What to do in an Emergency

EARTHQUAKE

There are hundreds of earthquakes all over the world every year, but most of them are not felt because they are either small, or very deep within the earth. However, a large, damaging earthquake could occur at any time. The biggest danger you face in an earthquake comes from falling debris and collapsing structures such as buildings and bridges. Before an earthquake Getting ready before an earthquake strikes will help reduce damage to our business and help you survive Identify a safe place within your area at work. A safe place could be: Under a strong table; remember to hold onto the legs of the table Next to an interior wall Somewhere close to you, no more than a few steps, or two metres away, to avoid injury from flying debris Familiarize yourself with the exit routes. During an earthquake Maintain presence of mind and as much as possible do not panic. When you are INSIDE Duck under a sturdy desk or table and hold on to it or protect your head with your arms (as mentioned above) Move away from windows, wall units, tall furniture, loosely hanging and/or heavy objects which may fall onto you Protect yourself, especially your head, from falling objects or debris by bracing yourself in an open door or by getting under a sturdy desk or table Unplug electrical objects If you are caught along the hallway, stay put near the elevator canopy UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU ATTEMPT TO USE THE ELEVATORS, Use the service stairs instead If and when a stampede should occur during an evacuation, DO NOT JOIN THE RUSH. Stay at a corner behind a wall or post and wait for the stampede to pass. Stay clear of damaged electrical installation or wirings. Switch off power if necessary If there is need to vacate the premises, do so in an orderly manner. Running will cause unnecessary injuries to you and/or the others. If you are OUTSIDE Move no more than a few steps, then drop, cover and hold Stay away from trees, powerlines, posts and concrete structures Move away from steep slopes which may be affected by landslides Stay clear of damaged infrastructure after a strong tremor. Aftershocks may cause them to collapse If you are at the beach or near the coast, drop, cover and hold then move to higher ground immediately in case a tsunami follows the quake If you are in a moving vehicle, pull over, stop and get out. Do not attempt to cross bridges, overpasses or flyovers which may have been damaged. After an earthquake You may feel aftershocks Dont use elevators. Help those around you if you can If you are in a damaged building, try to get outside and find a safe, open place If you smell gas, try and turn off the gas main outside the building if it is safe to do so Listen to the radio for information and advice

Sources : Nielsen APMEA HR iShare document library , PHIVOLCS and 72hours.org

What to do in an Emergency

FIRE

The risk of a fire is present year round and should be taken seriously by all staff if the fire alarm sounds. Before a Fire Identify a fire marshal in every floor. Conduct company-wide fire drill at least once a year (to be scheduled and communicated by Facilities-Admin team).

During a fire Remain calm and get out. Leave immediately by the nearest safe exit route. Move quickly but DO NOT RUN. Do not use lifts/elevator. If you see smoke under the door, find another way out. Feel the door with the back of your hand before you open it. If it is hot, find another way out. Drop to the floor to avoid smoke and fumes. Crawl to safety. If your clothes catch on fire, STOP where you are, DROP to the ground and ROLL over and over to smother the flames. Call Fire Department (Fire Control Room No.:101, Ambulance Service No.:102-in Chennai) from a safe location. If you are trapped in a burning building, stay near a window and close to the floor. If possible, signal for help. Do not go back inside the building unless instructed that it is safe to do so. Potentially dangerous processes or machinery should be closed down. Leave lights on. Closing down should be done only if it is safe to do so, and with no delay. Fire hoses and fire extinguishers should only be used if no personal risks are taken. After a fire Stay outside the building until the all-clear is given.

TSUNAMI

A Tsunami is a series of sea waves commonly generated by under-the-sea earthquakes and whose heights could be greater than 5 meters. It is erroneously called tidal waves and sometimes mistakenly associated with storm surges. Tsunamis can occur when the earthquake is shallow-seated and strong enough to displace parts of the seabed and disturb the mass of water over it. SOME NATURAL SIGNS OF AN APPROACHING LOCAL TSUNAMI 1) A felt earthquake. 2) Unusual sea level change: sudden sea water retreat or rise. 3) Rumbling sound of approaching waves. Before a Tsunami Know where the nearest high ground is and how you will reach it. Higher ground should be at least 35 metres above sea level or at least 1 km inland. During a Tsunami If you are at the coast and you feel a strong earthquake, see the sea receding, the sea bubbling or making a roaring sound, move to higher ground immediately. After a Tsunami Listen to local news for advisories and updates.

Sources : Nielsen APMEA HR iShare document library , PHIVOLCS and 72hours.org