Earthquake : Suite / Floor Wardens
PRE-EMERGENCY PLANNING: Read General Information: Earthquake (E 3-3).
EMERGENCY ACTIONS - DURING AN EARTHQUAKE: DROP, COVER & HOLD ON.
- Brace yourself in the core of the building (the elevator lobby and corridor area). Or get under a desk or other sturdy object and hold on. Stay away from windows, bookcases, filing cabinets or anything else that may fall or shatter.
EMERGENCY ACTIONS - AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE:
- Enlist assistance of Floor Response Team members, if possible. Check for injuries and fires. Inspect floor for damage. Check utilities - gas or water leaks and electrical shorts. Use caution opening doors. Watch for falling objects.
- Assess conditions and determine the necessity for immediate evacuation. If life threatening, begin evacuation. Generally, it is safer to remain inside the building.
- When checking rooms or offices, use post-it-notes or chalk to mark doors of rooms that have been checked for injured occupants.
- Receive reports from Monitors/Wardens, including stairwell inspection report. Report all findings to Building Staff or Emergency Personnel. Include injuries, deaths, building damage and potential hazards. If communications are not working, send alternate Suite/Floor Warden, Monitors or occupants as "runners" to give status report. Note: Call 9-1-1 only if there is a life threatening emergency.
- Keep occupants away from windows. Keep occupants quiet and calm. Replace telephone receivers. Restrict use of phone. Discourage occupants from leaving until authorized.
- Monitor conditions and await further instructions. Listen to radio for emergency reports (KOGO 600 AM, KLSD 1360 AM, KNX 1070 AM and KFWB 980 AM). Keep occupants informed to discourage spreading of rumors.
- If a serious quake, gather earthquake supplies. Cooperate with all Public Safety Officials. BE PREPARED FOR AFTERSHOCKS.
If evacuation is ordered:
- Direct occupants to safe exit. Remind occupants to be prepared for aftershocks and to be careful of falling debris, electrical wires & hazardous areas as they exit.
- Assemble occupants at a safe refuge area outside and away from the building. Take head count. Note: this area cannot be predetermined. It will vary depending upon earthquake damage.
- Report status to Building Staff or Emergency Personnel.
- Do not reenter the building. The Fire Department or Public Safety Officials will determine when it is safe to return to the building.