Disaster and Emergency Preparedness: Guidance for ... - INEE Toolkit

Construction detailing;Water damage.Identify any structural safety concerns that may require further investigation. Youmay need the support of a qualified engineer or architect to undertake this assessment withyou. If any of these conditions apply to your buildings, you will need to investigate furtherwith professional engineering help. As warranted by engineering investigation, develop astrategy for mitigating structural deficiencies through retrofitting or during ongoing remodeling.Assessing non-structural safetyDisaster and Emergency Preparedness: Guidance for SchoolsIf you have prioritized fire, earthquake, flood, and windstorms you will need to take a stepfurther to assess non-structural risks associated with your buildings. This will help to identifythose measures that can be taken to make classrooms, offices, and common spaces safer.The review team should include users of each space as well as facilities maintenance staff.Use your imagination and common sense as you go from room to room, and around thebuilding.Fire prevention and fire safety measures are part of your initial school design, andalso require regular maintenance and testing. Assess to be sure that:Flammable and hazardous materials sources are limited, isolated, eliminated, orsecured. This includes electrical lines and appliances, heaters and stoves, naturalgas pipes and LPG canisters, flammable or combustible liquids;Exit routes are clear to facilitate safe evacuation in case of fire or other emergency;Detection and alarm systems are working;Fire extinguishers are regularly refilled;Other fire suppression and control equipment is regularly tested and maintained;Mechanical, electrical, and civil structures and systems are maintained and operable,in compliance with life and fire safety design criteria (IFC EHS Guidelines2007 p.80).For cyclone/high winds safety think about objects that can be torn away, fly away orbe battered by wind outside. Note what can be done, and who should do it.For earthquake safety think about objects that may slide, fall, or fly, and especiallyanything that can cause injury or block exits. Note what can be done, who should do it, andwhen it should be completed.Prioritize the items as follows:10