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Emergency Tips For Staying Safe In An Earthquake? Mother nature knows how to give us the best and the worst, and how we deal with it determines the outcome.
Like most natural disasters, you can predict, an earthquake can come at any time and in whatever magnitude it chooses.
Emergency Tips For Staying Safe In An Earthquake
The only way to walk “free” from the ills of an earthquake is to prepare yourself for the possible effects that may occur. But the question has been asked countless times how to prepare for such a disaster. We have compiled a few tips to consider for the before, during, and after-effects of an earthquake. Read on…
Before An Earthquake:
The first step to preparing for an earthquake is to consider the three most important areas, your home, family, and community. Practicing the fundamental movements is vital, so one would know precisely how to respond, such as the drop, cover, and hold on moves. All the emergency contact numbers are also a must-have for all members.
Other factors to consider when planning for an earthquake are to create an emergency exit and assemble areas in your home and the community by extension. You need to do a proper tour of your home and detail the activities to do if it occurs while they are there. Also, an emergency kit with the following items should be in close reach at all times:
- Non-perishable Foods + Water
- Medication + Prescription
- Fire Extinguishers
- Flashlights
- Petty Cash for emergency payments
- Your car with adequate gas for travel
- First-Aid Kit (Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, bandage tape, dust masks, battery-operated radios, cotton, etc.)
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You need to ensure your main electrical switches, gas, and main water lines disconnection methods are understood if it needs to be switched off by any member of the family.
Every home needs a family meeting to discuss the details of natural disasters such as these and ensure everyone is up to date on the basics. Do you live in a tsunami-prone area? Not sure? Then, you may need to find out.
Doing your research and contacting the relevant disaster-preparedness authorities in your area will also provide you with essential details on whether you live in an area where earthquakes occur frequently or not.
The safety of yourself, your family, and your home depends on how proactive you are. As you prepare your home and family for the onset of a potential earthquake, do not forget your pets. They may not understand what is happening, and they solely depend on you to protect them.
General Checklist For Preparing Your Homes:
- Heavy objects should be placed on lower shelves.
- Store breakables (glass, bottles, utensils, etc.) in closed lower areas of your cabinet.
- Repair electrical and gas leakage issues.
- Secure large appliances and furniture such as refrigerators, water heaters, washing & drying machines, etc. by strapping to walls or via floor bolting.
- Ensure all flammable items and liquids are in areas that won’t allow them to spill in the case of heavy vibration.
- Do not place heavy objects close to exit areas like doors, windows, or staircases.
- Trim dangling trees from over your homes or driveway.
During An Earthquake: Emergency Tips For Staying Safe In An Earthquake
In the past few decades, reports have shown that most casualties of an earthquake occur as a result of what takes place during the event (fallen objects, moving, etc.). Either concussion from flying or falling objects or other vibrating-cause effects.
If you happen to be inside during an earthquake, experts recommend that you stay indoors and take cover from the potential falling or dangling objects. While, if you are outdoors, stay put and never try to venture inside until authorities say it is safe to do so.
During the earthquake, here are a few “DOs & DON’Ts” to consider:
While Indoors…
- Drop (to the floor) and take cover under a desk or a table. This action will help to prevent direct objects from hitting you. Also, ensure you hold on firmly until the vibration stops.
- Stay inside until all shaking has ceased. Objects may still be dangling, and with an aftershock, they may fall and hurt you.
- Do not stand close to high-rise furniture like bookcases and shelves, nor should you stand close to windows and lighting fixtures.
- If you are lying down, move swiftly to go under the bed, but if not possible, use a pillow to cover your head and face in case objects or glass may shatter and fly.
- If you are a wheelchair user, roll to a safe location and lock the wheels. Then protect your head and neck from potential moving objects. If possible, it is safe to carry a small cushion while in a wheelchair, as you can use it to protect your head and face.
- In the case of no covering being in close range, move as fast as possible to a doorway and brace yourself between the jambs until the shaking stops (even though it may not be an ideal place according to some experts, it still works).
While Outdoors…
- Drop-in an open space that has no buildings, powerlines, trees, or where no loose objects can reach you easily.
- If you are driving, safely park in a hazard-free zone and pull the handbrakes. Ensure there are no trees, powerlines, or buildings that can fall on your car. Also, it is essential to avoid parking along bridges or overpasses.
- If you are in a stadium or theatre, stay put in your seat and protect your head and neck. Do not try to venture out as there can be dangling objects ready to fall.
After An Earthquake: Emergency Tips For Staying Safe In An Earthquake
As you stay in position until the shaking has stopped, be sure to watch your every step on your way to safety. Always keep your hand or pillow on your head to prevent being hit by dangling objects.
However, there are strong possibilities of aftershocks occurring even if it was a minor earthquake, and these too can still be dangerous. Wherever you were for safety, stay there for a few minutes and check if after vibrations are happening. If not, move swiftly (but with care!) to an open assembly area.
When you are out, contact an emergency portal (whichever way possible) and let them know of the impact on the area. They will dispatch teams to do a damage assessment. While you wait and recover, check for your friends and family to see if everyone is doing fine.
Amidst everything, experts recommend during the event, one SHOULD NOT PANIC as this can allow you to forget every preparation tips you planned. With our Emergency Tips For Staying Safe In An Earthquake, you should be all set!
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