c) It is therefore the intent of the Legislature in enacting this article to authorize the establishment of earthquake emergency procedure systems in kindergarten and grades 1 through 12 in all private schools in California.

Cal. Education Code - EDC § 35296. Section 35296.

The governing board of each private school shall establish an earthquake emergency procedure system in every private school building under its jurisdiction having an occupant capacity of 50 or more pupils or more than one classroom. A governing board may work with the Office of Emergency Services and the Seismic Safety Commission to develop and establish the earthquake emergency procedure systems.

Cal. Education Code - EDC § 35297. Section 35297.

The earthquake emergency procedure system shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following: (a) A school building disaster plan, ready for implementation at any time, for maintaining the safety and care of students and staffs. (b) A drop procedure. As used in this article, “drop procedure” means an activity whereby each student and staff member takes cover under a table or desk, dropping to his or her knees, with the head protected by the arms, and the back to the windows. A drop procedure practice shall be held at least once each school quarter in elementary schools and at least once a semester in secondary schools. (c) Protective measures to be taken before, during, and following an earthquake. (d) A program to ensure that the students and that both the certificated and classified staff are aware of, and properly trained in, the earthquake emergency procedure system.

Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026