Commercial Earthquake Safety

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

Earthquake

Hey SERVPRO of Chatsworth/Stevenson Ranch readers!

Living in SoCal an earthquake can happen at any time, so read on for a few quick tips on how to make sure your business is prepared. And remember, when disaster strikes, you can always call your local SERVPRO for timely assistance:

"An earthquake can happen anytime and anywhere. Unlike many other natural disasters, earthquakes can strike during any season. It can also occur with little to no warning at all. 

Earthquakes can knock out heat, power, and communications services, sometimes for days at a time, leaving people stuck without utilities or other services. Your goal for protection is to learn to Drop, Cover, and Hold On during an earthquake.

Most casualties and injuries during an earthquake occur when: people fall while trying to walk or run during the shaking; when they are hit by falling, flying, or sliding items or non-structural debris; and/or when they are struck or trapped by collapsing walls or other parts of the building.

The America’s PrepareAthon! How to Prepare for an Earthquake explains what the public should do before, during and after an earthquake:

• To prevent potential injuries, take the time to secure your space. Secure items that might fall, fly, or slide in an earthquake. Imagine if the room was picked up and shaken up and down and side to side and then determine what items would be thrown around.
• Make sure your business is safer during earthquakes and more resistant to earthquake damage. Get professional help to assess the building’s structure and then take steps to install nonstructural solutions, including foundation bolting and cripple wall bracing.

The America’s PrepareAthon! Prepare Your Organization for an Earthquake Playbook  explains how business owners can take the necessary steps now to prepare themselves and their staff for an earthquake.  

The playbook helps to enhance organizational coordination and communication on preparedness and operational continuity by recommending  the following:

• Hold a preparedness discussion to explain company plans and policies to motivate employees to be better prepared at home and work;
• Explain and practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On;
• Conduct a tabletop exercise with your staff to ensure that the organization is familiar with and knows how to implement readiness plans;
• Develop an employee communications plan with all staff contact information, including emergency points of contact;
• Sign up for local alerts and warnings in your community; and
• Organize and keep handy important documents such as insurance information and rental or mortgage agreements.

It is important that business owners discuss their plans with their employees to ensure they are aware of what to do and where to go during an earthquake threat."