Hazards. Earthquakes. PREPARE: Kansas Hazards

Transcription

1 PREPARE: Kansas Hazards Hazards Earthquakes Introduction An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the earth caused by the breaking and shifting of rock beneath the earth s surface. The shaking can cause building and bridges to collapse; disrupt gas, electric, and phone service; and sometimes may cause landslides, floods, fires, avalanches, and huge destruction. 1 LTC facilities in the earthquake prone areas of Kansas should consider an Earthquake Annex to their Emergency Operations Plan. utilities and dams; hazardous materials moving or storage vessels (such as gas pipelines); landslides; subsidence; and fires. 2 Unlikely probability Event is possible within the next ten years. Event has a 10% chance of occurring. Kansas is not considered at high risk of a major earthquake. North-central Kansas, particularly Riley and Pottawatomie Counties are the most likely to experience seismic activity. However growing counties in northeastern Kansas could increase risk to more people and property. 3 Objectives Participants will: Understand the vulnerability of their facility to earthquake. Describe the steps to be taken before and after an earthquake. Earthquakes in Kansas Kansas experiences small earthquakes on a routine basis, but few are of the magnitude that could cause damage to buildings and infrastructure. If larger events were to occur, impacts could include fatalities and injuries from: collapsing structures or falling objects; failure of 1 Introduction to Emergency Management, Second Edition, Haddow and Bullock Kansas Seismic Hazard Map US Geologic Survey 2 Kansas Hazard Mitigation Plan p Kansas Mitigation Plan p Page 107

2 PREPARE: Kansas Hazards Before the Earthquake Planning 4 Evaluate the facility for potential dangers and fix the problems. Examples: Remove potential fire hazards Secure furniture or equipment/appliances to the wall (may fall and cause injuries) Store large and/or heavy items low to the ground Repair any deep cracks in walls, ceilings or foundation of building Bolt and strap the water heater to the wall and ground Affix pictures and/or mirrors securely Brace overhead light fixtures Discuss and practice your response plan with staff and residents During an Earthquake Response 5 Following appropriate response procedures, you should: Alert residents and staff to drop to the ground, cover their heads, and remain in that position until the all clear Advise staff who is in charge Inspect the facility for safety. Evacuate if the building is not safe Rescue residents in immediate danger Sound nearest alarm, if not already activated Close doors if fire is present Move residents to nearest exit Follow evacuation procedures 4 Kentucky Department of Public Health 5 Kentucky Department of Public Health Check on residents, staff and visitors Check restrooms or vacant rooms for visitors or stranded residents Take care of injured or trapped persons Provide medical treatment as appropriate. Call only for lifethreatening emergencies Turn off gas Be prepared for after-shocks and reevaluate building safety after additional seismic activities After an Earthquake Recovery 6 Expect aftershocks o These secondary shockwaves are usually less violent than the main quake but can be strong enough to do additional damage to weakened structures and can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or months after the quake. Help injured or trapped persons until emergency assistance arrives o Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help. Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for latest emergency information 6 Kentucky Department of Public Health Page 108

3 PREPARE: Kansas Hazards Use the telephone only for emergency calls Stay away from damaged areas Return to the facility only when authorities say it is safe Open cabinets cautiously. Beware of objects that can fall off shelves Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately Leave the area if you smell gas or fumes from other chemicals Inspect utilities Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, start evacuation procedures quickly. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve, if possible. Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks, broken or frayed wires, or smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. Begin evacuation procedures. Check for sewage and water lines damage. If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap. Inspect the entire length of chimneys for damage. As soon as possible bring residents back to familiar surroundings and resume activities. Replace residents belongings. Provide psychological first aid. Page 109

4 Earthquakes Hazard Resources Appendix ET-1: Kansas Seismic Hazard Map Source: U.S. Geological Survey, map generated by National Atlas of the United States,

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6 Earthquakes Hazard Resources Appendix ET-1: Humboldt Fault Zone Source: Kansas Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2010, p.3.74