Earthquakes Incident Management

Incident Management Guidelines

Earthquakes are caused by tectonic plate movements that make the ground shift or vibrate, resulting in structural damage that can cause fires, gas leaks, collapsed buildings, flooding due to ruptured pipes, damage to bridges and other structures, and the shattering of fragile structures. Earthquakes can consist of a sequence of foreshocks and aftershocks. Commonly, public utilities and communications are disrupted by severe earthquakes, as are emergency services.

In the event of an earthquake incident occurring, the following points should be addressed:

✓ Action Points

1. Stand up the Incident Management and Crisis Response Teams using the SAD CHALETS system.
2. Move personnel to a prearranged safe location. If no such facility is available, personnel should seek refuge under sturdy tables or door frames.
3. Where possible, gas supplies should be turned off and open flames should be quenched.
4. When warned of an earthquake potentially occurring, personnel should seek to secure all loose possessions, especially large, heavy, and breakable items.
5. During the earthquake, personnel should drop to the ground and take cover until the shaking stops, covering their heads with their arms, and positioned away from glass, windows, outside doors, and walls.
6. If outdoors, personnel should be advised to stay outside and move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires until the shaking ceases.
7. If in a moving vehicle at the time of the earthquake, personnel should stop as quickly as safety permits and remain in the vehicle. Vehicles should avoid stopping near buildings or under trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
8. After an earthquake, aftershocks may occur, as well as secondary hazards such as fires, floods, explosions, or tsunamis. Personnel should be aware that gas leaks might result in fires.
9. Personnel trapped within collapsed buildings should not light a match or move about and disturb any dust or debris; rather, they should cover their mouths with handkerchiefs or clothing and tap on a pipe to assist rescuers in locating them.
10. Account for missing staff, manage injuries, and report as per other IMP instructions.
11. Other elements of the IMP should be instigated as appropriate.
12. Provide an IMP Risk Assessment Report as soon as possible.

Key People to Call (see the IMP Communications Plan)

Group	Yes/No	Group	Yes/No
• Medical organization		• Organic QRF
• Military interface		• Crisis response team
• Embassy or consulate		• Security provider (vendor)
• Police, fire, or ambulance		• Other groups