Earthquake
BEFORE THE QUAKE
Earthquake proofing:
- Secure larger shelves or furniture to wall or floor
- Laminate glass, which can shatter
- Lower heavy objects or displays which could fall and injure or block exit ways
- Keep drawers and cabinets latched
- Secure TV’s, computers, monitors, and other expensive electronics to their bases
Supplies:
- Tenants are responsible for emergency supplies in their space. The building does not provide emergency food, water, or supplies
Tenants should store:
- Food and water for three days minimum (7-day supply is ideal)
- First aid kit and first aid manual
- Large and small heavy-duty plastic bags, duct tape, and scissors
- Prescribed medications and extra eyewear
- Heavy-duty shoes and gloves
- Extra clothing, whistle
- Rescue tools
- Portable TV or radio, extra batteries
- Flashlight, extra batteries
- Cash (ATMs and credit cards may not work)
COMMUNICATIONS
Individuals, Tenants, or Employees
- Emergency phone list
- Family: work, school, play, and daycare
- Long distance message check-in phone number
- Cell phone
Company
- Emergency back-up list of vendors (to minimize downtime)
- Emergency phone list of employees
Drill
- Know safe, take-cover locations
DURING AN EARTHQUAKE
- Duck and cover immediately under sturdy cover and hold on.
- If there is no sturdy cover, crouch low against an interior wall, covering your head with your arms and hands.
- Do not evacuate the building unless instructed.
- Stay covered until the moving has stopped completely.
- Avoid window area and items that can fall on you.
AFTER A DEVASTATING / DAMAGING EARTHQUAKE
- Be prepared for aftershocks.
- Check immediate location (are you safe?)
- Check for injuries of others: apply first aid as needed.
- Extinguish any fires. Do not light matches. No smoking.
- Turn off gas if you: smell gas, see a broken pipe, or are ordered to do so.
- Turn off water or electricity if it is causing a hazard or pipe is broken.
- Be prepared to go without emergency services and help yourself and others.
- Listen for news or instructions over radio or television.
- Ration food and water.
- Use telephone only for dire emergencies
- Check and make sure that all telephone receivers are on its phone cradle.