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Preparing for an Earthquake
Perhaps an earthquake's greatest danger lies in the fact that it can occur almost at once. If you live in a location that's prone to earthquakes, preparation before the event is certainly the key point to consider.
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Earthquake Safety Guidelines
 | Remain Calm. If you stay calm, you will be better able to assess your situation. The rolling and roaring may terrify you, but unless something falls on you, the sensations probably won't hurt you. Try talking yourself through the violent motion phase. This will release stress and others may take courage and follow your reasoned restraint. Think through the consequences of any action you plan to take. |
| If you are indoors, stay there. If you are in danger:
1) Get under a sturdy table, desk or bed.
2) Brace yourself in an inside corner. Stay away from windows, sliding glass doors, mirrors.
3) Move to an inner wall or corridor. (A door frame or the structural frame of the building are its strongest points and least likely to collapse. They will also break the impact of any falling objects).
4) Choose shelter which will provide an airspace if it collapses. If your furniture shelter moves, stay under it and follow it around the apartment.
5) Stay away from tall shelves, china cabinets and other furniture, which might slide or topple over.
6) Grab anything handy (blanket, pillow, tablecloth, newspapers, box, etc.) to shield your head and face from failing debris and splinting glass. |
| Do Not Rush Outside. Stay on the same floor that you are on. Stairways may be broken and exits jammed with people. Do not use elevators as the power for elevators may go out and leave you trapped. |
| If you are outside, stay there. Move away from the building, garage, walls, power poles and lamp posts. Electric power lines are a serious hazard - stay away from fallen lines. If possible, proceed cautiously to an open area. |
| If you are in a moving car, stop. Stop as quickly as safety permits in the best available space. Stay in your car. Don't stop where buildings can topple down on top of you. A car is an excellent shock absorber and will shake a lot on its springs during an earthquake, but it's a fairly safe shelter from which to assess your situation. |
After An Earthquake
| Remain Calm. Don't Panic. Stop and take time to think. Wait until all motion has stopped. Do not run down stairs or outdoors. Be prepared for additional shockwaves.
1) Stay informed: Turn on a battery radio to receive disaster instructions. Use telephones only to report extreme emergency situations.
2) Be prepared for aftershocks. These are weaker than the main shock, but can cause additional damage and psychological trauma. Watch out for other possible dangers, which may follow an earthquake, such as fire, flood, landslide or TSUNAMI (tidal wave). |
| Do not light matches, cigarettes or turn on electrical switches. Flashlights are one of the best light sources after a damaging earthquake. Proceed with extreme caution. |
| Protect hands and feet from broken glass or debris. Keep head and face protected (blanket, tablecloth, etc.) |
| Make a quick check for injuries or trapped people. Provide emergency first aid if needed. Do not try to move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger from further injury. |
| Turn off all appliances and office machines. Extinguish all open flames. Check power lines and cords. If problems exist in electrical lines or gas lines the mains should be shut off. |
| Keep water reserves ready. It may be necessary to draw a moderate amount of cold water in bathtubs and sinks and other containers, in case service should be disrupted. |
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