Earthquake Preparedness

Earthquakes can happen quickly and without warning causing life-threatening and serious hazards such as fires, collapse of homes and buildings, tsunamis, landslides and avalanches.

Learn what to do to keep your business and employees as safe as possible.

Earthquake Preparedness For Commercial Clients

Before An Earthquake

Protect Your Employees

Make sure you have an earthquake plan for your business and any buildings you and your employees regularly occupy.

Be prepared to drop, cover and then hold on. Locate a safe place in each office of the building(s). A safe place could be under a piece of furniture or against an interior wall away from windows, garage doors, bookcases or tall office furniture and equipment that could fall causing injury.

Pack a safety kit with basic requirements such as:

• Supplies of food and water.
• Flashlights, cell phones, portable radios and extra batteries.
• A first aid kit.

Protect Your Business

• Bolt and brace water heaters, gas appliances, bookcases and tall office furniture to wall studs.
• Hang heavy items, such as pictures and mirrors, away from desks, couches or anywhere else people work or sit.
• Brace overhead lights.
• Install strong latches or bolts on cabinets. Large or heavy items should be closest to the floor.
• Turn off utilities (if told to do so by authorities) to prevent damage to your business. If you shut off your gas, a professional is required to turn it back on.
• Keep insurance policies, documents and other valuables in a safe-deposit box — you may need quick, easy access to these documents. Keep them in a safe place that is less likely to be damaged if an earthquake occurs.
• Take a few minutes to document the contents of your business with digital pictures or video. Create a room-by-room inventory list, if possible.

During An Earthquake

• Drop to the ground, cover your head and hold on. Aftershocks frequently happen so be prepared to repeat.
• Stay away from windows to avoid being injured by shattered glass.
• If you are outside, find a clear spot and drop to the ground. Stay there until the shaking stops (away from buildings, power lines, trees and streetlights).
• If you are in a car, pull over to a clear location and stop. Avoid bridges, overpasses and power lines. Stay in your car with your seat belt fastened. If a power line falls on your car, stay in the car and call for help.

After An Earthquake

Follow safety guidelines after the earthquake is over but expect and prepare for potential aftershocks and landslides.

• Continue listening to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions.

Return to Work Safely

• Keep away from loose or dangling power lines. Report them to the power company immediately.
• Inspect your building's structure and utilities and systems after an earthquake.
• Take pictures of the business damage, both buildings and its contents, for insurance purposes.

Notify NFP right away if you believe you will have a claim to file.