Historical October 1990 earthquake supplement. Original predictions, insurance prices and safety guidance are reproduced as period reporting, not current forecasts or instructions.
Before an Earthquake _ Prepare a company earthquake preparedness plan…. List for employees the possible means of taking shelter during a quake and hold occasional drills _Tell them not to leave the building during the quake. _ Have available, for Immediate use. the telephone numbers of and alternative means of communication for public safety agencies. including police. fire. medical and utilities. Develop with the assistance of these agencies preparedness plans and drills. _ Check all offices, storage areas, manufacturing areas and other work locations for earthquake hazards. _ Brace or anchor high or top-heavy shelves, machinery or any other equipment which could fall during a tremor. _ Bolt down or provide strong support for water heaters and other gas appliances on the premises…. _Considerall possibilities should destruction occur. What if those on upper floors cannot descend to the ground floor? What if employees are trapped In the basement? _ Appoint at least two persons in each department or on each floor who will assume leadership roles after the quake has occurred and be sure they are properly trained. _ Consider the possibility that employees may not be able to leave the premises and keep supplies on hand….These include one or more battery-powered radio and extra batteries, flashlights and extra batteries, at least a 72 hour supply of food and water for each employee, blankets and adequate first aid supplies. Encourage employees to keep a few personal toilet articles on hand at work…. _ Plan assistance for physically handicapped employees…. _ Designate areas of the firm which may be suitable as shelter areas should employees be required to stay there after the quake. _ Be sure fire extinguishers are kept in good working order and that several employees in each work area know how to operate them. _ If your building Is windowless, consider alternate means of ventilation and lighting if power is off. Encourage all employees to enroll in Red Cross First Aid courses…. _urge employees to have a plan for reunification of their families should they be unable to leave the premises to return home immediately. Plan for the Immediate disposition of the dead after the quake. _ Develop contingency plans for continued operation of your company/plant based on total and/or partial shut downs due to building / utility / communication / transportation failures. Include key personnel. communications systems, utilities and other support needed for 24 hours. 72 hours, one week and one month. _ discuss and distribute the company earthquake plan with employees and be sure each one understands all phases.
After an Earthquake _Employees should immediately check for Injuries among fellow workers and render first aid as needed. Seriously injured persons should not be moved unless they are in danger of further injury. Check for fires and fire hazards, especially for gas leaks and damaged electrical wiring. See that these are turned off at main valves and switches, if required. _ Check for building damage and move employees to safe areas. _Do not permit employees to use elevators or to run into the street. Flashlights should be used if power is off, since sparks from a match or light switch could ignite leaking gas. _ Immediately clean up dangerous spills. _Do not use telephones for outside calls except in genuine emergencies. Use battery-powered radios for damage reports and information from public safety agencies. Designated leaders should immediately organize those employees for whom they are responsible and determine what steps are to be taken in accord with the company’s earthquake plan.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, October 1990.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1990_10.pdf, printed page(s) 6; PDF page(s) 5.
