[Evac-Net] Earthquake Instructions for Office Workers

Thu Jun 3 09:49:24 PDT 2010

Here is some good information that I thought I would pass along to
everyone. Please let me know if you have questions, comments or
concerns.

Luella  

EARTHQUAKE INSTRUCTIONS FOR OFFICE WORKERS

During an Earthquake

Try to be calm. Panic will endanger rather than preserve you. Call out
to remind others, "Earthquake! Duck, Cover and Hold!" Look for a safe
place to DUCK under and wait out the shaking. In the office a safe place
means:

*        Under a desk or table. In systems furniture, with partitions
and no four-legged desk, move to the corner where partitions are
connected at right angles. Partitions can be very sturdy if they are
firmly attached and have plenty of 90 degree angles.

*        Near a solid, sound interior wall.

*        Away from things that can tip, fall, or drop on you, like
windows, mirrors, cabinets, book cases, shelves, file cabinets,
chimneys, overhead lights or flimsy walls.

*        Get to know your office now. Is there a light above your head?
Where are the sound walls? Many office walls appear to be strong and
permanent, but are temporary and weakly attached to the structure. What
could tip over? Where are protected spots?

Duck, Cover, and Hold On

*        Duck under a sturdy table, desk, or other protection.

*        Cover your head. If you are not under something, cover head
with your arms.

*        Hold on to your cover or brace against the wall until the
shaking stops.

*        If your mobility is limited: Move, if you can, to an interior
wall or 90 degree partition corner and away from windows or objects that
can fall on you. Lock any wheelchair wheels. If seated, bend over your
knees. If you must stand, lean into the wall. Cover your head with your
hands or arms.

*        During the earthquake: Buildings may sway, jerk, or roll like
waves. It may be noisy. Earthquakes can make doors slam open and shut
and tip over office files and bookcases. They can start fire alarms.
Items hung on the wall my drop. Ceiling panels and light fixtures may
fall. Flimsy partitions may fall over. Windows and mirrors may shatter.

When the Shaking Stops

*        Do not automatically pull the fire alarm because of an
earthquake. Upon leaving cover, the first response in a modern office
building should be to assess the situation. Minor shakes may not warrant
evacuation. Serious shakes call for people to distrust all exits until
they look them over for instability or hazards. Fire alarms call for
careful evacuation.

*        Do not automatically call 911 or 9+911 because of an
earthquake. Call only if you know that immediate life saving, fire
suppression or hazardous materials help is needed. Local emergency
services know that an earthquake has occurred.

*        Some people may be nervous and upset. Some could be injured or
trapped by falling items. Power may have failed. Lights may not work.
Elevators may be stuck, inoperable, or dangerously damaged (even if the
building appears okay). The fire alarm may be sounding.

*        Stop and think. People may need help. On ground floors and
basements, gas may be leaking. Equipment may be running. You may not be
able to return. Strong or weak after-shocks may quickly follow. More
items may fall. Exits may be dangerous. Weather may be hazardous. The
building may, but is unlikely to be, at risk if imminent collapse. Think
before you act.

*        Follow your Evacuation Coordinator's directions. Even if the
fire alarm is ringing, the EC may ask you to carefully take some steps
to prepare before you evacuate.

*        Do not rush outside. Inside may be safer. The area outside of a
building poses the greatest danger of falling debris like window glass,
facades, cornices, and veneers. The extreme danger zone extends at least
several car lengths from the building. Danger from falling glass and
debris may extend as far out as half the height of the building or more.
Sever weather can add to the dangers outside. As the evacuation decision
is being made, your Evacuation Coordinator may ask you to check halls
and stairways near your area and to prepare for evacuation.

*        Help any injured people or people trapped by fallen
furnishings. Seriously injured people should be moved only if immediate
danger requires it.

*        Get ready to leave whether evacuating or not. Find your car
keys, coat, glasses, medication, umbrella, etc. You may not be able to
return. DO NOT take any items that are not important to your health and
safety. If safe to do so, (upper floors, no gas line near or immediate
safety issue) turn off computers and equipment. Do it even if the power
is off.

*        Electrical shorts can cause fires. Use fire extinguishers to
put out any small fire at its first hint. Do not try to deal with any
fire that you cannot immediately suppress. While you remain inside, keep
watch for smoke, fire, gas, broken pipes or other hidden damage. Do not
use matches, lighters, open flame devices. If you suspect spilled
flammables or gas to be present do not operate any electrical switches.

*        Avoid any spilled flammable liquids, drugs, medicines, poisons,
and other harmful substances. Treat fires, explosion risks, hazardous
material spills and other emergencies appropriately.

Evacuation

*        Your Evacuation Coordinator will direct you over the
pre-planned evacuation route to a pre-planned safe assembly area. The EC
also know alternate routes and areas.

*        Watch out for falling objects as you leave the building. Watch
for downed utility lines and any object in contact with them. If your
route has to be in the street, stay in a compact line and look out for
emergency vehicles and panicked drivers.

*        Go to the assembly area and report for roll call. Do not leave
until you have been checked off by the roll taker. People's lives could
be endangered searching for you. Wait for information about building
safety, road conditions, and shelters. If you decide on your own to
leave the area, make sure your EC know you have gone.

*        If your agency cannot provide shelter and safety for you, all
employees will be released on their own. Do not re-enter the building
that day or the next day unless it has been checked and cleared.

*        Do not go back into your building.

Earthquake on Your Own

*        In a car. Pull off in an open area well away from traffic and
preferably away from steep banks, bridges, overpasses, power lines,
signs, trees, or poles. Stay in the car. When the earthquake stops and
you resume driving, be alert for collapsed road surfaces, bridges or
overpasses, power lines down, panicked drivers, emergency vehicles and
listen to the radio.

*        In an auditorium or other crowded place.  Stay put until you
see what is happening. When you leave, choose your path carefully.

*        Outside. Move to an open area well away from buildings and
walls. Move beyond where falling glass is likely to sail. Stay clear of
chimneys, power poles, power lines, lamp posts, trees or other
structures that may tip or fall. Avoid fallen power lines. If you have
to walk in the street, stay alert for panicked drivers or emergency
vehicles.

Luella Ackerson

Risk Control Analyst

DAS Risk Management

503-373-7003

DAS Risk Management Website <http://oregon.gov/das/ssd/risk/> 

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