Kaiser EQ info

from Kaiser Permanente (download .doc version)

See also Recommended Earthquake Safety Actions from Earthquake Country Alliance

Before an Earthquake occurs – things you can do

• • Look for things that may fall and break: ceiling tiles, bookcases, file cabinets, and other furniture that has not been anchored to walls or floors. Remove things off tops of overhead bins that could become a flying missile or come crashing down.

  • Make sure at your workstation you have a place to safely protect yourself, is there space under your workstation, or next to your workstation.

  • The shaking may last only a minute or two, but there may be a number of aftershocks (over several days / weeks / months)

  • During the earthquake:

When the Earthquake occurs

If you are outside, stay outside. Move quickly to an open area away from buildings, trees, power lines, roadways.

If you are inside a building, stay inside.

Do not evacuate or go outside; falling debris could cause injury.

• • Take cover next to a desk or table or shelter in a doorway.

  • DUCK, COVER, & HOLD until the shaking stops!

  • PROTECT YOUR HEAD AND NECK.

• • If in a hallway, crouch down to the floor against the inner wall, arms covering your head

  • Keep away from overhead fixtures, windows, filing cabinets, bookcases, and other objects that could fall on you.

  • Assist any disabled person in the area and find a safe place for them.

  • NOT USE ELEVATORS.

What if you are in an elevator?

• • If you are in an elevator, you are probably better protected than most people.

  • The elevator will not fall down the shaft, and nothing heavy can fall on you.

  • If the power fails, the elevators will stop and lights will go off.

  • Public Safety will respond as quickly as possible and advise you how rescue will occur.

  • Upon rescue, take directions from emergency personnel.

After the earthquake: BERTs, BEA’s and AEA will:

• • Check for injuries, give or seek first aid.

  • DO NOT MOVE INJURED PERSONS UNLESS NECESSARY.

  • BEA’s will contact AEA regarding status of lab.

  • AEA will then alert Emergency Operations Center in Oakland regarding lab operations.

  • Assist any disabled person in the area and find a safe place for them.

  • Turn on a battery-powered radio, if you have one, to learn about what has happened.

  • Turn to 560, 740 or 810 AM stations in the area required to broadcast emergency information.

  • Replace telephone handsets that have been shaken off.

  • Do not try to use telephones except to report fires or medical emergencies.

  • Check doors for heat before opening.

  • Use handrails in stairwells; stay to the right.

  • DO NOT USE ELEVATORS.

  • Walk — DO NOT RUN.

  • Do not push or crowd.

  • Keep noise to a minimum so that you can hear emergency instructions.

  • Move to your assembly area by safest route available, if instructed to do so.

  • Wait for and follow instructions from your BEAs or AEA.

  • Be prepared for aftershocks, and be prepared to evacuate to lower floor if you’re in the 1725 building, if necessary.

  • If away from your workplace at the time of the quake,

  • do not return to your workplace unless instructed by Laboratory Administration.

Putting together an Emergency Kit

(info taken from www.72hours.org) for you and your family.

After a major disaster the usual services we take for granted, such as running water, refrigeration, and telephones, may be unavailable. Experts recommend that you should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least three days. Store your household disaster kit in an easily accessible location. Put contents in a large, watertight container (e.g. a large plastic garbage can with a lid and wheels) that you can move easily.

Your basic emergency kit should include:

• • Water – one gallon per person per day

  • Food – ready to eat or requiring minimal water

  • Manual can opener and other cooking supplies

  • Plates, utensils and other feeding supplies

  • First Aid kit & instructions

  • A copy of important documents & phone numbers

  • Warm clothes and rain gear for each family member.

  • Heavy work gloves

  • Disposable camera

  • Unscented liquid household bleach and an eyedropper for water purification

  • Personal hygiene items including toilet paper, feminine supplies, hand sanitizer and soap

  • Plastic sheeting, duct tape and utility knife for covering broken windows

  • Tools such as a crowbar, hammer & nails, staple gun, adjustable wrench and bungee cords.

  • Blanket or sleeping bag

  • Large heavy duty plastic bags and a plastic bucket for waste and sanitation

  • Any special-needs items for children, seniors or people with disabilities. Don’t forget water and supplies for your pets.

A component of your disaster kit is your Go-bag. Put the following items together in a backpack or another easy to carry container in case you must evacuate quickly. Prepare one Go-bag for each family member and make sure each has an I.D. tag. You may not be at home when an emergency strikes so keep some additional supplies in your car and at work, considering what you would need for your immediate safety.

• • Flashlight

  • Radio – battery operated

  • Batteries

  • Whistle

  • Dust mask

  • Pocket knife

  • Emergency cash in small denominations and quarters for phone calls

  • Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes, and a warm hat

  • Local map

  • Some water and food

  • Permanent marker, paper and tape

  • Photos of family members and pets for re-identification purposes

  • List of emergency point-of -contact phone numbers

  • List of allergies to any drug (especially antibiotics) or food

  • Copy of health insurance and identification cards

  • Extra prescription eye glasses, hearing aid or other vital personal items

  • Prescription medications and first aid supplies

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Extra keys to your house and vehicle

  • Any special-needs items for children, seniors or people with disabilities. Don't forget to make a Go-bag for your pets