Tenant Handbook
Earthquakes
Before an Earthquake
- Secure bookcases, file cabinets and shelves.
- Secure all water storage against spillage.
- Secure wall attachments, computers, appliances, machinery.
- Install lip to front of bookcases and shelves.
- The Mayor‘s Office of Emergency Services suggests preparing for a 72 hour stay after an earthquake by storing the following items:
- Packaged water.
- Portable radio or television.
- Batteries
- Flashlights, rope, small tools.
- Canned goods, can opener.
- Dried foods.
- First-aid kits.
- Prescription medication.
- Blankets.
- Flat shoes.
During an Earthquake
- Remain calm and reassure others.
- Take cover underneath a solid desk or table.
- Stay away from windows, filing cabinets, shelves, glass doors.
- Listen to announcements.
- DO NOT attempt to leave the building; you are safer in the Building than in the street.
- DO NOT use the stairwells or the elevators until you are officially advised it is safe to do so.
- If in an elevator, the elevator will go to the nearest floor and then open. Remain in the elevator lobby of that floor.
- If a fire is a consequence of the earthquake, remain calm and follow instructions of your Emergency Response Team Leader and announcements on the public address system.
After an Earthquake
- Emergency Response Team Leader‘s responsibilities
- Maintain calm control over occupants.
- Search, rescue, head count.
- Conduct first aid on any casualties.
- Survey for damage.
- Establish communication: both internal and external.
- General Guidelines
- Be prepared for aftershocks. Wait for instructions. Keep head protected.
- Watch out for falling glass or objects. Close curtains or blinds.
- Emergency Response Team Leaders should report injuries to Building Management.
- Do not use matches, candles, or open flames. Gas may be present from broken pipes. Report any gas smell to Building Management.
- Be prepared to shut off natural gas, water, electricity.
- Turn a radio on. Telephones should be used only for emergencies.
- Gather tables and group them towards the center of the Building.
- Move people towards the center of the Building. Administer first aid to injured persons. Move any dead to a separate closed room.
- Do not evacuate until told to do so. Listen to instructions.
- If evacuation is ordered, stay away from other buildings and watch out for falling objects.
- In the event of a fire, follow emergency response procedures.