The following procedures are provided as suggestive guidelines only.
When an earthquake occurs, the ground will shake perceptibly for a relatively short time, perhaps only a few seconds or for as much as a minute in a great earthquake.
EARTHQUAKE PREPARDNESS
Because of the scope of an earthquake, many of the normal services and emergency services might be interrupted. You must be prepared to exercise your best judgment under these circumstances.
Keep an earthquake preparedness kit on hand. Include the following:
- Food and water - at minimum, a 3 day supply (a 7 day supply is ideal)
- First Aid kit and First Aid manual
- Large and small heavy-duty plastic bags, duct tape and scissors
- Extra prescriptions and eyewear
- Heavy-duty shoes and gloves
- Extra clothing and a whistle
- Rescue tools
- Portable TV and/or radio with extra batteries
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Cash (ATMs and credit cards may not work)
- Emergency Phone List, including family at work, school, daycare, etc.
- Long-distance message check-in phone number
- Cell phone
Suggested Precautions to Take During an Earthquake:
Most earthquake-induced injuries are caused by falling objects or debris that has become dislodged by the quake. During an earthquake, please observe the following:
- Try to remain calm, do not panic.
- Stay in the office area.
- Take cover under tables, desks, or strong doorways.
- Keep away from windows and glass doors.
- Keep clear of filing cabinets, shelves and tall stacks of materials.
- Check for any injured personnel and administer first aid where necessary.
- Floor Wardens should assess damage and injuries and be prepared to expedite evacuation of serious cases.
- In the event of a fire resulting from an earthquake, follow the fire emergency procedures.
- Be prepared for aftershocks. While aftershocks are generally smaller than the earthquake that generates them, they can cause additional damage.
Elevators are equipped with seismic detectors, which when activated, will automatically stop the elevator at the nearest floor; if they are occupied at the time, inhabitants should exit immediately and follow instructions issued by the Floor Warden.
Suggested Precautions to be Taken After an Earthquake:
- Try to remain calm and take time to assess your situation. Stay in your area unless any emergency dictates otherwise.
- If you smell gas, immediately notify the Building Management Office at (808) 521-6022 or Security at (808) 521-9803.
- It is very likely that an earthquake will be the cause of fire, broken water pipes and disruption of electrical power. Avoid pools of water and broken electrical lines.
- Check immediate location - make sure you are safe.
- Check for injuries and apply first aid as needed. Be prepared for an absence of immediate emergency services and be prepared to help yourself and others.
- Extinguish any fires. Do not light matches. Do not smoke.
- Barricade hazardous areas to prevent other persons from accessing a dangerous area.
- Be alert for aftershocks. Their intensity can produce further damage. Respond to the aftershock as though it is the original earthquake.
- Listen for news or pertinent instructions on the radio or television.
- Do not use the telephone unless you have a dire emergency; ensure that all telephone receivers are properly mated to their cradles.
- Conserve and responsibly ration food and water.
- Building Security will attempt to contact tenants via the public address system to advise on building and local conditions.
Evacuation:
- Normally, it is not recommended to evacuate a building after an earthquake. Outside one may experience falling glass from the buildings.
- However, if an evacuation is required, use the stairwells. Do NOT use the elevators. Walk down at a steady pace. Do NOT run.
