Protecting Your Business

Siting your new business

• Evaluate potential site for hazards, such as risk of liquefaction and proximity to faults
  • Free FEMA publications about seismic safety of new and existing buildings
  • The Soil Liquefaction Website from the University of Washington
• Locate near lifelines (such as transportation, power and water
• Build to Earthquake Codes
  • Information on seismic building codes
  • A Map of seismic zones in the U.S.

Mitigating seismic risks at existing businesses

• Conduct an audit of general earthquake vulnerability, as well as a natural hazards risk assessment -- FEMA’s Guide For Business & Industry
• Seismically retrofit buildings
• Reduce the risks of nonstructural damage by fastening down fixtures and furniture
• Purchase Earthquake Insurance
• Create a Business Continuity Plan
• Train employees to be ready for an earthquake. This should include making sure employees are certified in first aid, CPR, and fire safety
• Hold regular drills to make sure employees know what to do in case of an earthquake

Please visit the following websites for more information

• Emergency Management British Columbia
• Washington Emergency Management Division
• Oregon Emergency Management
• California Emergency Management Agency