A great big “thank you!!” to everyone who participated in the Great British Columbia ShakeOut earthquake drill.

Here is some useful information on earthquake preparedness for employee and patient safety:

• Mitigate the hazards. Before an earthquake occurs, remove or secure objects that could fall and injure patients and employees during an earthquake. Rolling tables and equipment should have their wheels locked, or be secured to a wall to prevent movement.
• During an earthquake protect yourself first. You should drop, cover and hold on. Once the earthquake shaking has ended, review your surroundings and hazards, and then provide assistance to those around you.
• Instruct ambulatory patients to protect themselves by using the drop, cover and hold on method. If they are non-ambulatory and are in a wheelchair or bed, instruct them to stay in it.
• Avoid known hazards. If the shaking is mild and you are able to move around, turn patients away from windows and possible falling hazards. Set the brake on the chair or bed, and if possible protect patients head and neck with available objects or materials.
• Assess the environment. Earthquake shaking can result in equipment being moved, unplugged or broken. Patients and staff may also have been injured. Re-assess your surroundings and the needs of your department once the shaking has stopped.
• Report issues, challenges and concerns to your department manager or leader. Listen for overhead announcements.
• Prepare for aftershocks. There is a possibility of more shaking as a result of aftershocks so consider immediate actions that could increase the safety for staff and patients.

Following the earthquake, assess the situation and remain inside unless it is unsafe. More hazards may exist outside your home or facility. Broken glass, downed power lines and other debris, may be a danger outside your door, not to mention weather conditions. You may be safer and more comfortable inside your facility. Evacuate only when life safety is a concern due to a fire, gas leak or significant structural damage. Assess the situation before you make a decision, and remember to re-assess the situation regularly and especially following aftershocks.