Bay Area Commercial Earthquake Preparedness Checklist

Earthquake preparedness for a commercial property should address both life safety and business continuity. Even when a building remains standing, damaged utilities, fallen equipment, blocked exits and interrupted vendors can prevent normal operation.

Know the building

Collect the construction year, structural system, retrofit history, engineering reports, approved plans, occupancy information, utility shutoff locations, fire-system records, elevator contacts and insurance information.

Secure nonstructural hazards

Review shelving, storage racks, water heaters, mechanical equipment, server racks, laboratory equipment, ceiling systems, light fixtures, file cabinets, refrigerators and hazardous-material cabinets.

Protect utilities

Document gas, water and electrical shutoffs; fire sprinkler controls; generator controls; fuel storage; sewer cleanouts and emergency lighting.

Plan for fire after an earthquake

Confirm fire extinguishers are accessible, sprinkler valves are labeled, fire-alarm service contacts are current, exits remain clear and fire-watch procedures are documented.

Prepare tenants and employees

Provide guidance for drop, cover and hold on; evacuation; assembly locations; accountability; first aid; emergency communications; assistance for people with disabilities and after-hours procedures.

Create vendor continuity plans

Maintain primary and backup contacts for structural engineering, general contracting, glass repair, fire protection, plumbing, electrical, elevator service, restoration, security, waste hauling and temporary power.

Maintain emergency supplies

Possible supplies include water, first-aid materials, flashlights, batteries, radios, chargers, PPE, caution tape, basic tools, printed contact lists, building plans and sanitation supplies.

Plan post-earthquake assessment

Establish who can restrict access, contact emergency services, initiate engineering review, shut down utilities, notify tenants, document damage, contact insurers and authorize emergency spending.

Protect records and data

Maintain secure backups of leases, tenant contacts, insurance policies, vendor contracts, building plans, equipment lists, financial records and emergency procedures.

Find Bay Area preparedness and repair providers

SF Bay Area Commercial Services helps property managers identify engineers, fire-protection companies, restoration contractors, glass companies, electricians and other vendors that may support preparedness and recovery.