Earthquake Response

Take Action During and After an Event

When the earth starts shaking, having a plan in place and knowing how to respond can make a big difference to the safety of your people and property.

We gathered some information to help you get started with a plan to respond during and after an earthquake. For more information about what to do before an earthquake, read the article Earthquake Prep – Planning and Preparing to Keep Your People and Property Safe in the Brotherhood Mutual Safety Library.

During an Earthquake

When an earthquake strikes, you won’t immediately know the severity or duration of the event. Quick thinking and action can help minimize injuries. Ready.gov promotes the Drop. Cover. Hold On. method to protect people if they are indoors during an earthquake. There are various alternatives, especially for individuals using an assistive device or wheelchair. Refer to https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes for additional information.

The Drop. Cover. Hold On. method features the following steps from Ready.gov:

1. Drop (or Lock)

Wherever you are, drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy. If you’re using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops.

2. Cover

Cover your head and neck with your arms. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter. If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows). Crawl only if you can reach better cover without going through an area with more debris. Stay on your knees or bent over to protect vital organs.

3. Hold On

If you are under a table or desk, hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it if it moves. If seated and unable to drop to the floor, bend forward, cover your head with your arms and hold on to your neck with both hands.

After an Earthquake

Once the initial shaking stops, you’ll want to get out of the building as quickly and safely as possible. Aftershocks can cause additional damage to the building and injury to anyone inside. Account for all your people, treating any minor injuries or getting professional medical treatment for anyone severely injured.

Once your people are safe, you’ll want to turn your attention to the building. Even if your facilities don’t appear to be damaged, there are a few items you’ll want to check as soon as possible.

  • Check for gas leaks. If it’s safe to do so, shut off the gas line. If you smell gas but can’t shut it off, call a fire department or qualified professional to help.
  • Check for water leaks. Shut off the water supply.
  • Check your systems and appliances to make sure they haven’t moved and created any safety issues such as a gas leak or electrical hazard.
  • Check your building for signs of structural damage. Remember, only go inside your building if it’s safe and the aftershocks have stopped, otherwise, assess your building from the exterior.
  • Check your sidewalks, parking lot, and foundation for new cracks, which can cause trouble later as a result of earthquake.

Be Aware of Secondary Events

Earthquakes can trigger landslides and tsunamis. Be aware of your surroundings and make sure you’re receiving emergency alerts on your phone or NOAA weather radio. Visit https://www.ready.gov/tsunamis for more information about preparing for tsunamis.

Ministering to the Community

Some communities will work with local businesses and non-profits to set up earthquake relief shelters.  Work with your local officials if you desire to establish your property as an evacuation center. You can also provide some respite for neighbors who might be affected by offering food, water, or blankets. Some ministries with a homeless outreach program are well suited for this ministry opportunity. Make sure you have adequate insurance protection if you desire to operate a temporary relief shelter. Check with your insurance agent if you have any questions.

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.