THE LOS ANGELES EARTHQUAKE : PREPARING THE OFFICE AGAINST EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE

BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE

Look for books, potted plants and heavy objects that could fall and injure someone during an earthquake. Move them or secure them.

Heavy objects, such as computer terminals and top-heavy furniture, may be a threat. If they aren’t secured, be ready to move away from them in an earthquake.

Be ready to move away from windows and glass partitions that can break in an earthquake.

Store emergency supplies. In a desk drawer keep:

--A portable radio for information after a disaster;

--A flashlight in the event power fails;

--Tennis shoes for ease of movement;

--Food, such as trail mix;

--Bottled water in the event waterlines break;

--Medicines and first-aid items;

--Emergency literature that gives information on actions to take in a crisis. Know emergency procedures, including the locations of:

--Emergency exits;

--Fire alarms;

--Fire extinguishers.

DURING AN EARTHQUAKE

Move away from windows, tall file cabinets and other things that could fall.

Get under a desk, table or other heavy furniture. As it moves about, hold on and move with it.

Move against a wall in the interior of the building, cover and protect yourself.

AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE

Help locate injured.

Be especially watchful for people who can’t move on their own or hear rescuers’ calls offering assistance.

Don’t evacuate your floor until you have clearance to do so.

You may have to remain in your building for up to a few days after a large earthquake because transportation and communication systems will be damaged, making the trip home impossible. Before an earthquake, let your family know that this might be the case.

After you’ve returned home, you will be notified when it’s time for you to return to work.

SOURCE: Southern California Earthquake Preparedness Project