Disaster is a Reality!

Disasters are a reality we all must be prepared for. No one is immune. Fire, earthquakes, windstorms, bombing or bomb threats, civil disturbances, etc., can injure or kill employees, destroy property and threaten the very survival of your business.

Preplanning is a Must!

It is almost impossible to locate your business to avoid all potential natural or manmade disasters. However, through preplanning you can do much to mitigate loss and expedite and assure business recovery.

Basic Survival Tips - A First Step!

The first of the key planning issues that must be addressed in developing your disaster recovery plan, is the safety and welfare of your employees.

This guide is intended to help you and your employees make intelligent decisions during an emergency. It does not contain all the answers because there are so many variables to consider. It does offer some helpful advice on how to act during an emergency, and essential tips on surviving a disaster. This guide can serve as an excellent first step in helping you develop your own disaster preparedness and recovery plan.

An Ounce of Prevention...

Emergency Strategy:

• Organize an emergency response team-include alternate members
• Assign emergency responsibilities
• Establish an evacuation plan
• Establish post-emergency meeting places
• Conduct emergency drills
• Review your plan periodically

Have a plan of action. Find out what specific skills your employees have that can be useful in an emergency, e.g., first aid, CPR, firefighting, survival training, etc. Be familiar with temporary shelter locations (schools, churches, Red Cross, armories) that are within walking distance. Be familiar with vehicles at work that could be useful in an emergency (4-wheel drive, RV or van, pickup truck, station wagon). Be aware of special measures need to help handicapped employees.

Basic First Aid Supplies:

• Assorted bandages and gauze pads
• Adhesive tape and scissors
• Cotton balls
• Aspirin
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Splinting materials
• Cloth for hot and cold packs and slings
• Smelling salts

First aid and CPR training are important because it may be some time before outside emergency services are available. Your local Red Cross can help with evaluating your specific first aid supply needs. Be sure to replenish first aid kits regularly.

Survival Supplies:

• Water (3 to 5 gallons per person per day)
• Food and cooking supplies
• Matches
• Radio and fresh batteries
• Personal hygiene supplies
• Auxiliary lighting
• Sanitation supplies (i.e., plastic bags)
• Protective clothing (heavy shoes, socks and gloves)
• Flashlights
• Blankets and sleeping bags
• Prybar

After a disaster you may be on your own for some time. These items are invaluable in a crisis.

An adequate supply of water can be critical to survival during an extended period of isolation. Food should not require water or electricity to prepare, should not cause thirst or be gas causing and should be high in caloric intake and energy. Food and water with a shelf of at least three years is preferred. Contact your local Red Cross for further information regarding survival shelter needs.

During An Emergency...

Survival depends on your ability to stay calm and avoid panic. Above all, think before you act.

What To Do In An Earthquake:

If indoors...

• Stay there-don't dash for exits
• Watch for falling debris
• Shield your head
• Move to inside hallway, doorway or corner
• Take cover under sturdy furniture
• Stay away from windows
• Keep clear to tall, heavy objects
• Don't light matches

If in a highrise or public place...

• Stay there-don't dash for exits
• Stay away from windows
• Get under a desk or countertop
• Remain on the same floor
• Avoid using elevators
• Choose your stair exit carefully if it becomes necessary to evacuate after the shaking stops

If outdoors...

• Stay there
• Avoid tall buildings, masonry, and glasswork
• Move to open area
• Don't run through streets

If driving...

• Pull over to the side of road
• Don't stop on highways
• Don't park near bridges, overpasses or trees
• Remain in car until shaking stops
• Don't attempt to cross damaged bridges or overpasses

Wherever you are...

• Be prepared for additional shocks
• Keep away from fire, downed power lines and other danger areas
• Help, and calm others

Be constantly aware of your surroundings and the threats they pose. Get away from anything that could fall. Take cover underneath any sturdy furniture or stand in a doorway. Do not attempt to "run to safety." After the shaking stops, if necessary, cautiously move to a safer area and continue to avoid structures that could fall.

What To Do In Case Of A Fire:

• Activate nearest accessible fire alarm or if none nearby call for assistance (e.g. “911” or fire department)
• Sound a verbal alarm
• Determine if anyone needs to be rescued
• Close off all doors to the fire area
• If it becomes necessary to evacuate, use a stair-never use an elevator
• Assign someone to meet the fire department when they arrive to direct them to the fire area.

As with any other emergency, make no rash moves. Periodic fire drills will help insure orderly evacuations. Fire extinguishers should only be used by employees trained in their use and only on fires in their early stages. When evacuating remember employees in rest rooms or isolated areas who may not be aware of the situation.

What To Do In Case Of A Bomb Call:

If the bomb threat is received by phone the first rule to follow is to keep the caller talking as long as you can. Get as much information as possible. Try to establish the who, what, when, where, why and how of the situation. Try to establish as many distinguishing features of the caller as you can. The following checklist will be helpful:

• Note time and date of call
• Ask where the bomb is placed
• Ask when the bomb is set to explode
• Ask what will make it explode
• Ask why the bomb was placed
• Ask what the bomb looks like
• Try to get the caller's name
• Try to identify background noises
• Note any accent or distinguishing voice or speech characteristics or mannerisms

As soon as the call is terminated report it immediately, to 911, the police or as otherwise indicated in your emergency preparedness plan. Furnish as much information as possible, as briefly as possible. Be sure to give your name, location and phone number. Evacuate upon order of the emergency response team.

What To Do In Case Of Tornados:

The National Weather Service is responsible for issuing weather warnings to the public. Tornado Watch means tornados are expected to develop; Tornado Warning means a tornado has been sighted in the area or is indicated by radar. If a Tornado Warning is announced:

• Stay inside a building, preferably in a basement area
• Stay away from outside walls and windows
• Get underneath strong, heavy furniture
• If outside, lie in a flat ditch or depression
• Do not attempt to drive through a tornado

Because tornados are highly localized and recurring in some areas, the local emergency service (perhaps the police department may have a "Tornado Watch system" you can participate in.

After An Emergency...

• Check for injuries
• Give necessary first aid
• Do not strike matches or turn on electricity
• Check for fires or gas leaks
• Avoid danger areas
• Follow official advice
• Limit use of telephones
• Do not overexert yourself
• Stay calm and think before you act