In Case of Earthquakes

INTRODUCTION:

An earthquake is a sudden shaking of the earth caused by the breaking and shifting of rock beneath the earth’s surface. Earthquakes can cause structural damage to buildings and other structures, can interrupt telephone and electrical service, and cause damage that may lead to fires and explosions. Earthquakes can also cause landslides and trigger tsunami (tidal wave), which are huge ocean swells that can travel great distances.

Most injuries in buildings from earthquakes are the result of building collapse or damage, falling furniture or other contents, flying glass and debris, and fire triggered by ruptured LPG lines, damaged electrical lines or equipment.

High rise buildings are most likely to collapse/be damaged brought about by natural factor if its location is along an active fault and/or prone to liquefaction (a process when a solid sand and water saturated soil turn into a jelly like or quick sand condition caused by high scaled and prolonged tremors) or landslide. However, most high rise concrete structures sustain damage or in worst cases collapse due to human error. Improper engineering practices and faulty structural design, failure to evaluate the structural soundness of the building and as well as shortcoming in subjecting the site to geotechnical investigation, standard penetration test (SPT) and grain size analysis. Said human discrepancies were the main caused why Ruby Tower collapsed during the early 70’s.

Natural factor cause by liquefaction identifies the structures near large body of water especially0 for those built in the reclaimed areas are most likely to be affected by high scaled tremors.

TRIANGLE OF LIFE THEORY:

The most sturdiest part of a building is its concrete column, unfortunately every structure varies when it comes to structural soundness, considering the span of its existence, structural design and infrastructure. It is important for the building occupants to familiarize themselves with their place of work and to identify relatively strong parts of the building. Building collapses in four different ways:

V-Type: The roof/ceiling collapse in V-shape due to the absence of column in the middle portion of the structure that normally affects low/medium rise building.

Double-V Type: The roof/ceiling collapse despite of a column in the middle portion of the structure.

Lean-to Type: Walls and column in one side of the structure collapse resulting into a domino effect. This what happens to Hyatt Regency Hotel in Baguio City.

Pancake Type: Roof/ceiling, walls and columns collapse vertically at the same time. This what happen to Ruby Tower that was caused by liquefaction.

BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE:

Since no one could actually predict how, when and where will the earthquake occur, the key to effective disaster prevention is planning. Always prepare and maintain an earthquake survival kit consisting of a battery-powered radio, flashlight, first-aid kit, potable water, candies, ready-to-eat food, whistle and dust mask.

Building contents may pose a significant hazard in the event of an earthquake. As part of the preventive planning one should do the following:

  • Large furniture such as book shelves, suspended light fixtures, ceiling fans and storage cabinets should be properly anchored/strapped to walls or ceilings so they do not fall/slide during an earthquake.
  • Contents should be stored to minimize potential damage.
  • Heavy objects should be placed on lower shelves.
  • Glass and other breakable objects should be stored in latched cabinets or on low shelves.
  • Harmful chemicals and flammable materials should be stored and secured correctly.
  • Identify relatively strong parts of the building like doorjambs, near elevator shafts, sturdy tables, where you can take refuge in an event of an earthquake.

DURING AN EARTHQUAKE:

Building occupants should remain in the building during an earthquake since most injuries during this catastrophe occur when people try to leave or enter the building.

Occupants caught outside the building when an earthquake strikes should remain outside the building and move away from buildings, streetlights and utility lines.

People in the building should move away from windows or interior glass partitions, and take cover under a sturdy object such as solid desk or table.

People on the elevator lobbies where furniture is minimal should stay alongside the elevator shaft.

People caught inside an elevator cabin should stop the cabin on the nearest floor, and open the elevator doors, go out of the cabin and adopt procedure 5.3.3.4.

People caught inside their vehicle at parking level area should stop their vehicle and remain inside or seek refuge by squatting alongside of either left or right front wheel.

AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE:

After an earthquake normally this is being followed by a series of minimal tremors (aftershocks) and tenants/occupants are advised to do the following:

  • The building emergency plan (similar to fire plan) must be activated.
  • Shift Engineer should advise building occupants through PA system for them to stay where they are, report damage or injuries to the emergency team, avoid smoking and lighting matches/lighters.
  • If PA system is damaged or not available, an alternative means of communication through walkie-talkies or runners must be established.
  • Immediate assessment of potential damage or injuries should be made.
  • Company fire brigades should assess the situation on their floor and relay the information to the Security Department where the Emergency Response Team leader can quickly size-up the situation and plan the priorities.
  • Engineering personnel should be prepared to shut off gas, water or electricity if damage that may pose threat if discovered.
  • In areas with significant damage, occupants may need to be evacuated, and if possible, should be relocated within the building.
  • If damaged or injuries have occurred, the proper authorities should be notified. After a major incident, response capabilities may be overwhelmed and internal services may be the only source of assistance.
  • Emergency radio broadcast should be monitored and building occupants should be kept informed of both internal and external developments through the building communication system.
  • Occupants should be instructed to remain in the building until an assessment can be made of the situation in the surrounding areas.
  • Persons should be prevented from going “sightseeing”.
  • Working telephone lines should only be used on emergency calls.

DOWNLOAD: What to do in an Earthquake

FOR ANY EMERGENCIES, IMMEDIATELY CALL THE SECURITY AND SAFETY OFFICE FOR ASSISTANCE:
+(632) 815-1506 (Lawton)
+(632) 815-1502 (Cameron)