A risk management e-newsletter for nonprofits

January 2012 

A step up for 

First Nonprofit

Up the stairs 

First Nonprofit believes in the nonprofits we insure. Next month we'll go beyond believing to doing. On February 26, First Nonprofit's 10-person team will tackle 1,632 steps in the 15th annual Hustle Up the Hancock. The 94-floor ascent up the famous Chicago icon will benefit the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. We wish Team First Nonprofit luck. And yes, they can use the elevator on their way down.

Risk+Reward
is an e-newsletter highlighting the risk management activities of First Nonprofit and the nonprofits we serve. For more information on our products and services, contact Jaclyn Goudie at
or 312.239.8382. 

If you're at fault, have a plan 

Earthquakes are no surprise in the western United States, 
but the eastern and central regions have a rumbling reputation of their own. Although earthquakes are less frequent in these parts of the country, there is a history of tremors trembling these areas.

 

On August 23, 2011, Virginia was struck by an earthquake whose epicenter, in Louisa County, was 38 miles from Richmond and 84 miles from Washington, D.C.istock_woman with clipboard

 

Earthquake strength is measured by magnitude (Richter scale) or the amount of energy released and by intensity (Modified Mercalli scale) or the amount of damage caused.

 

The Virginia quake had a magnitude of 5.8 and an intensity of VII (very strong). The earthquake was felt as far south as Atlanta and as far north as Quebec, Canada. For comparison, the infamous San Francisco quake of 1906 had an estimated magnitude of 7.9. State officials estimate the Virginia quake caused over $70 million of property damage in Louisa County.

 

The Virginia earthquake was not a unique event. The eastern and central United States have a history of devastating quakes. The New Madrid earthquakes of 1811 and 1812, which struck Arkansas and Missouri, are the strongest to hit anywhere in the United States in recorded history. These quakes are estimated to have had magnitudes of 7.0 and 8.1. They were so powerful they created temporary waterfalls on the Mississippi River and rang church bells in Boston.

 

Residents in all parts of the United States should plan for earthquakes and the first step is to be aware. To understand your earthquake risk, consult the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maps. These maps classify the U.S. into seismic design category zones. First Nonprofit recommends that nonprofits in areas with known earthquake exposures (seismic design categories B through E) develop formal earthquake instructions for their staff and clients to follow during an earthquake.

 

In an earthquake, FEMA recommends these key practices:

  • Follow the DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON procedure. DROP to the ground. Take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture. HOLD ON until the shaking stops.
  • Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
  • Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside.

Go to  www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake to begin building your nonprofit agency's earthquake plan.

Beat the snow
When someone mentions winter sports, fun activities come to mind like skiing, snowboarding, and shoveling snow.
 
Unless you're building a fort or competing with your neighbor, shoveling snow is a chore. And although shoveling snow will never be an Olympic sport, the National Safety Council recommends that you prepare as though you were facing your hometown rival.

 

Snow Shoveling Tips:

  • Warm up and stretch before you get started.
  • Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.
  • Push, don't lift. It's easier on your back and uses less energy.
  • Choose the right shovel for you and don't pick up too much at once. (Use a small shovel or fill only one-fourth or one-half of a large one).
  • Lift with your legs, not your back. Keep your knees bent and your back straight. By bending and "sitting" into the movement, you'll keep your spine upright and less stressed. Your shoulders, torso, and thighs can do the work for you.
For more information and a complete list of snow shoveling precautions, visit the National Safety Council's Shoveling Snow page.
Nonprofit Risk Management Library

First Nonprofit has an expansive collection of Risk Management literature covering topics from fire safety and bullying prevention to building maintenance and tornado survival. Publications are available to all of our nonprofit policyholders free of charge. For a complete list email risk@firstnonprofit.com.
    

January 2012