An earthquake's devastation can extend beyond immediate injuries. Businesses often suffer from costly damage, productivity losses and long-term disruptions. Proactive commercial earthquake preparedness is essential for mitigating those risks. By taking the appropriate steps and planning for possible earthquakes, you can protect your staff and limit the risks of injuries and business interruptions.
3 Areas of Commercial Earthquake Preparedness
Preparation does not need to be overwhelming. By focusing on three areas, you can proactively protect assets and lives.
1. Pre-Earthquake Preparation
A thorough risk assessment calls for inspecting your building's structural integrity and recognizing any potential fire or gas hazards that might be exacerbated by an earthquake. A structural engineer can also identify areas of your building that need strengthening or support.
Beyond professional assessments, it is necessary to perform a walkthrough looking for other potential risks. For example, identify areas where heavy objects may fall and cause injuries and secure those areas by anchoring large items and furniture, like bookcases and filing cabinets.
Next, assemble earthquake emergency kits, collections of supplies designed to help you survive the aftermath of an earthquake. The kits should include, at a minimum:
• Water
• Non-perishable food
• First-aid kit
• Flashlight and batteries
• Portable radio
• Whistle
• Dust masks
In severe situations, building or structural collapses can trap you and other employees in the property. Emergency kits can keep you alive while waiting for rescue.
2. Active Earthquake Safety
When an earthquake occurs, the best thing you can do is find cover and wait it out. Do not stand in doorways. While some older buildings had sturdier door frames than the unreinforced adobe or masonry, that is no longer true. Standing in doorways is no longer recommended as a safe practice.
As the earthquake begins, get on your hands and knees to prevent a fall. Then, get close to an interior wall or crawl under a sturdy table or desk. Put your hands and arms over your head and neck and wait for the shaking to stop. If you are indoors, stay indoors unless the building is structurally unsound.
3. Post-Earthquake Actions
After the earthquake, account for all personnel. Commercial earthquake preparedness means your team should have already established a centralized check-in location and designated individuals responsible for headcounts and contacting missing staff. It also means a business continuity plan is in place.
Once you account for everyone, you can focus on damage assessment. Reach out to Cotton Global Disaster Solutions to assess your property and determine the proper mitigation and recovery procedure.
Commercial Earthquake Response
A crucial part of commercial earthquake preparedness is having a qualified disaster recovery team on standby. Contact Cotton GDS or give us a call at 877-511-2962 to learn more about how we can become your trusted disaster recovery partner.