Earthquake Preparedness Tips for Property Owners

Millions of people will participate in the Great Shakeout, the world’s largest earthquake drill, on October 17, 2013. The goal of this event is to provide businesses, organizations, communities, and families the opportunity to review their earthquake preparedness and response plans.

To better help those in the commercial building industry, the Buildings Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International has created a list of essential tips for earthquake preparedness that building owners can share with tenants and personnel.

• If indoors in the event of an earthquake, stay there. Take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture or counter, or brace yourself against an inside corner. Protect your head, face and neck.
• If outdoors, move into the open, away from buildings, streetlights and utility wires.
• After an earthquake, stay away from windows, skylights and items that could fall.  Do not use the elevators.
• Designate an area in your office space away from exterior walls and windows where occupants should gather after an earthquake if an evacuation is not necessary.
• Use stairways to leave the building if it is determined that a building evacuation is necessary.
• If damage or injury has occurred, the proper authorities should be notified.

For more information on what to do before, during, and after an earthquake visit BOMA International.