Moving and Shaking

“Posts!” At the desperate command everyone scrambles. Ellen rushes to steady the china cabinet while Mrs. Banks holds back a slew of picture frames.

“10, 9…” At exactly 8 A.M., the sound of a cannon is heard, and the house shakes. Mrs. Banks catches a vase as it pops off a shelf, while Ellen prevents the piano from ramming into the wall. Three seconds later all is quiet. The Banks household rights the fallen bric-a-brac and returns the piano to its station. Mr. Banks didn’t even lose a mustache hair.

Although the 1964 film, Mary Poppins, doesn’t depict an actual earthquake in the Banks household, it does represent a positive outcome. No one is hurt, and no serious losses occurred while the shaking took place. Around the globe, earthquakes are an ever-present danger that strike at any time without warning. Similar to the Banks family preparing for a cannon strike, churches and schools located in earthquake zones need to be prepared before the shaking starts.

Before the Shaking – Earthquake Proof Your Facilities

• Make sure hot water heaters and gas appliances have earthquake straps and are secured to wall studs or bolted to the floor.
• Do not hang heavy objects, such as large mirrors or pictures, near public seating areas.
• Properly secure all chandeliers, stage lighting fixtures, speakers, and mounted audio visual equipment to meet the seismic standards of your local jurisdiction.
• Anchor top-heavy freestanding bookcases, file cabinets, and other furnishings securely to wall studs.
• Store large, heavy, and breakable items on lower shelves in storage rooms.
• Install strong latches on cabinets, especially those holding fuel products, chemicals, cleaning supplies, or hazardous materials.
• Know how to shut off the gas supply valves into the building. Keep the shut-off wrench in a known location for easy access. If you smell gas after an earthquake, immediately proceed to shut off the gas supply valves until all gas-fired equipment can be properly checked for damage or leaks by a licensed HVAC contractor or the utility company.

Plan and Prepare for the Shaking

• Water for both drinking and sanitary needs – The American Red Cross recommends 1 gallon per person per day for three days.
• Food in non-perishable easy to prepare forms – Replenish food supplies annually to maintain freshness
• Sanitation supplies for personal hygiene
• Safety tools such as gloves, protective eyewear, helmets, masks, crowbars, shovels, and other tools for securing the building.
• Flashlights and a radio with extra batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Blankets

When the Shaking Starts

1. DROP – Get down on the floor and move as little as possible.
2. COVER – Stay away from windows and take cover under a sturdy table, desk, or another strong object.
3. HOLD ON – If possible, cover your head and body to protect from falling objects or shattering glass and hold on.