7 STEPS TO AN EARTHQUAKE RESILIENT BUSINESS

7 STEPS TO AN EARTHQUAKE RESILIENT BUSINESS

Each step will provide you with a chance

to identify areas in your business that

need strengthening, training opportunities,

and actions to be taken. They are designed so

that every step builds from the last. Customize

each step to suit your business type and needs.

To get you started,

here is a snap-shot of the 7 Steps.

STEP 1

Identify potential hazards.

In this step, you will identify what may interrupt

your business operations temporarily or worse.

The priorities you set here will help you in the

other Steps.

Begin addressing those hazards.

Look at your priorities, where your business is

vulnerable, and choose how to minimize these risks.

If you secure it, it can be saved from earthquake

damage or from hurting employees.

STEP 2

Create a disaster plan. After you have

identifi ed the potential hazards and impacts to

your business, it’s time to create your plan and

train employees! Because disasters are highly

unpredictable, it is impossible to anticipate

every situation and impact. However, a Business

Continuity Plan can greatly reduce the

risks and losses your business might face by

guiding your decisions yet allowing fl exibility

to adapt to the unexpected.

STEP 3

Prepare disaster supplies kits.

After a disaster, businesses will need to be self-

sufficient as first responders will be addressing

high priorities such as hospitals and schools.

Determine what you need in the first days following

an earthquake including the basics like food, water

and sanitation.

STEP 4

Identify your building’s potential

Weaknesses and begin to fix them.

Most businesses lease their space, so it’s essential to

work with your owner and property manager

on addressing structural issues. If you own it,

strengthen those weaknesses. Either way, measures

taken now can help you keep your doors open.

No access, no business.

STEP 5

Protect yourself and employees during

earthquake shaking –

DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON.

The ground is shaking, what do you do?

The critical life safety step is Drop,

Cover, and Hold On. Stay clear of any objects

that may fall and stay put until the shaking

stops.

STEP 6

After the earthquake, check for injuries

and damage.

Life safety is the top priority

after an earthquake or any disaster. Use

trained personnel to find anyone injured. Next,

survey your building for damage or other

hazards. Decide if safe to stay.

STEP 7

When safe, continue to follow your

disaster plan.

Once life safety is being addressed,

it’s time to begin recovery activities

to resume business operations. Conduct an

assessment for operational issues. Use your

plan to guide your actions and restore priority

operations first. Communicate often with

employees and key contacts. Document your

lessons learned to determine priorities before

the next event.