In the wake of the earthquake that rocked Japan and the rest of the world, countries and companies are now focussing and reanalyzing safety procedures and standards that have been set up. The need for preparedness has taken on a new meaning. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has listed out some things to take care of while planning an earthquake contingency plan
- Check for possible hazards in the office
- Identify safe place indoors and outdoors
- Educating everyone in the organization
- Have disaster supplies handy
- Develop an emergency communication plan
Mitigation plans are crucial despite the well known myth that most companies cannot afford making such plans. It has been said that a dollar invested in mitigation plans will enable a business to save four dollars in disaster losses otherwise.
In case of an emergency the following precautions should be taken
- Drop to the ground; take cover by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and hold on until the shaking stops.
- Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture
- Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
- Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires if outdoors
The resilience of a company is determined by how well it copes and comes back after a crisis. A well mapped out contingency plan, timely training and mock-drills, effective implementation of mitigation plans can have a great impact on the business and its bottomline if a crisis occurs.
