Preparing for the next big earthquake

We live on a seismically active planet, something most of us know all too well living here in California. Although seismic events can strike with little or no warning, major tremors are often separated by years or even decades. This infrequency and unpredictability can lull us into complacency, or even lead to a false sense that there is really nothing we can do to prepare ourselves for the movement of the earth beneath us.

We certainly have no control over these immense forces or the time and place they are unleashed. What we can control is how well we minimize the hazards that cause most of the injuries in an earthquake and how effectively we prepare for the aftermath of a disaster.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of The Great California ShakeOut taking place on October 18, 2018, at 10:18 am. On this date and time, millions of people in California and around the world will participate in earthquake drills and other events to both raise awareness and enhance our readiness. The safety of everyone in our schools, health care facilities, community resources, workplaces and homes depends on all of us doing our part to prepare for the next inevitable earthquake.

Related: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have $205B of uninsured earthquake risk

Hazard reduction

For most of us, the first line of defense in earthquake preparedness lies in reducing the potential hazards present in the areas in which we live and work. Building codes and retrofitting have gone a long way toward making our structures less vulnerable to earthquake damage. But the greatest likelihood of injury comes from non-structural hazards, including furnishings and equipment, electrical and mechanical fixtures, and architectural features such as suspended ceilings, partitions, cabinets and shelves. In general, non-structural components and building contents become hazards when they slide, break, fall or tip over during an earthquake.

Securing non-structural components and building contents improve safety and security during an earthquake emergency by:

• Reducing the potential for fatalities and injuries.
• Helping to maintain safe and clear exit ways for evacuation and for emergency responders to access the building.
• Reducing the potential for chemical spills, fires and gas leaks.

Potential injuries can also be reduced significantly by completing these quick action items:

• Store heavy items on mid to lower shelves (below the height of adults and children).
• Do not store heavy items or full boxes on tall furniture.
• Secure hanging plants or hanging displays with closed hook hangers.
• Attach tall, heavy furniture to wall studs.
• Place tall file cabinets and shelving (over 4 feet) in low occupancy areas (such as a closet).
• Secure desktop equipment and displays that could fall and injure occupants.

Related: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have $205B of uninsured earthquake risk

When the shaking stops

When you are confident that the shaking has stopped, employ extreme caution in leaving buildings and structures. Keep in mind that there may be things that have been shaken nearly loose but still hanging on and could potentially fall on you. If you know where your utility shut off locations are and are authorized to do so, turn off the gas, electrical and water supplies to help prevent further risk of injury or damage.

Be ready for the days after

Following a major earthquake, utilities and communications can be interrupted, transportation may be blocked and emergency services could be potentially stretched to their limits. Some people could be completely on their own for several days afterward. Maintaining essential supplies in a “Go-Bag” to last for a minimum of three days — including water, food, flashlights and batteries, first aid supplies, clothing and means of shelter and warmth — will help you weather the immediate aftermath. A hand-cranked emergency radio provides an important source of official information for recovery, risks of secondary disasters such as fire, flood or gas leaks. Many of these radios also provide a way to charge a cellphone.

You also need to be ready for aftershocks, which can be just as strong — sometimes stronger — than the initial earthquake. Stay clear of damaged structures, electrical lines or anything else that could fall in your vicinity. Don’t allow emergency supplies and equipment to become a danger if the shaking starts again. Because each aftershock may increase the possibility of gas leaks, fires should be avoided. Keep a supply of food that doesn’t require cooking and water that doesn’t need boiling.

Resilient communities and families must learn the lessons from every prior earthquake — recent or distant — to have the best chance of surviving the next disaster uninjured and quickly on the way to recovery.

Related: It’s time to talk to your insureds about earthquake coverage

Eric Preston is vice president, loss control services at Keenan. He can be reached at epreston@keenan.com.