Do you know what a Risk Roundup is? It is a simple way to identify risk in ANY space.

Now I know there are plenty of documents out there that can help with this. Cal-OES just published a guide to help schools identify potential risk in spaces BEFORE an earthquake hits. And that is the key here. Take action BEFORE the earthquake. Sadly, most people prepare for an earthquake after the earthquake. Heck, FEMA will help with that. Unfortunately, that is too late.

And speaking of FEMA, there is a document titled E-74, Reducing the Risks of Non-Structural Earthquake Damage. Published in 2012, it touts itself as "A Practical Guide", and is generally considered the go-to resource on how to conduct not only a risk assessment but how to address said risks.

However, there are a couple of issues here. 1) The guide is over 800 pages long, far from "Practical" for most users. A one-page guide would be more like it. And 2), A LOT has changed in the last 14 years when it comes to earthquakes and risk, and how to mitigate potential damage.

In the great movie Quake Heroes, Dr. Lucy Jones says that virtually all earthquake damage can be prevented. Think about that. Steps you take today can keep your business open tomorrow--even after a massive earthquake.

Which leads me back to the Risk Roundup. In ANY space, all you need to do is to ask these five questions:

1) Is the item large enough to hurt someone if it fell on them? If so, fasten the item.

2) Could the item potentially block an entrance or exit if it fell or would get tossed in an earthquake, regardless of its size? If so, move or fasten the item.

3) Is this item attached to or does it contain a hazardous chemical? (Don't forget fire extinguishers and cabinets). If so, fasten the item.

4) Is this item essential to your operation (regardless of size), or of value to you? If so, fasten the item.

5) Do you have the manpower or desire to clean up the mess should this item spill or get tossed in an earthquake? If not, take steps to address that.

There you have it: five simple questions to ask in any space. Conduct a risk roundup of the space you are in as you read this and then act now to reduce the risk.