Each step will provide you with a chance
to identify areas in your business that
need strengthening, training opportunities,
and actions to be taken. They are designed so
that every step builds from the last. Customize
each step to suit your business type and needs.
To get you started,
here is a snap-shot of the 7 Steps.
STEP 1
Identify potential hazards.
In this step, you will identify what may interrupt
your business operations temporarily or worse.
The priorities you set here will help you in the
other Steps.
Begin addressing those hazards.
Look at your priorities, where your business is
vulnerable, and choose how to minimize these risks.
If you secure it, it can be saved from earthquake
damage or from hurting employees.
STEP 2
Create a disaster plan. After you have
identifi ed the potential hazards and impacts to
your business, it’s time to create your plan and
train employees! Because disasters are highly
unpredictable, it is impossible to anticipate
every situation and impact. However, a Business
Continuity Plan can greatly reduce the
risks and losses your business might face by
guiding your decisions yet allowing fl exibility
to adapt to the unexpected.
STEP 3
Prepare disaster supplies kits.
After a disaster, businesses will need to be self-
sufficient as first responders will be addressing
high priorities such as hospitals and schools.
Determine what you need in the first days following
an earthquake including the basics like food, water
and sanitation.
STEP 4
Identify your building’s potential
Weaknesses and begin to fix them.
Most businesses lease their space, so it’s essential to
work with your owner and property manager
on addressing structural issues. If you own it,
strengthen those weaknesses. Either way, measures
taken now can help you keep your doors open.
No access, no business.
STEP 5
Protect yourself and employees during
earthquake shaking –
DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON.
The ground is shaking, what do you do?
The critical life safety step is Drop,
Cover, and Hold On. Stay clear of any objects
that may fall and stay put until the shaking
stops.
STEP 6
After the earthquake, check for injuries
and damage.
Life safety is the top priority
after an earthquake or any disaster. Use
trained personnel to find anyone injured. Next,
survey your building for damage or other
hazards. Decide if safe to stay.
STEP 7
When safe, continue to follow your
disaster plan.
Once life safety is being addressed,
it’s time to begin recovery activities
to resume business operations. Conduct an
assessment for operational issues. Use your
plan to guide your actions and restore priority
operations first. Communicate often with
employees and key contacts. Document your
lessons learned to determine priorities before
the next event.
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