Is Your Los Angeles Business Prepared for the Next Big Earthquake?

2/5/2018 (Permalink)

If you are a California native, you know that the Golden State is known for being an earthquake hot zone. California is a highly seismically active area and has more than 300 fault lines that span across the state. One of the highest risk areas, the southern part of the San Andreas fault, is as close as some of our backyards.

Many believe that the San Andreas fault is due for an earthquake because a lot of pressure has built up along the fault line, as there hasn’t been an earthquake since a magnitude 7.9 in 1857. Preparing your commercial business for a major earthquake is important to ensure that your business continues running in the event that one strikes Southern California.

Here are 7 steps to an Earthquake Resilient Business:

1. Identify Potential Hazards

You should recognize potential problems and analyze how they may interrupt your business. First, identify critical assets that would cause a disruption to your business. Then, identify the level of impact these assets could have if lost. Begin to address these hazards now that they have been prioritized.

2. Create a Disaster Plan

Once you’ve identified the potential hazards that an earthquake could have on your Los Angeles business, you will need to create an emergency plan. SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas can assist in developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile plan that will help guide you in the event of an emergency. Ensure that all employees know and understand the plan and conduct annual training and regular drills so that the plan will be second nature by the time disaster strikes.

3. Prepare Disaster Supplies Kits

Your commercial business should also take basic measures to be self-sufficient during the early phases after disaster. Not only should there be a first aid kit, but also disaster supplies such as food, water, and flashlights. Ensure that all emergency supplies are easily accessible and in protected locations.

4. Identify your Building’s Potential Weaknesses and Begin to Fix Them

Address any structural hazards that could interrupt your business, especially high impact and high cost hazards. Strengthen weaknesses and replace elements that may injure people or keep you from reopening.

5. Protect Yourself and Employees During Earthquake

Drop, Cover, and Hold Up. When at work and an earthquake hits, the critical initial step for safety is to: Drop underneath a sturdy table, Cover your head and neck, and Hold On to the furniture as it moves and stay until the shaking stops. Stay clear of objects that may fall, windows, or anything that may harm you.

6. After the Earthquake, Check for Injuries and Damage

Once the earthquake has stopped, check for people injured, then look for serious damage and decide if it is safe to stay. Once life safety is stabilized, focus on the building and any potential structural hazards.

7. When Safe Continue to Follow Your Disaster Plan

Begin recovery activities to resume your business operations. Create a more detailed assessment of operational issues, prioritize your findings, then create an action plan to address them.

Preparing for an earthquake is critical for your Los Angeles business, will your business be open or closed after the next big earthquake?