Safety Tip Tuesday - National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month

There have been hurricanes, wildfires, and earthquakes in the first few weeks of September already. Are YOU prepared for one of these natural disasters?

Please familiarize yourself with the PUD 3 Emergency Evacuation Plan.

We will focus on earthquakes this week.

Earthquakes are unique because it is recommended that the facility not be evacuated until after the shaking has ceased. This is because it is shown that most injuries happen when people inside attempt to move too much. Instead, FEMA recommends occupants DROP, COVER and HOLD ON making sure to minimize movements to only a few steps to a nearby safe place. Once the shaking stops visually look around to make sure it is safe to move, then exit the building in accordance with the evacuation plan. 

During occupant evacuation, all occupants should exit utilizing the nearest exit or an alternate if that exit is blocked. Silencing of the alarm is not an indication to re-enter the facility.

Other key items to remember:

• Individuals evacuating should assist other individuals to evacuate as needed.

• Upon exiting, doors should be closed but not locked.

• Elevators should never be used as part of an evacuation route.

• Once you are safely in the evacuation area, please organize by department for roll call.

Try this:

Look around your workspace… Are there unsecure items that could fall on you during an earthquake? Do you know where you would DROP, COVER, and HOLD? Do you know your evacuation route?

Make a plan and practice.  Here is a short FEMA video on earthquakes.