Earthquake Preparedness - Improved designs and awareness can minimize impacts
A devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 on the Richter scale struck the northern province of Chiang Rai in May 2014. Assoc. Prof. Vanchai Sirichana, the President of Mae Fah Luang University (MFU) observed that well-designed and well-constructed buildings can help minimize the impacts. Giving the example of MFU buildings which were not affected by the earthquake, the president said MFU buildings were well-designed that they can stand earthquake that measure up to 8.0 on the Richter scale.
Nonetheless, strong buildings are not all it takes to minimize impacts from earthquakes. MFU goes a step further by regularly arranging activities which are aimed to prepare students for appropriate response to a variety of emergency situations, including earthquakes and fire. For example, the campus community is educated in fire emergency evacuation, earthquake survival drills, and basic response procedures. This is an annual event usually held at student dormitories on campus. The events are organized by the Division of Student Affairs, MFU Hospital, and the Hotline Center.
In case of a sudden emergency, like a fire, dormitory staff members are trained to lead people by using fire service ladders and try to account for all people after gathering at the assembly point to ensure that all have evacuated safely. The involvement of relevant Divisions and Units that play an important role in emergency damage assessment, medical and safety responsibilities and facilities management is beneficial in order to mitigate devastating impacts.