Page 72 - DB Crisis Management Guide

Natural Disaster and Fire

Unlike other natural disasters, you will not have advance warning for an earthquake. To ensure your store is
effectively prepared, it’s important that you take preventive steps if your store is located in an earthquake-
prone area. Earthquakes have been occurring more frequently in “new” parts of the country, and while the
reasons aren’t completely clear, it’s becoming a reality that an earthquake can happen just about anywhere.

PREPARATION

Review the following items with your ROD/ROM and Facilities Manager:

 Determine which items may be a hazard in an earthquake and should be secured.
 Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas lines. Always use professional help.
 Keep battery-operated radio/flashlight/emergency equipment on hand.
 If permitted by the landlord or city ordinance, bolt down water heater, refrigerator, furnace and gas
appliances. For stores in an earthquake-prone area, you may want to consider an automatic gas shut-off
device that can be triggered automatically by strong vibrations.
 You won’t be able to shut off utilities until after the earthquake, but you must know where and how to
shut off utilities at main switches and valves. Check with local utilities for instructions.
 Keep combustibles away from electrical equipment, especially within electrical equipment rooms.
 Place large and heavy objects on lower shelves. Brace high and top-heavy objects.
 Fasten shelves, mirrors and large picture frames to walls.

 Anchor overhead light fixtures.
 Store weed killers, pesticides and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches or on
bottom shelves.
 Hold earthquake drills with your Staff. Locate safe spots in the store for the Team Members and Guests
to go; e.g., under a table or against an inside wall.

DURING AN EARTHQUAKE

 Remain calm.
 Advise your Guests and Team Members to drop, cover and hold on. They should take cover under a
sturdy table or against an inside wall and minimize movements during an earthquake.
 Stay indoors until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting the store is safe.
 Stay away from glass, windows and anything that might fall such as light fixtures.
 Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
 If you become trapped in debris:
Do not light a match.
Do not move about and kick up dust; cover your mouth with clothing.
Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can locate you.
Shout out as a last resort – shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
If you have a cell phone and can safely access it, call 911 and provide the operator with your
location. 71
 If you are outdoors when the earthquake hits: