Specific Readiness Level To Determine Next Steps

Steps to Reduce Probability and Consequences

1. Maintain updated natural disaster monitoring
2. Based on seismic zone, secure items that could fall or cause injuries and store critical supplies
3. Know which interior walls or sturdy furniture could be used as cover
4. Be aware that Earthquakes off the coast can cause Tsunamis (Contingency Planning: Natural Disaster Tsunami)

Applicable Corporate Policies

• Evacuations may be authorized and mandated at either the local, Self-Evacuation, or Reliant level.
• Know your Places of Refuge
• Confidentiality During Crisis Events

Crisis Resolution Protocol

• Initial Reaction: When Feeling the Ground Shake

  • Stay where you are until the shaking stops. Do not run outside. Do not get in a doorway as this does not provide protection from falling or flying objects, and you may not be able to remain standing.
  • Drop down onto your hands and knees so the earthquake doesn’t knock you down. Drop to the ground.
  • Cover your head and neck with your arms to protect yourself from falling debris.
  • If you are in danger from falling objects, and you can move safely, crawl for additional cover under a sturdy desk or table.
  • If there is low furniture or an interior wall or corner nearby, and the path is clear, these may also provide some additional cover.
  • Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as light fixtures or furniture.
  • Hold on to any sturdy covering so you can move with it until the shaking stops. Stay where you are until the shaking stops.
  • If you are in bed: Stay there and cover your head and neck with a pillow. At night, hazards and debris are difficult to see and avoid; attempts to move in the dark result in more injuries than remaining in bed.
  • If you are outdoors when the shaking starts, move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires. Once in the open, “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” Stay there until the shaking stops. This might not be possible in a city, so you may need to duck inside a building to avoid falling debris.
  • If you are in a moving vehicle, stop as quickly and safely as possible and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires. Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that the earthquake may have damaged.

  After the Shaking Stops

  • Look around. If there is a clear path to safety, leave the building and go to an open space away from damaged areas.
  • If you are trapped, do not move about or kick up dust. Tap on a pipe or wall or use a whistle, if you have one, so that rescuers can locate you.
  • Be prepared to “Drop, Cover, and Hold on” in the likely event of aftershocks.
  • As soon as you are able, begin documenting and gathering information 
  • Contact Reliant to report the incident: Crisis Reporting for International Incident
  • Reliant will reach out to receive more details for their internal crisis report. Eventually, Reliant will share a communication tracking log that will serve as a way for team leaders and Shared Crisis Authority and Responsibility in Reliant Partnerships to all view communication updates between Reliant and the field team member
  • Record any injuries with Reliant who will add victim information
  • If the phones are unusable, attempt an alternative communication with personnel such as a satellite phone or emergency communication device 
  • Determine the location and status of all personnel that might be affected by the earthquake
  • Determine accurate information regarding earthquake damage including utilities, communications, and infrastructure
  • Attend to any immediate medical needs referencing the Contingency Planning: Medical Emergency
  • If there are any missing persons, contact local law enforcement to report them and simultaneously follow the Contingency Planning: Missing Person
  • Check with the nearest Embassy and Consulate Assistance for updated information
  • Establish consistent lines of communication for all personnel involved or gather all personnel to a central location for assessment
  • Check with local officials before venturing out from your immediate area
  • If you have the ability, coordinate with the ICMT to decide the best course of action.
  • If you cannot contact the ICMT, Shelter in Place until communications are reestablished
  • Consider Evacuation protocols if needed
  • Return to buildings only when local officials determine that they are safe