6110 CP Earthquake

MSF-CH (OCG)
CONTINGENCY PLAN
IN CASE OF NATURAL DISASTER:

EARTHQUAKE
MISSION XXX
DAY/MONTH/YEAR
AUTHOR’S NAME
VALIDATED
BY
WHEN
Introduction
A contingency plan is a short document prepared at field level by each mission under
the responsibility of the HOM (in coordination with the LogCo, FieldCo, MedCo,
HRCo and Welcome) to reduce the potential impact of an earthquake on MSF
(personnel, patients, assets, programs and image) by establishing incident
preparedness measures.
Earthquakes as such are not necessarily dangerous but can cause buildings and
bridges to collapse, telephone and power lines to fall, and result in fires,
explosions and landslides. Earthquakes can also cause huge ocean waves, tsunamis,
which travel long distances over water until they crash into coastal areas.
In certain regions of the world earthquakes are likely to occur. They cannot be
predicted, but they have some patterns. Sometimes foreshocks precede quakes, but
nothing distinguishes these from ordinary quakes. But every large event has a cluster
of smaller aftershocks near the main shock.
Earthquakes are measured according to the Richter scale. The most devastating
effects are seen with earthquakes measuring 6 and above, and when the epicenter
is located in highly populated areas. The depth of the epicenter also plays an
important role in the damage capacity of the earthquake.
1
Operational and preventive measures (SOP) to limit the damages of earthquakes
such as renting reinforced or steel-framed buildings, improving structures as needed
to reach an international standard especially concerning electrical installations,
minimizing potential injuries by placing large or heavy objects on lower shelves
(fasten shelves to walls) and training staff in first aid and basic fire safety are part of
the security guideline. All staff is properly briefed about them.
This document covers preparatory and organizational measures to facilitate actions

to be taken when MSF has to face an earthquake.
Table of contents
1. Personal security file for each expatriate (confidential, to be kept in

personal envelopes locked in the safe) containing :
 Updated emergency contact number (family), name of persons to be

contacted and family link. Responsibility : WELCOME
 Use of specific personal medicines. Responsibility : MedCo
 Blood group
2. Security briefing
 Security briefing upon arrival mentioning specific risk of earthquake.
3. When you work in an earthquake prone area
 Find out about earthquake plans developed by national institutions in charge

of Natural Disaster Preparedness and Response in the area.
 Establish an earthquake evacuation plan. Plan and practise the evacuation
routes. Be sure to identify more than one evacuation route as roads in and out
of the area may become blocked.
 Establish a meeting place where the team can reunite afterward. It can be
different during and after working hours.
 The telephone system is often the first to break down or become overloaded –
both landline and mobile. Use satellite phones and/or radio
communications systems.
 First aid - a complete first-aid kit should be available in offices, residences and
all vehicles. Know the location of the nearest hospital or health post.
 Fire safety - extinguishers and fire-fighting equipment must be available in
offices, residences and vehicles.
 Know where and how to shut off electricity, gas and water at main switches
and valves.
 Blast film or curtains can reduce the risk of shattering glass.
 Locate safe spots in each room under a sturdy table, in hallways or against an
inside wall.
2
 Prepare to survive on your own for at least three days. Carry an ID-card with
your blood group and a list of emergency telephone numbers. Assemble a
disaster supply kit:
o Emergency food and water supplies.
o First Aid Kit and manual.
o Toilet paper, etc.
o Radio handset and satellite phone with extra batteries.
o Torch and extra batteries.
o Fire extinguisher (everyone should know how to use one).
o Basic tools (spade, axe, rope, nails, hammer, etc.)
o Whistle to attract the attention of rescue workers.
o Maps from the area.
Keep a comparable kit in the vehicles in case you are on the road during an
earthquake.
4. What to do during an earthquake?
 Wherever you are, expect the ground or floor to move violently.

 Drop, cover and hold on until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside -
most injuries during earthquakes occur when people are hit by falling objects
when entering or exiting buildings.
 If you are indoors, take cover next to a sturdy desk, table or bench, in
hallways or against an inside wall, and hold on. At night, if an earthquake
occurs, have a water reserve under your bed and stay next to it, in case walls
fall down. Don’t stay in the kitchen. Stay away from glass, windows,
fireplaces, outside doors or walls and anything that could fall. Protect your
head and face with your arms.
 If you live in an apartment block or a multi-story building, you may
experience more sway and less shaking than in a smaller, single-story
building. Remain calm. DO NOT use the elevators.
 If you are in a crowded indoor public location, stay where you are. Do not
rush for the doorways. Take cover and grab something to shield your head and
face from falling debris and glass. Be aware that the electricity may go out or
the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
 If you are outdoors, stay there. Move away from buildings, chimneys,
streetlights and utility wires.
 In a moving vehicle, stop as quickly as safety permits, and stay in the vehicle.
Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overhanging rocks, bridges,
overpasses or utility wires. Then, proceed cautiously, watching for road and
bridge damage.
 If you become trapped in debris,
o Do not light a match, due to possible gaz leaks.
o Do not move about or kick up dust.
o Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
o Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one
is available. Shout only as a last resort - shouting can cause you to
inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
3
 Most injuries occur when people are hit by falling objects when entering or
exiting buildings. However, when you are in a nonsolid building, on the
ground floor, and the shaking is minimal it may be better to run outside.
Use your own judgment.
If you are near the coast, and the earthquake was powerful, be prepared for a
tsunami. Move quickly inland to higher ground. If the tsunami wave is flooding
ashore, get yourself as high as possible, even a large tree or post may offer some
protection – tie yourself to it and hang on. If you get caught in the water, the most
important thing is to keep afloat. Grab onto anything such as a tree trunk or floating
debris, and use this to get to a point where you can pull yourself out of the water.
5. What to do after an earthquake?
 Be prepared for aftershocks. These secondary shock waves are usually less
violent than the main quake but can be strong enough to do additional damage
to weakened structures. Each time you feel one, Drop, Cover and Hold On!
 Check for injuries. Do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless
they are in immediate danger of death for further injury. If you must move an
unconscious person, first stabilize the neck and back.
 Use the telephone only to report life-threatening emergencies.
 Do not expect fire-fighters, police or paramedics to help you. They may not be
available.
 Shut off power if the electrical wiring has been damaged.
 Wear sturdy shoes in areas covered with fallen debris and broken glass.
 Inspect the building for damage. Get everyone out if the building is unsafe.
 If you (must) go out after an earthquake, watch for fallen objects, downed
electrical wires, weakened walls, bridges, roads and sidewalks.
 Do not use your vehicle, except in extreme emergency.
 Listen to the local radio for news and instructions from emergency officials.
If it is a large scale emergency:

Set up and briefing of an incident management team (IMT):
- IMT coordinator : HoM
- Deputy : FieldCo
- Communication representative (if not, from Geneva COM department)
- HR focal point (family contact for staff injured or dead)
- Assistant

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MSF-CH (OCG)

IN CASE OF NATURAL DISASTER:

This document covers preparatory and organizational measures to facilitate actions

1. Personal security file for each expatriate (confidential, to be kept in

 Updated emergency contact number (family), name of persons to be

3. When you work in an earthquake prone area

 Find out about earthquake plans developed by national institutions in charge

4. What to do during an earthquake?

 Wherever you are, expect the ground or floor to move violently.

5. What to do after an earthquake?

If it is a large scale emergency:

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