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

Non-structural safetyNon-structural safety measures are those that are not connected with the weight-bearingsystem of the building, and those that are in the hands of users. This includes fire preventionand readily available fire suppression equipment. Special attention is required to make surethat all building occupants can safely exit in case building evacuation is necessary. In case ofearthquake and storms, the main considerations are injury prevention both within and immediatelyoutside buildings.Do check that:Disaster and Emergency Preparedness: Guidance for Schools16All classroom doors, doors of high-occupancy rooms, and doors to outside openoutwards;Exit pathways are kept clear;Non-structural building elements are securely fastened to the building to resistwind or earthquakeshaking;Fire suppression equipment is located appropriately and maintained in goodworking condition;Flammable and combustible materials are limited, isolated, eliminated, and separated,away fromdangerous interactions and heat sources;Electrical systems are maintained and are not overloaded;Classrooms have two exits wherever possible. (Sometimes the second exit is awindow.)If you face earthquakes and windstorms:Move heavy items below head level;Tightly secure tall and heavy furniture and appliance to walls, floors and ceilings.(e.g., use L-brackets to walls or spring-loaded adjustable tension rods to ceiling orwedges under bottom front, or strip barrier fastened to tabletop, as appropriate);Fasten cabinet doors and drawers with latches that will hold shut during shaking;Secure heaters and cooling systems suspended inside or outside of building;Fasten liquid propane gas tanks, fire extinguishers and other gas cylinders to thewall;Protect from glass that may break into large shards (e.g., rearrange furniture, usewindow film, curtains, or install strengthened glass.);Secure heavy and important electronic items to table top or floor using straps andclips, buckles or Velcro;