First Steps
Communicate with Staff and Others
Your staff needs to know what is expected of them and you need to know what their personal situation is. Advise necessary officials of the status of your situation, even if you have escaped harm. Refer to the Telephone Contact List.
Return to Top
Visually Survey the Area First
Make certain there are no electrical, chemical or other hazards on site. Report any downed power lines or gas leaks to local authorities as soon as possible. Watch out for flammable liquids that may have spilled.
Place barriers around unsafe areas.
Make temporary repairs. Fasten a tarp over holes in the roof and secure open window areas.
Assess the damage to the building's interior. Refer to your original inspections for before-and-after comparisons.
Examine X-ray equipment and other mechanical and electrical equipment. Do not operate anything until qualified service personnel have inspected it. Professionals should make certain all radiological shielding is still in place, but if you discover, or even suspect, an emergency, immediately contact your State's Department of Health's 24-hour radiological emergency hotline.
If dental records, computers and/or X-ray machines in your office have been damaged, contact the Department of Health.
Return to Top
Remove Critical Items
Secure assistance in removing or mitigating immediate hazards. If there are critical items or records that would be at risk of further damage if they remain in place, move them to a designated, safe place. Take steps to protect what is left as soon as possible.
Return to Top
|
and
