Disaster Planning Guide

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Introduction

Emergencies can befall any business, from the largest corporation to the Small Office Home Office (SOHO). The Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce has compiled an Emergency Guide designed to help your business plan for any contingency that would otherwise prevent its operation.

Disclaimer

The purpose of this document is to provide businesses with information to assist them in increasing their protection from natural and other hazards. It is intended to serve only as a guide. The authors, contributors, and publisher disclaim all warranties and guarantees with respect to the information in the document and assume no liability or responsibility with respect to the information.

The support given by the Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce (NVCC) to this activity does not constitute an express or implied endorsement of any co-sponsor's opinions, products, or services. All NVCC programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.

The Chamber also has a library of additional materials on disaster planning that is available for Chamber members. For more information contact the Chamber office.

Overview

An emergency is an unplanned event that can cause death or significant injury to you, your employees, customers, the public, or otherwise threatens your core business and your property. Below are details on how to address the following business recovery issues: natural disasters, electrical or computer malfunctions, owner's illness, or theft. We will direct you to emergency resources and provide information on preventing or minimizing your loss.

You must define steps to return to normal operations:

· Select an emergency management team, or at least one person, with executive level decision-making authority, who is familiar with your operations and where all your records are located.

· Define your core business.

· Identify potential emergencies and their impact on your business.

· Identify the various ways the core business can be protected using the various resources available and complying with any applicable regulations: business continuity insurance, disability insurance, homeowners insurance.

· Develop your plan: directions and control, communications, evacuation planning, property protection, community outreach, recovery and restoration, administration and logistics, checklist of emergency response procedures, support documents, security.

· Communicate your plan to employees.

· Test the plan periodically

DATA SAFETY CHECKLIST

What Are The Likely Sources Of Data Loss? (Check All That Apply)

____Power Surges
____System Crashes
____Power Brown-Outs
____Power Loss
____Surges Through Telephone Lines
____Surges Through Network Cables
____Computer Viruses
____Hard Disk Or Other Hardware Failure
____Potential For Fire (And Attendant Water Damage)
____Flood
____Tornado
____Earthquake

Do You Do Complete System Back-Ups On A Regular Basis?

____Yes
____No

Do You ONLY Back-Up Your Data And NOT Your Complete System?

____Yes
____No

Do You Always Store At Least One Recent Back-Up Off-Site?

____Yes
____No

Do You Always Test The Validity Of Each Back-Up?

____Yes
____No

Do You Have ALL Your Computers Running Off Smart Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)?

____Yes
____No

Do You Have All Your Telephone Lines Protected With Good Quality Surge Protectors?

____Yes
____No

Do You Have All Your Laser Printers Protected With Good Quality Surge Protectors?

____Yes
____No

Did You Pay At Least $40 For Each Surge Protector?

____Yes
____No

Do You Have Anti-Virus Programs Running On ALL Your Computers?

____Yes
____No

How Often Do You Update Your Anti-Virus Programs With New Virus Signatures And/Or New Anti-Virus Program "Engine" On ALL Your Computers?

____Daily Or More Often
____Weekly
____Monthly
____Quarterly
____Semi-Annually
____Annually
____Infrequently
____Never

Do You Use Email?

____Yes
____No

Do You Receive And Open Email Attachments?

____Yes
____No

Have You Taken Steps To Restrict Email Attachments From Running Automatically On ALL Your Computers?

____Yes
____No

Is Your Business Running A Networked Computer Environment?

____Yes
____No

Is Your Computer Network Server-Based?

____Yes
____No

If You Are On A Network, Do You Store All Data On A Central Server?

____Yes
____No

Are Your Data Hard Disks Running In A Raid Configuration?

____Yes
____No
____I Don't Know

Have You Ever Considered Storing Your Data On The Internet?

____Yes
____No

What Operating Systems Are You Running On Your Computer Systems? (Check All That Apply)

____Windows NT Server
____Windows 2000 Server
____Netware
____Windows NT Workstation
____Windows 2000 Professional
____Windows 95
____Windows 98
____Windows Me
____Windows 3.X
____Windows For Workgroups 3.X
____MS-DOS
____Macintosh

Are Your Computer Systems Secured With Passwords?

____Yes
____No

If Passwords Are In Use, Do You Have ALL Administrator Account Passwords In Case Your Computer Administrator Is Ill, Quits, Or Is Fired?

____Yes
____No

Do You Have A Plan In Place To Protect Your Data Against Sabotage In Case Someone Quits Or Is Fired?

____Yes
____No

Do You Review Your Data Safety Plans On A Regular Basis?

____Yes
____No

For additional information contact Len Segal, Segal Computer Consulting 781-784-2599. Lens@ieee.org.

Electrical Safety

Business Dangers

Electrical fires are one of the leading types of homes/business fires, especially in manufactured businesses. By following some simple rules on electrical safety you can reduce the likelihood of an electrical fire in your business.

Prevent Electrical Problems

Studies of business fires in homes/businesses show that many problems are associated with improper installation of electrical devices by do-it-yourselfers. Common errors that can lead to fires include the use of improperly rated devices such as:

____switches
____receptacles
____loose connections

at these devices. Both can lead to overheating and arcing that can start fires. Fires are still cased by people using the wrong size fuse or even putting a penney behind a fuse when they don't have a spare. These practices are very dangerous.

The fuse is a safety device designed to limit the electricity carried by the circuit to a safe level. Electricity and water are a bad connection. All electrical devices stored outdoors should be specially designed for outdoor use. Outdoor receptacles as well as those in:

____kitchens
____bathrooms
____anywhere near water should be ground fault circuit interrupting type (GFCI).

Use Electrical Devices Safely

Light bulbs, especially the new halogen types, get very hot and can ignite combustible materials that get too close. Clothing or towels should never be placed atop a lampshade and table lamps should not be used without a shade where they might fall over onto a chair or sofa. Most light fixtures are labeled to show the brightest bulb that can be used in that fixture; too high a wattage bulb can cause the fixture to overheat and start a fire.

Extension cords are a common cause of electrical fires. You must be careful to use only extension cords that are rated for the power used by the device that they are powering. Extension cords should never be used as a long-term solution to the need for another receptacle. Extension cords must never be run:

____inside walls
____under rugs
____or under furniture.

Extension cords can get warm in use and must be able to dissipate the heat or they can start a fire.

Maintain Electrical Safety

The insulation on electrical cords can become damaged by

____wear
____flexing
____age.

Do not use any cord that is:

____stiff
____cracked.

Some clues that you may have an electrical problem are:

____Flickering lights - If the lights dim every time you turn on an appliance that circuit is overloaded or has a loose connection.

____Sparks - If sparks appear when you insert or remove a plug, they could be a sign of loose connections.

____Warm electrical cord - If an electrical cord is warm to the touch, the cord is underrated or defective.

____Frequent blown fuses or broken circuits - A fuse circuit breaker that keeps tripping is an important warning sign of problems.

____Frequent bulb burnout - A light bulb that burns out frequently is a sign that the bulb is too high a wattage for the fixture.

For additional information contact Michael Cook, CJH Environmental Inc. 781-341-2833. Mle@institubio.com

EVACUATION

National statistics show that most serious accidents occur in the home or close to home. Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) professionals could therefore be in more danger than the employees of larger companies that manufacture chemicals or machinery. Thinking safety and acting safely in our work environments start with evacuation procedures. Here is a checklist to help you plan. o Front or main entrance clearly marked with unobstructed directional sign(s)

o Rear entrance or secondary egress clearly marked with unobstructed directional sign(s)

o Signs lighted with regularly inspected and tested battery or generator backup

o All entrances and means of egress kept clear at all times

o All doors to the outside, and all doors in individual and common work spaces, able to swing fully open

o Unobstructed outside area near each egress for personnel assembly and count

o Approved emergency exit hardware on all doors otherwise kept locked

o All egress doors at least 36" wide

o All egress doors open outward (push not pull)

o Materials and equipment stored safely at each egress for snow and ice control

o Posted floor plan(s) showing present location and most direct exit route from posting point

o Corridors, stairways, passageways and work areas forming exit route(s) kept clear at all times

o Emergency lighting for exit route(s) with regularly inspected and tested battery or generator backup

o Regularly inspected and tested fire and smoke detectors

o Properly located and appropriate fire extinguishers

o Designated company safety officer

o Regular safety meetings and evacuation drills

o Signage and means of egress appropriate to employee disabilities

These are samples of items and actions adapted for the Small Office/Home Office (SOHO).

For more information, including items and actions appropriate for other sized businesses, contact your insurance agent, local fire department or Albert Amoroso, Amoroso & Associates at 781-821-2820.

Fire

Every day Americans experience the horror of fire. But most people don't understand fire. Only when we know the true nature of fire can we prepare our co-workers and ourselves. Each year more than 4,000 Americans die and more than 25,000 are injured in fires, many of which could be prevented.

The United States Fire Administration (USFA), a division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), believes that teaching people the basic facts about fire can reduce fire deaths. Below are some simple facts that explain the particular characteristics of fire.

Fire is Fast!

There is little time!

In less than 30 seconds a small fire can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a home/business. Most fires occur in the home/business when people are asleep. If you wake up to a fire, you won't have time to grab valuables because fire spreads quickly and the smoke is too thick. There is only time to escape.

Fire is HOT!

Heat is more threatening than flames.

A fire's heat alone can kill. Room temperatures in a fire can be a 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super hot air will scorch your lungs. This heat can melt clothes to your skin. In five minutes a room can get so hot that everything ignites at once: this is called flashover.

Fire Safety Check List

Introduction:

America's fire death rate is one of the highest per capita in the industrialized world. Fire kills over 4,000 and injures more than 23,000 people each year. Firefighters pay a high price for this terrible record as well; approximately 100 firefighters die in the line of duty each year. Most of these losses can be prevented!

We have compiled fire safety information from sources with this common goal in mind: To reduce human and economic losses due to fire and related emergencies.

Exposing an Invisible Killer:

The dangers of Carbon Monoxide

Each year in America, carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning claims more than 200 lives and sends another 10,000 people to the hospital emergency rooms for treatment.

UNDERSTANDING THE RISK

What is Carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home/business. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild health effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include (check all that apply):

____headaches
____dizziness
____disorientation
____nausea
____fatigue

The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.

Where does carbon monoxide come from?

CO gas can come from several sources:

____gas-fired appliances
____charcoal grills
____wood-burning furnaces
____fireplaces
____motor vehicles

PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR COWORKERS FROM CO POISONING

Install at least one UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listed carbon monoxide alarm with an audible warning signal near the home/business working area. Carbon monoxide alarms measure the levels of CO over time and are designed to sound an alarm before an average, healthy adult would experience symptoms. It is very possible that you may not be experiencing symptoms when you hear the alarm. This does not mean that CO is not present.

Have a qualified professional check all:

____fuel burning appliances
____furnaces
____venting
____chimney systems at least once a year.

FIRE RELATED HAZARDS PRESENT DURING OR AFTER A WINTER STORM:

____Alternative heating devices used incorrectly create fire hazards.
____Damaged or downed utility lines can present a fire and safety hazard.
____Water damaged appliances, computers and utilities can be electrically charged.
____Frozen water pipes can burst and cause a safety hazards.
____Leaking gas lines, damaged or leaking gas propane containers, and leaking vehicle gas tanks might explode or ignite.
____Generators are often used during power outages. Generators that are not properly used and maintained can be very hazardous.

CHEMICAL SAFETY:

____Look for combustible liquids like gasoline, lighter fluid, and paint thinner that may have spilled. Thoroughly clean the spill and place containers in well-ventilated area.
____Keep combustible liquids away from heat sources.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY:

____If you home business has sustained flood or water damage, and you can safely get to the main breaker or fuse box, turn off the power.
____Assume all wires on the ground are electrically charged. This includes cable TV and computer feeds.
____Look for and replace frayed or cracked extension and appliance cords, loose prongs, and plugs.
____Exposed outlets and wiring could present a fire and life safety hazard.
____Appliances that emit smoke or sparks should be repaired or replaced.
____Have a licensed electrician check your home/business for damage.

GAS SAFETY:

____Smell and listen for leaky gas connections. If you believe there is a gas leak, immediately leave the home/business and leave the door(s) open.
____Never strike a match. Any size flame can spark an explosion.
____Before turning the gas back on, have the gas system checked by a professional.

GENERATOR SAFETY:

____Follow the manufacturer's instructions and guide lines when using generators.
____Use a generator or other fuel-powered machines outside the home/business. CO fumes are odorless and can quickly overwhelm you indoors.
____Use the appropriate sized and type power cords to carry the electrical load. Over loaded cords can overheat and cause fires.
____Never run cords under rugs or carpets where heat might build up or damage to a cord unnoticed.
____Never connect generators to another power source such as power lines. reverse flow of electricity or "backfeed" can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker.

For additional information contact Michael Cook CJH Environmental Inc. 781-341-2833 mle@institubio.com

FLOOD

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss. The following checklist is meant to help you identify the areas of your business that are most susceptible to flooding and to suggest ways to minimize damage. While you may need to consider additional items for your particular situation, some items on this list may not apply to you.

1. What are the likely sources of flood water in your business location. (Check all that apply.)

____Heavy rainfall
____Snow melt
____Hurricane
____Leaky water pipes

2. How would water enter your facility? (Check all that apply.)

____Through windows
____Through doors
____Through the plumbing system

3. What is the maximum water level expected

____1-3 feet
____3-6 feet
____Over 6 feet

4. Could floodwaters surround the facility, making it inaccessible to emergency help?

____Yes
____No

4a. If "Yes," what are the options to solve the problem?

____Install the proper drainage immediately
____Develop an emergency plan
____Build a moat around the facility?
____Other

5. Some steps to take BEFORE a flood:

____Store response and salvage tools such as mops, pails, squeegees, large waterproof tarpaulins for covering vital equipment and stock, and sand and bags for making sandbags

____Check sump pumps to make sure they are in good operating order

If your business location is below ground level, have you Installed a sump pump system?

____Yes
____No

Raised all utilities and equipment, such as the water heater, oil tanks, furnace and electric wiring, above the base flood level?

____Yes
____No

Stored inventory in areas above the base flood level?

____Yes
____No

Installed flood shields for windows, doors, and group level openings?

____Yes
____No

6. Some steps to take AFTER a flood:

____ Move your operation out of the affected area if able to do so

7. Do you have a written emergency preparedness plan?

____Yes
____No

7a. If "Yes," does your plan include:

____Master list of the names, home addresses, and phone numbers of all employees?

____Plan to move your operation to a location out of the affected area?

____Location of main fuse box or circuit breaker panel?

____A way to transport or raise building contents including vehicles, carts, pulleys, pallets…

____Actions to take in response to a flood warning and the names of those responsible for taking the action?

____Procedure for notifying employees?

____Procedure for shutting down electrical services?

____Procedure for relocating stock or equipment, particularly high-value items or those critical to continued operation?

____Procedure for covering large, stationary machines with water displacing, rust-preventive compound or large plastic sheets?

____Procedure for placing sandbags around possible entry points?

____Salvage and clean-up operations and the names of those responsible for taking action?

____Procedure for restoring electrical services on an item-by-item basis, only after thorough checkout by competent persons?

____Procedure for relocating salvageable and undamaged stock and supplies?

____Procedure for initiating a continual fire watch until normal operations are resumed?

____Procedure for restoring sprinkler protection?

____Procedure for removing water and mud from premises?

____Procedure for removing combustible debris?

There are four phases to effective emergency planning (1) identify and rank your risks, (2) take steps to reduce the damage, (3) respond to the emergency, and (4) recover from the emergency. Much can be done to minimize the effect of flooding. Preparedness is the key.

For additional information contact: Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) 508-820-2000 bill.perry@state.ma.us. www.state.ma.us/mema.

Hurricane Planning Guide

A study of recent hurricanes shows conclusively that hurricane-related damage can be prevented or, at least, minimized. The keys to success are planning and organized action before, during, and after a storm. Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. If you don't have a plan, it's not too late. Start planning right away.

The checklist below offers suggestions that you can incorporate into your plan to minimize hurricane-related damage. It is not intended to be all-inclusive, but should be a good starting point to follow. Incorporate work or home specific items for your particular needs.

Hurricane Checklist

Items
Check If
Completed

Date to be
Completed By

Staff and train an Emergency Response Team
____

____

Insure staff onsite knows shutdown procedures of equipment
____

____

Inspect fire protection equipment
____

____

Check/maintain all necessary back-up equipment
____

____

Protect/relocate vital records
____

____

Shut down operations which depend on outside power sources
____

____

Turn off gas to minimize fire loss
____

____

Protect or shut off other flames
____

____

Secure all outside stock
____

____

Ensure emergency team has proper supplies and equipment (food, water, medical, flashlights, walkie-talkies)
____

____

Check entire building for open/wet areas
____

____

Repair and fill above ground tanks with product or water
____

____

Fill fuel tanks of generators, fire pumps, etc.
____

____

Secure outdoor cranes according to manufacturer
____

____

Clean out drains and catch basins
____

____

Board up/protect windows
____

____

Anchor movable outside equipment/trailers
____

____

Inspect/repair roof covering and edges, drains, gutters, flashing
____

____

During power failure turn off electrical power
____

____

Move drums of flammable chemicals to sheltered area
____

____

For additional information contact: Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) 508-820-2000

Insurance Checklist for Disaster Planning

As a small business owner, one disastrous loss could make a significant negative impact on your business savings. One of the best ways to prevent this from happening is to be sure that your exposures are properly insured. The following checklist is a guide to the most common exposures for small business owners and can help business owners pinpoint their insurance needs.

1. Are you responsible for the Building you are in?

___ You Own the Building
___ You Rent the Building

2. Are you responsible for the Permanent Attachments to the building, Fixtures, and equipment for servicing the premises:

____ I am not responsible, I rent
____ I am responsible for all property

3. Business Personal Property and Property of Others:

____ I am the owner of the equipment in my office
____ I am in the care, custody, control of the property of others

4. Income Protection if there was a disaster:

____ I would lose money if I could not operate my business.
____ I would not be able to pay my employees If I could not operate my business
____ I could not pay my expenses if I could not operate my business
____ I would have extra cost to continue my business after a disaster at this location or at another location.

5. Do you need coverage for either of the following: Check all that apply

____ Valuable Papers & Records
____ Newly Acquired or Constructed Property
____ Peak Season Inventory
____ Accounts Receivable
____ Exterior Signs, Lights and Clocks
____ Glass
____ Fire Department Service Charge
____ Fire Extinguisher Recharge
____ Money and Securities (Form FS -23) And More
____ Electronic Data Processing Equipment Coverage
____ Earthquake Coverage
____ Other, Describe unusual property you my own:

The above information is not an insurance policy. It is only intended to provide a general guide to possible exposures for Small Business/In-Home Business. The actual policy contains specific details of the coverages, conditions and exclusions.

For additional information contact: Melissa J. Caron, Harrington-Caron Insurance Agency, Inc.. 781-769-8088 harcarins@aol.com

WINTER HAZARDS

Winter weather brings concerns about heat and maximizing its retention, frozen pipes, and access to your place of business. Also included in this list, but not as obvious, are fire and electrical emergencies, since winter weather can delay emergency vehicles or cause a sudden power loss. For more information about fire or electrical emergencies, please refer to their respective sections of this Guide.

The following checklist is meant to help you identify the areas of your business that are most susceptible to winter hazards and to suggest ways to minimize damage. While you may need to consider additional items for your particular situation, some items on this list may not apply to you.

1. What is your greatest risk potential?

____ Loss of heat
____ Frozen pipes
____ Loss of access due to snow and/or ice

2. Who is responsible for keeping heating equipment in good working order?

____ Business owner
____ Landlord

3. Who is responsible for snow/ice removal?

____ Business owner
____ Landlord

4. What equipment needs to be protected from freeze-up?

____ Computer
____ Telecommunications
____ Manufacturing equipment

5. Are portable heaters or other emergency equipment needed?

____ Yes
____ No

6. If snow and/or ice prohibit access to your business, are there alternative ways to enter your premises?

____ Yes
____ No

7. Some steps to take BEFORE cold weather hits:

____ Seal all openings with caulking and insulation where cold air can enter. This is particularly important where cold air can get at unprotected water pipes.

____ Repair walls and roofs to prevent drafts

____ Make sure windows and doors close tightly to prevent drafts

____ Make sure storm windows are effective, if appropriate

____ Make sure heating and heat-producing process equipment is in good condition and operating efficiently

____ Arrange for snow removal from driveways, doorways, and roofs

____ Inspect roof drains for debris

____ Drain all idle pumps and compressors, making sure jackets are vented

____ Provide proper lubrication for cold weather operation (i.e., emergency generators, snow blowers)

____ Test cold weather equipment

____ Clean and inspect boilers and firing mechanism/controls

____ Maintain automatic sprinkler protection in idle buildings

____ Promptly handle sprinkler system impairments; notify local fire department

____ Monitor building temperature especially in hard-to-heat areas containing vulnerable equipment. Keep temperatures above 40°F.

____ Mark hydrants near your business for ease in locating and clearing after a heavy storm

For specific ways to protect your business from water damage as a result of burst pipes, see the Flood Emergency Section of this Guide.

8. Some steps to take WHEN cold weather hits:

____ Position heaters, snow blowers, generators, and other cold-weather equipment where it is most likely to be used

____ Keep driveways, walkways, and doorways clear of snow and ice

____ Open water faucets slightly to let them drip slowly to keep water flowing through the pipes that are vulnerable to freezing. Ice may still form, but the open faucet helps prevent the pipe from bursting by allowing relief for any built up pressure.

____ Have easily accessible the names and phone numbers of your heating contractor, plumber, fire department, insurance agent, and building owner, if appropriate

____ Have someone assigned to check indoor temperatures should your place of business be vacant for long periods of time

9. Do you have a written emergency preparedness plan?

____ Yes
____ No

9a. If "Yes," does your emergency plan include:

____ Master list of the names, home addresses, and phone numbers of all employees?

____ Plan to move your operation to a location out of the affected area?

____ Actions to take in response to particular problems and the names of those responsible for taking the action?

____ Procedure for notifying employees?

____ Salvage and clean-up operations and the names of those responsible for taking action?

____ Procedure for restoring electrical services on an item-by-item basis, only after thorough checkout by competent persons?

____ Procedure for relocating salvageable and undamaged stock and supplies?

____ Procedure for removing combustible debris?

10. Have you checked your insurance for coverage against winter hazards?

____ Yes
____ No

For more information contact: Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) 508-820-2000 bill.perry@sta.ma.us

EARTHQUAKE

Although New England does not have the high frequency of earthquakes of California or Japan, it has experienced its fair share of tremors. Something to consider is that the reason why most businesses had to close temporarily following California's Northridge earthquake was due to damaged building contents, not damaged buildings themselves.

The following checklist is meant to help you identify the areas of your business that are most susceptible to the ravages of an earthquake and to suggest ways to minimize damage. While you may need to consider additional items for your particular situation, some items on this list may not apply to you.

1. Are you in an earthquake prone area?

____ Yes
____ No

2. Are your buildings built with the possibility of an earthquake in mind?

____ Yes
____ No

3. What is the most likely way building contents and/or equipment will be damaged? (Check all that apply.)

____ Toppling
____ Sliding
____ Snapping
____ Bending
____ Differential settling

4. Will a disruption of electricity, public water, telephone, and alarm systems affect your business?

____ Yes
____ No

5. Are gas lines on or near your business subject to rupture?

____ Yes
____ No

6. Are sewer lines on or near your business subject to rupture?

____ Yes
____ No

7. Is your business susceptible to coastal flooding from tsunamis (seismic sea waves)?

____ Yes
____ No

8. Is there a dam upstream from your business, which may be breached?

____ Yes
____ No

9. How will you deal with the threat of fire if the sprinkler system is impaired?

____ Ready access to a viable garden hose
____ Distribute buckets of water around the area

10. Will you be able to provide emergency treatment for injured personnel?

____ Yes
____ No

11. Steps to take BEFORE an earthquake:

____ Anchor tall bookcases and filing cabinets to the wall studs

____ Brace heavily loaded racks or shelves

____ Protect valuable or fragile items from tipping over or falling off shelving or pedestals

____ Install latches on drawers and cabinet doors

____ Use closed screw-eyes and wire to securely attached framed pictures and mirrors to walls

____ Attach computers and small appliances to desks, tables, or countertops with Velcro® or similar material

____ Secure water heaters to the wall

____ If allowed by your local building code, fit all gas appliances with flexible connections and/or a breakaway gas shut-off device, or have a main gas shut-off device installed. (Check with your local building department to see if a licensed professional must do this work.)

____ Inform appropriate people on how to safely shut off your building's utilities

____ Attach safety cables to hanging fixtures and suspended ceilings

____ Apply safety film to windows (min. 4 mils). You should also apply safety film to any doors that contain panes of glass.

____ Conduct regularly scheduled training sessions and drills for employees (including training personnel to maintain as much fire protection as possible)?

____ Store emergency tools, equipment and supplies (including spare parts) in a special location not likely to be damaged by an earthquake?

____ Assure an adequate supply of fire extinguishers, since in the aftermath of an earthquake fires are commonplace and local fire departments are often called on to respond to multiple fires at the same time.

12. Examine the following to determine ability to withstand an earthquake:

____ Building exterior ornamentation and appendages
____ Parapets
____ Suspended ceilings
____ Light fixtures
____ Raised floors
____ Built-in partitions
____ Sprinkler piping
____ Piping with hazardous content
____ Desk top computers and office equipment
____ Breakable, spillable items on shelves
____ File cabinets
____ Tall shelving
____ Free-standing movable partitions
____ Tanks and containers of flammable liquids or gases
____ Electrical transformers
____ Switchgear
____ Electrical panels
____ Battery supplies
____ Cable trays
____ Heating/Ventilating/Air Conditioning equipment
____ Boilers
____ Chillers
____ Fans
____ Ductwork
____ Hanging space heaters
____ Water heaters

13. Steps to take WHEN an earthquake strikes:

____ If outdoors, get away from chimneys, signs, powerlines. Stay in the open.

____ If indoors, stay away from windows, bookcases, and other top heavy furniture.

____ If indoors, it is important not to panic and run outdoors during the shaking as bricks and other flying debris could be a greater hazard than that faced inside.

____ Get under heavy tables, desks or stand in doorways where you can be protected from flying debris.

14. Steps to take AFTER an earthquake strikes:

____ Check all utility lines for breaks inside your building. Broken gas and powerlines can be both a safety and fire hazard.

____ If there are any problems, the main gas valve, electrical circuit, or water line should be shut off. Report the problem to authorities.

____ Use the telephone only for emergency calls.

____ Stay out of any damaged buildings and approach chimneys and other masonry structures with great caution.

____ Be prepared to experience a number of aftershocks, some of which may be nearly the size of the initial earthquake.

____ Move your operation out of the affected area if necessary and able to do so

15. Do you have a written emergency preparedness plan?

____ Yes
____ No

15a. If "Yes," does your plan include:

____ Master list of the names, home addresses, and phone numbers of all employees?

____ Plan to move your operation to a location out of the affected area?

____ Location of main fuse box or circuit breaker panel?
____ Location of main water shut off?
____ Location of main gas shut off?

Actions to take in response to an earthquake and the names of those responsible for taking the action?

____ Procedure for notifying employees?

____ Procedure for assisting injured and accounting for all personnel?

____ Salvage and clean-up operations and the names of those responsible for taking action?

____ Procedure for restoring electrical services on an item-by-item basis, only after thorough checkout by competent persons?

____ Procedure for relocating salvageable and undamaged stock and supplies?

____ Procedure for removing combustible debris?

16. Have you checked your insurance for coverage against earthquakes?

____ Yes
____ No

There are four phases to effective emergency planning: (1) identify and rank your risks, (2) take steps to reduce the damage, (3) respond to the emergency, and (4) recover from the emergency. Much can be done to minimize the effect of an earthquake. Preparedness is the key.

For more information contact the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) 508-820-2000 bill.perry@state.ma.us

CONTRIBUTORS

The Chamber wishes to express thanks to the following individuals for developing this material for the website:

Richard Almeida - MIB Inc.
Sherry Alpert - Sherry Alpert Corp.
Albert Amoroso - Amoroso & Associates
Aline Barrett - TGA Business Support Services
Melissa Caron - Harrington Caron Insurance Agency
Michael Cook - CJH Environmental Inc.
Nancy Finn - Communication Resources Inc.
Leonard Segal - Segal Computer Consulting

The Chamber would also like to offer a special thanks to the original Business Disaster Response Team founded by Bob Cohen and chaired by Rosemary McCraven who laid the foundation for this document.