This is a sample proposal for a earthquake preparedness plan for a medium sized office building. An office building will have unique challenges because they usually house multiple organizations. Therefore each organization must formulate its own plan and the entire building will also have to coordinate and practice accordingly.
Earthquake Preparedness
Budget Discussion
Basic Supplies
Sample Budget
Preparedness Planning and Training
Budget Discussion
The budget is a critical component of an earthquake preparedness plan. Unlike hurricanes and some other natural hazards, earthquakes strike suddenly and without warning (FEMA, 2013). There are two main consequences of an earthquake and that deal with both people and property. People are always a higher priority than property; however the property is often an interrelated concern. For example, the property should be well stocked with supplies that are needed in the event of an earthquake which can help saves lives and provide needed medical treatment should people be injured. Furthermore if the property has a structure or place to go in the event of an earthquake then this can mitigate any injures to the inhabitants of the building. This proposal will outline a sample plan for a large office building.
Having adequate supplies are of the utmost importance when it comes to earthquakes. When an earthquake occurs the demands of supplies are very high. The supplies needed may vary from location to another and most be tailored to the specific site. The needed supplies will also depend on the severity of the disaster and organizations should always prepare for the reasonably worst case scenario. A basic supply list will include, but is not limited to, water, food, shelter, clothing, medical services, medical supplies and many other items. The American Red Cross recommends the following items as the basic essentials (Red Cross, N.d.):
Basic Supplies
Water -- one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
Food -- non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
Flashlight
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
Extra batteries
First aid kit -- Anatomy of a First Aid Kit
Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
Multi-purpose tool
Sanitation and personal hygiene items
Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
Cell phone with chargers
Family and emergency contact information
Extra cash
Emergency blanket
Map(s) of the area
It is recommended that a team of no less than five people be involved in preparing the official budget and preparedness plan. However, a proposed budget and sample plan will be provided. The plan will need to be tailored to the location which will be especially challenging since it is in an urban area. Urban areas are more prone to direct and indirect hazards than in more rural areas since damage to buildings and infrastructure may be more severe. For example, gas lines can pose a significant threat in an urban area and preparation for this must be included in the response plan. Furthermore, water lines and severe weather can also play a role. It has been established that there is sufficient evidence to conclude that there is an association between dampness and mold in buildings and an increased risk of adverse health effects (Mudarri, 2007).
Sample Budget
Supplies
Quantity
Price
Water
5,000 Gallons
$7,500.00
Food
1,000 Meals
$4,000.00
Clothing
200 Outfits
$2,000.00
Blankets
200 Blankets
$1,800.00
Medical Supplies
20 Kits
$4,000.00
Cooking Supplies
Kitchen Items
$5,000.00
Shelter
200 Beds/100 Tents
$5,000.00
Tools
Emergency Tool Kits
$5,000.00
All Other Items
Flashlights, Radios, and Others
$10,000.00
$44,300.00
Preparedness Planning and Training
The office building will have unique challenges in regards to emergency planning due to the fact that it hosts several different organizations. Thus coordinating actions and providing training will be logistically challenging. However, individualized training should be conducted with each organization separately. The organizations that have their office space in the building should designate a representative that can spearhead the training efforts specific to that organization. For example, the organizations representative would be responsible for that organizations specific evacuation plan and ensure the members understand that plan. It is also necessary to coordinate the different divisions and run practice drills on a regular basis.
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