1. SF Department of Public Health Quarterly IIPP Training
Occupational Safety & Health Earthquake Preparedness
Earthquake Preparedness & What to Do When an Earthquake Occurs
Prepared by: Shawn Holle, Safety Analyst
Preparedness at Work
No one knows when the next earthquake will occur in the San Francisco Bay Area, but we can
reduce our risk of injury, death and property loss by being prepared.
Detailed information regarding earthquakes and other emergencies can be obtained online at
the following links:
www.72hours.org
www.oes.ca.gov
Both are excellent and are linked to hundreds of sources for additional preparedness
information.
Emergency Evacuation Plans for DPH Locations
In addition to CCSF’s Continuity of Operations Plans, your sites should have an
Emergency Evacuation Plan. Be familiar with the current plan at your facility:
Do you know the emergency evacuation procedures for work site?
Do you know your place of refuge?
Do you know where your emergency supplies are stored?
Does your facility conduct practice evacuation drills twice a year?
Are you familiar with the additional security measures at the jail?
Preparedness at Home
Heavy furniture and appliances secured to walls?
Do you have a disaster plan that includes:
o What to do during various disasters such as earthquakes and fires?
o Selection of a safe place outside your home to meet family members?
o A plan for dealing with your pets
o A designated out-of-state contact person who can be phoned to relay
information?
Do you have disaster supply kits in your home and car?

2. SF Department of Public Health Quarterly IIPP Training
Occupational Safety & Health Earthquake Preparedness
During an Earthquake and Aftershocks
Indoors
Take cover under a sturdy desk or table until the shaking stops.
If you are not near a desk or table, drop to the floor against an interior wall and
protect your head and neck with your arms.
If in bed, hold on and stay there,
protecting your head with a
pillow.
Avoid windows, hanging objects,
mirrors, bookcases, filing
cabinets and overhead fixtures.
Do not use elevators.
Do not try to run out of the structure during the shaking. You’re less likely to be
injured staying where you are during an earthquake!
In a heavily developed area, it is safer to remain inside a building after an
earthquake unless there is a fire, gas leak or significant damage to the building.
Do not be surprised if sprinkler systems and fire alarms activate.
Outdoors:
Stay outside and move away from buildings, trees, power lines and other hazards.
If near a building, avoid objects such as canopies, signs and external stairs.
In an Automobile:
Stop your vehicle in the nearest open area and set the parking brake. Do not stop
under overhead hazards such as bridges, overpasses or power lines.
Near Shore:
If severe shaking lasts 20 seconds or more, a tsunami may be generated. If this
happens, immediately move inland 2 miles or to land that is 100 feet or more
above sea level.
After the Shaking Stops
Be prepared for aftershocks.
Check for injuries and provide first aid as needed based on your skill level.
Do not move seriously injured people unless necessary.
Check for dangerous conditions such as fires, downed power lines and structural
damage.
Use phones for emergency needs only.
Turn on a battery powered radio for emergency updates and information.

3. SF Department of Public Health Quarterly IIPP Training
Occupational Safety & Health Earthquake Preparedness
Your Role as a Disaster Service Worker
The Mayor of San Francisco or Governor may declare a catastrophe, and
All City workers will be required to report as Disaster Service Workers.
As a Disaster Service Worker, you can be assigned disaster service work that
promotes the protection of public health and safety.
During a catastrophe, your first priority is to make sure your family is safe. After
ensuring the safety of your family, you are required to make every effort to report
to work for your emergency assignment.
Disaster service work is performed in two 12 hour shifts (A & B).
o Shift A are employees living in San Francisco and report immediately.
o Shift B are employees living outside of San Francisco and report 12 hours later
or as instructed in emergency broadcasts.
The Office of Emergency Services (OES) and the DPH will coordinate work
assignments. Your assignment may require you to serve at a location and time
different from your normal work assignment. Under no circumstances will you be
assigned work requiring skills you do not possess that may put you at risk of
injury.
How do I receive Disaster Service Worker information?
o Listen to KCBS (740 AM), KGO (810 AM), KNBR (680 AM) and KQED (88.5 FM)
for instructions on reporting to work.
o For specific DPH information and instructions, call the DPH Emergency Update
line at 557-4298 or (916) 441-4521.
When reporting for disaster service work:
o Bring your employee and Disaster Service Worker ID.
o Report to your designated Staging Area. For people living outside of San
Francisco facing the possibility of inaccessible bridges and roads, report to
the following staging area nearest you.
Vallejo-Mare Island Ferry Terminal
Larkspur Landing Ferry Terminal
Sausalito Ferry Terminal
Berkeley Marina
Richmond Marina
Jack London Square Ferry Terminal
Bay Farm Island Ferry Terminal
Port of Redwood City