Earthquake Prep

Planning and Preparing to Keep Your People and Property Safe

Each region of the country faces a natural disaster risk at some level, like from tornadoes or hurricanes. A few select regions are at high risk for earthquakes. An earthquake’s impact can range from being a minor annoyance to causing a major disaster. The safety planning you do now can help your ministry protect its people and property.

We gathered some information to help you get started with making your disaster plans, preparing your building, and gathering supplies. For more information about what to do during and after an earthquake, read the article Earthquake Response – Take Action During and After an Event in the Brotherhood Mutual Safety Library.

Disaster Planning

The first step in preparing for any disaster is to develop a prevention and response plan. If you already have a plan, compare it with the tips below to strengthen your response. If you don’t yet have a plan, Brotherhood Mutual offers guidance on Developing a Disaster Plan [link on earthquake page].

Many federal and state agencies offer additional information regarding earthquake preparedness. Your plan will want to consider the following items specific to earthquakes:

• Determine the individuals who will oversee your ministry’s planning and response team. You’ll want to involve individuals with experience in the following areas: building maintenance and construction, emergency planning and operations, medical, law enforcement, public relations, and others as they apply to your ministry.
• Know and communicate the location of evacuation points on your property.
• Communicate to your people how they need to respond during an earthquake. Visit https://www.earthquakecountry.org/step5/ to learn about the “drop, cover, and hold on” program.
• Make sure all local emergency response numbers are updated and displayed throughout your building.
• Know the location of the medical care facilities closest to your organization.
• Create a communication plan in case an earthquake occurs during a ministry-sponsored event to keep families updated
• Plan and hold earthquake drills.
• Make sure you’re signed up to receive emergency earthquake alerts from your state or local emergency services.
• Work with your local officials if you desire to establish your property as an evacuation center.

Shelter-in-Place Preparation

Earthquakes can block roads, down power lines, and delay emergency response. Part of your disaster plan should prepare to shelter in place in case you can’t evacuate your property. Here are several items to consider.

• Earthquake packs for buildings and vehicles. These packs typically include:
  • Blanket
  • Food
  • Water
  • Flashlight
  • Radio
  • Extra clothes/socks

• Extra water and snacks on hand, especially for children’s ministry areas.
• Plan for temporary emergency back-up generator power either for your entire building or for critical appliances like refrigerators or freezers.
• Tools in case you need to shut off the gas or water supply to the building.

Building Preparation

A few simple steps can help defend your buildings against earthquake damage. Some states even require that certain appliances, such as water heaters, are properly secured to the structure. There are also more involved steps you can take to further enhance your building’s resistance to earthquake damage. Be sure to follow what your state recommends. Below are several considerations.

• Secure water heater to structure. California requires two straps to secure each water heater.
• Use flexible connectors for gas appliances to allow for some movement without causing a gas leak.
• Secure furniture, like bookshelves, to the wall.
• Secure small appliances, such as microwaves or small refrigerators, to prevent them from falling off shelves or tipping over. For more information about securing items on your property, visit https://www.earthquakecountry.org/step1/.
• Secure artwork to walls and use furniture putty to affix small items to tabletops or alters.
• Properly store items and secure anything that’s leaning against a wall (e.g., tables).
• Regularly inspect and repair your building’s foundation. When in doubt, have it looked at by a civil engineer.
• Make sure decks and support beams are solid and connected. Repair or replace if there’s any rot or cracked support beams.
• Research seismic retrofitting options for structural deficiencies. Check with your local building department for more information specific to your area.
• Ask your agent about earthquake insurance. It’s available for many areas.

For more information about earthquake preparedness, visit the following resources.

Ready.gov: https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes

Ready.gov Earthquake Prep Manual for Organizations: https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/prepareathon-playbook-earthquakes.pdf

Earthquake Country Alliance Infographics: https://www.earthquakecountry.org/sevensteps/

Posted March 5, 2021

The information provided in this article is intended to be helpful, but it does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for the advice from a licensed attorney in your area. We strongly encourage you to regularly consult with a local attorney as part of your risk management program.