What is a
Earthquake?
When the ground shifts beneath your feet. When buildings shake and bridges collapse. Mountains move and trees get uprooted, earthquakes are seismic shift of the surface of the Earth. Earthquakes are also a trigger for other natural disasters as well; tsunamis, landslides and avalanches – making them even deadlier.
BEFORE
1
Know the Fire Escape or Evacuation Plans from your workplace, school or any other area you frequent. Create an Evacuation Plan for your home as well.
2
Identify sturdy places in your home that you could potentially take cover under.
3
Secure tall furniture and ceiling fixtures by bolting them down. Place heavy wall hangings away from where people sleep or sit.
4
Identify if your home is in an earthquake prone area and check if it’s securely attached to its foundation and built according to your area’s seismic building standards.
How To
Prepare for
a Earthquake
DURING
INDOORS
OUTDOORS
Drop, cover and hold on! – under sturdy furniture.
Stay away from windows and glass that might shatter.
Stay inside till the shaking stops – always use the stairs, not elevators.
Drop, cover and hold on! – away from buildings, trees, lampposts and powerlines.
If you are in a vehicle, remain stationary in a clear area until the shaking stops. If a powerline falls on your vehicle, wait for help before attempting to leave.
Drop
Get on your hands and knees.
Cover
Use sturdy furniture or your arms to protect your neck and head.
Hold On
Don’t move about, stay where you are.
Trapped?
If you’ve been caught unawares during an earthquake, or misjudged the sturdiness of the piece of furniture you’ve been trapped under, do not worry. Even if you are trapped, there still is hope. Limit your movement – you don’t want piles of debris crashing on you. Cover your mouth and don’t shout – the dust and dirt will suffocate you sooner than help can arrive. Don’t use fire (matchstick/candle) as a light source, try using a torch and finding a stick or pipe to bang against a sturdy area of the rubble to alert people to your location.
Stuck?
If you’ve been driving and couldn’t find a clear area in time, what do you do if you know your car has been hit by a live electrical wire? Electricity always looks for the easiest path to the ground, therefore remain in your car and you won’t get electrocuted. If, however, your car is catching on fire, you need to keep both your feet together and jump as far away from the car as possible – landing on both feet. Then hop or shuffle (both feet need to be on the ground at the same time) until you are as far as you can get from the wire.
AFTER
- Tune in to a local radio or television station to stay updated on emergency information.
- Be prepared for the usual aftermath of an earthquake – aftershocks, tsunamis, landslides and avalanches.
- Check for injuries and seek first aid for yourself first before moving to help out.
- Return home only AFTER you’ve been given the go ahead by local officials.
- Avoid disaster areas and be careful when entering buildings as structural integrity may be compromised.
- Wear protective clothing when cleaning up and Keep an eye on your pets while keeping them close.
