Earthquake Preparedness

On September 19, 1985, at 7:19 AM, the City of Mexico experienced a devastating earthquake of a magnitude of 8.1. Thirty-six hours later, a second earthquake of a magnitude of 7.5 occurred. The first earthquake shook buildings in Mexico City a total of 3 horrifying minutes. The Mexican Government estimated some 5000 persons perished. The quake destroyed as many as 100,000 housing units and countless public buildings. Communications between the Mexican capital and the outside world were interrupted for many days. The epicenter was located 50 km (approximately 31 miles) off the coast of Mexico. In the last century, Mexico has had 42 earthquakes with magnitudes greater than 7. Although the probability of a major earthquake actually occurring while you are at post is small, the destruction and disruption of services caused by a major earthquake make it very important to plan for an earthquake ahead of time.

The key to surviving an earthquake is planning. The following information will help you plan for a major disaster. Remember it is important to involve your entire family in the planning. Because earthquakes occur without warning, it is important to take steps now to minimize their effect on your family.

HOW TO DESIGN YOUR EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS ACTION PLAN

Developing a family emergency plan is each employee’s responsibility. The following information should help you develop an earthquake plan.

1. Discuss individual duties, evacuation plans, etc. Rehearse the plan on a regular basis, making sure the serious intent of the exercise is understood. Going through the planning process itself may help you to respond calmly during an emergency.

2. Sketch a floor plan of each floor in your residence, identifying main and secondary exits and safe and dangerous areas of each room. Mark safe spots (under doorways, in an inside corner of room, etc.) and dangerous spots (next to large windows, tall furniture, etc.) in each room. Doorways in masonry (brick, clay tile, etc.) walls should not be considered safe because the masonry directly above the door may fall. The best places to be during an earthquake are beneath supported archways, against inside walls and corners, or in doorways. Stay away from windows, hanging objects, mirrors, fireplaces, bookshelves, or tall unsecured furniture. Do not crawl under desks or beds as they could crush you if a heavy load falls on top of them. Reinforce this knowledge, especially with small children, by physically placing yourself and family members in safe locations during drills.

3. Identify potentially dangerous items such as:

• Tall and heavy furniture that can topple (e.g. bookcases, china cabinets, or modular wall units).
• Appliances which could move enough to break electrical connections.
• Hanging plants which could swing free from hooks.
• Heavy pictures frames or mirrors. DO NOT HANG ANYTHING ON A WALL OVER A BED!
• Latches or kitchen or other cabinets which will not hold the doors closed during an earthquake.
• Breakable or heavy objects that are on high or open shelves.
• A masonry or brick wall structure that could collapse and fall through an unsupported roof.
• Flammable liquids, such as painting or cleaning products, should be stored in a garage or outside shed.
• Avoid storing these products in glass containers or never store them indoors.

STAY AWAY FROM ALL POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ITEMS DURING AN EARTHQUAKE! FOLLOW THE SUGGESTIONS OF THE RESIDENTIAL HAZARD REDUCTION LIST (SEE BELOW) IN ORDER TO FIND WAYS TO REDUCE THE RISK OF POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ITEMS BEFORE THERE IS AN EARTHQUAKE!

4. Practice and teach responsible members of your family how to turn off electrical and water mains.

5. Practice plugging drains to prevent sewage back-up.

6. Learn how to shut off utilities – gas, water and electricity. Mark the location of shut-off valves and switches on the floor plan. Review shut-off procedures with capable family members. Locate and verify the operability of fire extinguishers and smoke detectors.

7. Decide how to contact family members if they are away from home remembering that phone service may be unavailable. If possible know where your family members are at all times. Keep a list of emergency contacts in a handy location.

8. Tell your children what to do if they are in school or are separated from you. Check the school emergency plan.

9. Tell your maid, especially if she takes care of your children, the name of your warden or neighbor, who may need to take responsibility for your children in your absence.

10. Have on hand the following emergency supplies:
It is important to remember that regular services such as utilities, communications, and the transportation may be disrupted for several days. Plan now to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours.

• Flashlights with spare batteries. Always keep a flashlight close by your bed. Candles and matches should be available, but should be stored in a safe place and used only when it is certain that no gas leaks or other flammable substances are present.
• Portable commercial radio with spare batteries. A commercial band AM/FM radio will be your best source of information.
• First Aid Kit. Familiarize yourself with first aid procedures. Have a first aid book such as Standard First Aid & Personal Safety by the American Red Cross. Contact the health unit for information on how to put together a useful first aid kit. (Know where the nearest hospital or emergency center is located.)
• Fire extinguishers. Keep a fire extinguisher handy for small fires. Some extinguishers are good for only certain types of fires: electrical, grease, or gas. The Embassy supplied Class C extinguisher is designed to be used safely on any type of fire: paper/wood, electrical or gas.
• Food: Keep a supply of non-perishable food on hand. Have a sufficient supply of canned or dehydrated food, powdered milk, and canned juices to last for more than 72 hours. Dried cereals, fruits, and non-salted nuts are a good source of nutrition.
• Emergency water. This is extremely important since water mains may be broken and delivery trucks may not be able to deliver water due to debris filled streets. Maintain a minimum of five days supply of bottled water per person in your residence. Estimate two gallons of bottled water per day per family member. Periodically replace stored water supply to keep it fresh. Water purification tablets can be essential and are a small storage item. Obtain plastic water storage containers or other means of portable water storage. Consider obtaining hand pumps for removing waste from cisterns or swimming pools where available.
• Charcoal grill and charcoal. If you have frozen meat and vegetables in the freezer, be prepared to start cooking these within 24 hours after the electricity is off.
• Special items. Have at least a week’s supply of any medications and special foods.
• Suitable Clothing and thick soled shoes stored near your bed.
• Blankets or sleeping bags and a plastic ground cloth.
• Sanitation Supplies – Toilet tissue, plastic bags, anti-bacterial soap, buckets, and powdered chlorine or lime for emergency sanitation purposes should the sewers be blocked.
• Tools – Wrenches, hammers, pliers, shovels, screwdrivers, plastic sheeting, axe & pry bar, ladders, heavy gloves, rope and wire. Have a pipe wrench and an adjustable wrench available for turning off gas and water main.
• Fuel – If your house is equipped with a generator, keep the fuel tank full.
• Cash – Banks may be closed for some time.

RESIDENTIAL EARTHQUAKE HAZARD REDUCTION CHECKLIST

Each person can make an individual contribution to the seismic safety of their immediate environment. Heavy, unstable items can lead to injuries by falling or being knocked over during earthquakes. Exit routes should be free from obstructions. Part of planning for an earthquake includes inspecting your surroundings for items which you can secure. If the hazard cannot be easily secured, move either yourself or the hazard to a safer location (i.e. move bed away from large window). The following checklist includes many of the items which need to be secured; it should be supplemented with your own inspections and judgment.

• Propane tanks and kerosene heaters – provide flexible connections to the tank. Anchor storage tanks to the ground. Earthquake related fires are frequently caused by gas leaks.
• Tall, heavy furniture – such as bookcases should be secured to prevent sliding or tipping, perhaps by using metal L-brackets. To prevent rolling, remove castors or wheels.
• Flammable or hazardous materials – such as gasoline and paint thinner should be stored in covered containers, on a low self, floor, or in a remote location.
• Chimneys – are a common falling hazard. Check for weaknesses such as damaged or missing bricks. If possible, install plywood above ceiling joists to keep bricks from falling through.
• Cabinet doors – make sure latches are strong enough, especially in the kitchen to prevent contents from falling out. You may want to install safety latches.
• Heavy picture frames and mirrors – make sure these wall hangings can’t fall on people at desks or in beds. Move beds and desks away from large glass windows if possible.
• Hanging plants – secure using closed hooks, so they cannot fall.
• Storage racks and shelves – should be braced and bolted to the floors and walls. Secure contents so they can’t slide off.
• Computer Equipment and copy machines – should be braced to prevent sliding or falling.
• Water heaters and compressed gas cylinders:
  • Use flexible connections for water and gas.
  
  
  • Use metal straps at the top and bottom of the water heater which are bolted using expansion bolts to a masonry wall, or lag bolts to a wood stud wall.
  
  
  • Block in the space between water heater and wall to prevent rocking.

WHAT TO DO DURING AN EARTHQUAKE

During a major earthquake, you may experience shaking that starts out gently and within a second or two grows violent and knocks you off your feet; or, you may be jarred first by a violent jolt, as though your house was hit by a truck. A second or two later you’ll fee the shaking, and, as in the first example, you’ll find it very difficult (if not impossible) to move from one room to another.

While it is shaking

Tell yourself to remain calm. Do not do things that will upset or panic others such as shouting or screaming.

• If you are indoors, stay there. Stand under a door frame, archway, or near an inside wall or corner. COVER YOUR NOSE WITH A PIECE OF CLOTH to filter as much dust as possible. Remember to stay clear of windows, bookcases, china cabinets, mirrors, and fireplaces until the shaking stops. Do not hide underneath tables or beds.
• If you are in a high-rise apartment building, stay in the building on the same floor. Do not use the elevator. A power failure or elevator equipment failure could leave you trapped between floors. Be careful with stairs, they may be weakened. As a general rule, DO NOT RUN OUT OF A BUILDING. Falling debris around a building is a common hazard. It is better to seek safety where you are, wait until the earthquake is over, then, if evacuation is necessary, leave the building calmly.
• If you are using a gas stove, turn off the stove at the first sign of shaking and quickly move to a safe place under a door frame, archway, or corner.
• If you are outside, get into the open, away from buildings, trees, walls, or power lines.
• If you are in a crowded public building, do not rush to the doorways, since other people will have the same idea. Move away from display shelves containing objects which may fall.
• If you are in your car, pull to the side of the road and stop. Do not park under overpasses (falling concrete) or power lines (electrical shock hazard) or near utility poles. Stay in your car until the earthquake is over.
• If you are inside a car and power lines have fallen on the vehicle, do not attempt to exit the vehicle. If you are outside a car and power lines have fallen on the vehicle, do not touch or attempt to enter the vehicle.
• If the earthquake has been severe, do not attempt to cross bridges or overpasses that may have been damaged.
• Do not be surprised if the electricity goes out, and car and building alarms or sprinkler systems activate.

ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN AFTER THE INITIAL SHOCK WHEN IT STOPS SHAKING

Please follow the below guidelines:

• CHECK for injuries. Give First Aid to those in need. Do not move seriously injured people unless they are in immediate danger of injury or death should they remain in their present location.
• TURN your radio on and await instructions. Do not transmit except for vital emergency information to insure that the radio net is clear for emergency traffic and to conserve your battery. A fully charged radio battery will last at least 8 hours when not transmitting. If you need to leave your residence, make sure that you have your fully-charged radio with you at all times.
• CALL the Embassy by phone or radio to request assistance if you have an emergency, such as a family member trapped in a building, or if you are taking injured people to the emergency room. If you are unable to contact the Embassy you next point of contact is your warden. Use whatever means possible to contact your warden. If your telephone does not work, try using your cell phone. Use the radio as the last recourse. If no life-threatening injuries have occurred, do not call the Embassy.
• TAKE any injured person to the nearest emergency center. Be prepared to have long waits as the centers are expected to be quickly inundated beyond their capacity. Use your best judgment to treat cuts, sprains, etc. until emergency medical personnel have taken care of severe cases.
• If your child is at school, the Embassy will transmit information on his/her well-being as soon as possible and inform parents of pick-up plans. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RETRIEVE YOUR CHILDREN FROM SCHOOL UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO DO SO.
• Emergency Action Committee (EAC) members report to the Embassy Command Center as soon as possible. All personnel with responsibilities for security, health, communications and maintenance should report to the Embassy as soon as they determine that their own families are safe.
• Wear thick-soled shoes to protect against injury from fallen debris and broken glass.
• If possible, put out small fires that you can safely extinguish. Do not attempt to extinguish large fires and do not endanger yourself while trying to fight a fire. Instead, immediately leave the building.
• Check gas, water, electrical lines, and appliances for damage.
• Switch off electrical power if there is damage to your home’s electrical wiring. Do not touch downed wires or broken appliances.
• Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches and flammable liquids.
• Check to see that sewer lines are intact before using the toilet. PLUG THE BATHTUB AND SINK DRAINS TO PREVENT SEWAGE BACKUP.
• Check closets and cupboards. Open doors cautiously. Beware of objects falling from the shelves.
• Turn on your batter-powered commercial radio (or car radio) for damage reports and information.
• If you must leave your home for work or safety, post a large sign on the front door indicating your destination, your physical condition, the names of family members or other Americans who are accompanying you and their physical conditions. If you leave your home en-route to the Embassy, do not assume that the Embassy will know you are headed to the Embassy compound. If all members of your household are safe and accounted for, hang a white sheet where it can be seen from the road to notify security and rescuers that no emergency help is required.
• Further movement will be based upon damage assessments. If you relocate, carry equipment/supplies listed below:
  • Medicine and first aid kit
  
  
  • Carnet, passports, and cash
  
  
  • Food, sleeping bags/blankets and extra clothing
  
  
  • Embassy hand-held radio
  
  
  • Flashlight, radio and batteries
• Remember that aftershocks are common. Move into a safe area of your home, and, if necessary, remove all potentially dangerous items that may fall. Gather and keep all your emergency supplies and your hand-held radio next to you.

EARTHQUAKE EMERGENCY INSTRUCTIONS FOR WARDENS

Please, familiarize yourself with your neighborhood and the location of residences for which you are responsible. After assessing your family’s situation, as well as, your own situation, attempt to call the residences in your area. Take note of those residences where there was no answer or the phone was not working. Report this information back to Post 1. Post 1 will attempt to contact these people via radio. If Post 1 is not successful in reaching them by radio, they will contact you again.

Please walk to these residences and attempt to contact the occupants in person. If you cannot contact them at this time, do a visual inspection of the site, but do not enter damaged buildings without assistance. Report to MSG Post 1 any missing people and/or damaged buildings. Please wear sturdy shoes to protect your feet from broken glass and sharp debris.

WARDEN QUESTIONS FOR RESIDENTS

1. Is anyone injured or trapped? Who? Describe the injuries.
2. Is there structural damage in your building?
3. Do you have a working Embassy hand-held radio?
4. Do you have electricity? If not, do you have a generator? With fuel for how long?
5. Do you have water? How long do you think it will last?
6. Do you have food? How long do you think it will last?

WARDEN CHECK LIST:

Name & Address
Injuries
Structural Damage
Radio Electricity Water/Days
Food/Days
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