Earthquake & Tremors

Introduction
Sudden and violent tremors and earth movements radiating
outwards from a localized point, and violent release of
pressure in the earths curst is generally referred as an
earthquake.
It is advisable that each property must identify area within or
near by the hotel which is easily accessible to be used as
assembly are during an emergency.
An alternate assembly area should also be identified in case
the designated assembly area is not approachable or unsafe
or destroyed.
 Consequence of Earthquake.
In such a situation there is a possibility of loss of life and
damage to property, to stabilize the aftermath of the
situation these guideline should be followed.
Establishing command center and assign personal for
emergency response.
Make available portable radio sets.
Arrange for ample of First-aid supplies.
Summon your associate who is trained in First-aid.
Arrange for Flashlights/Torches and extra batteries.
Inform Maintenance to arrange for switching off all gas,
water valves.
Establishing Do not panic and stay calm.
Protect yourself by lying down under furniture
available nearby, in case of non-availability of furniture
in stand in corners of the room and away from glass
fixture, sliding doors and windows.
Watch out for falling objects.
Grab anything handy (pillows) to protect your head and
face from falling debris and splintering glass, protect
your feet from the broken debris or broken glass
pieces.
Fill your bathtub and sinks with water, it will help to
extinguish fire in case if fire break out.
Do not panic if the fire alarms or sprinklers go off.
Do not RUSH outside – stand in corridors, do not use
elevator. Look out for falling debris and proceed
cautiously to open area.
Do not light matchsticks, cigarettes or electrical
switches.
Treats injured and consider evacuation once the
tremors and shaking stops.
Go to pre-arranged assembly points.
Wait for further instructions from the emergency chief.
In order to minimize the loss of life, injury to human
being and to carry out orderly evacuation if required
each department is showered with the additional
responsibilities.
 Responsibilities of the
Respective Departments
Front Office Manager/Duty Manager:
Duty manager to immediately print a guest in-house list.
In the elevator, if there is an entrapment the telephone
operator should reassure the guest and / or employee
that there is help on the way.
Keep everyone away from window and celling lights.
Inform all guests and associates to proceed to the
assembly area.
If extensive damage has occurred to the building and its
thought to be unsafe to occupy upper floors, determine
a safe route for assembly area.
If fire breaks out, proceed with the established fire
procedures. Depending on the severity of the
earthquake, it may not be possible to have the
assistance of the fire department. A decision will have to
be made to disregards firefighting and concentrate on
Life- Saving procedures.
Designate personnel to go to the guest floors to assist in
the evacuation to the designated assembly areas.
Advice Human resource department to set up a First-aid
station, if deemed necessary
Duty manager/receptionist to establish a desk at the
assembly area and take a roll call for guests.
Engineering:
If power fails and it has been determined that the
emergency generator has started automatically, and is
operating properly, periodic inspection is to be
conducted to ensure that the proper operation
continues.
To ground all elevators immediately.
To switch off all Re LPG valves.
Keep all flashlights and radio sets and any other
equipment deemed necessary. Prepare a list of utility
damaged assessment and control measure taken.
Help the hotel guest and staff to the assembly area.
Check guest rooms for injured guests.
Assist security in the prevention of any looking that
may occur.
Security:
Report to the Security Manager.
Check elevators for guests and associates who may
be trapped.
Encourage guests and associates to stay calm in
the building and keep everyone cleared away from
windows and celling lights.
Assist in the evacuation of people to the Assembly
area designated.
Set up a First-aid station in the secured area.
Check hotel for injured guests and associates.
Ensure that no outsider enters the property, and
protect the guest room’s property from being looted.
Duties of Telephone Operator:
In “the elevator, if there is an entrapment,
the telephone operator should assure the
Guest I associates that there is help on the
way.
Inform about any elevators in which people
are trapped o engineering I security. Notify
the Security Officer & Shift Engineer of fire
alarms.
The Telephone exchange is one of the most
important areas in the type of situation.
Remain in the exchange if at possible, unless
directed by the Emergency Chief to evacuate.
Bell Desk:
Assist in directing guests to the assembly
area.
Assist in checking rooms for injured
guests.
Report to the Assembly area and assist
as directed.
Food and Beverage Associates:
 At the first indication of an earthquake
tremor, direct the guest to take cover
under the wooden top table. Please avoid
glass top table and folding table.
 When the initial tremors have ceased,
direct guests away from window, celling
lights and overhead decorative fixtures.
 Direct the guest to the assembly area.
 If evacuation call is given report to the
assembly area along with entire staff as
soon as possible and assist in First-aid.
Front office associate:
Direct guests to take cover and avoid falling
objects and debris, with special attention to
potential glass breakage.
Secure cash drawers, if it becomes necessary
to evacuate front desk area.
Assist in directing guests to the assembly area.
Take print out of all the in-house gests and
carry to the assembly area for roll call. Arrange
for a First-aid kit box at the assembly area.
If the evacuation call is given proceed to the
assembly area.
Make alternative arrangements for
accommodations in case the situation o arises.
Sale and Executive Office:
 Assist the guest in vicinity to move to the
assembly area.
 If the evacuation call is given proceed to the
assembly.
Kitchen associates:
 Put off the gas valve, burners, cooking range,
ovens and electrical appliances.
 Do not take cover near cooking range, as
boiling water or oil may spill over and cause
scalding and burns.
 If the evacuation call is given, proceed to the
assembly area.
Housekeeping associates:
o Provide blankets; face towels etc. in the assembly
area.
o Direct the guest to the assembly area.
o Provide a special care to the handicapped guest if
situation arise.
o Arrange for First-aid kit at the assembly area.
o Proceed to the assembly area and assist as
directed.
Human Resources:
o Arrange for First-aid, doctors at the
assembly area.
o Prepare list/take print out of the associates
present in the premises and take roll call at
the assembly area.