BASIC COMMUNICATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORK

By Judy Bell, CEM Disaster Survival Planning

Following is a list of what to do before, during, and after an earthquake to more effectively use your phone if you are at work when the "BIG ONE" strikes.

BEFORE THE DISASTER:

• Designate a contact point at work for messages if employees will need to let you know their status.

• Have each employee provide you and their family an out-of-area contact name and number. This may be the only way to reunite employees with their families or let relatives know someone is injured.

• Have employees inform their relatives not to try to reach them. They will get word to them via their designated out-of-area contact.

• Pre-designate where employees are to report to work if normal communications are overloaded. This prevents having to use calling trees which add to the congestion on the telephone network.

IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE DISASTER:

• Check all telephone instruments to make sure they are back on the receiver.
• Use your phone only for emergency calls.
• If you have to make an emergency call, pick up the receiver and listen for dial tone. It may take several minutes. Wait and be ready to dial your number when you hear the dial tone.
• If you receive a call from someone out of the area, have them inform your out-of-area contact point that you are O.K. This will eliminate your need to make a call.

UNTIL FULL COMMUNICATIONS ARE RESTORED:

• Continue to limit your use of the phone. It may take several days before the increased calling subsides.
• If aftershocks occur, do not use the phone unless you have an emergency. Every aftershock creates a resurgence of use on the phone network, causing additional congestion.
• Keep your out-of-area contact informed at reasonable intervals. The best time to place a call is between 10 PM and 6 AM when other calling has subsided.

About the author:
Judy Bell is president of Disaster Survival Planning. For a more detailed list of instructions, call (800) 601-4899 for a free copy of "Basic Communications Instructions for Work." © Copyright Disaster Survival Planning