Surviving an earthquake is something very unpredictable as it is an event of nature. We can strive hard to reduce the impact of an earthquake by taking safety precautions. Earthquake are called surprise disasters. California is very famous for its earthquakes. Determine the place you are residing to know the risk of earthquakes and plan your safety based on the information given below.
Safety Precautions
The safety rules to prepare for an earthquake are as follows:
Before the Quake:
- Teach all the members of your family how to operate gas and electric appliances.
- One family members cell phone number should be given to all the other members.
- Train yourself and other members of your family in first aid.
- Know the safe place in your house.
- Know the danger place in your house.
- Identify exits and alternative routes.
- The largest and heaviest objects should be placed on lower places.
- Top-heavy objects and furniture’s should be fastened to the wall.
- Arrange and keep ready the emergency supplies and equipment.
- Keep a 72 hour emergency kit as your earthquake survival kit.
During an Earthquake
- Remain calm and do not rush for exits.
- Try to protect your head and face.
- Wherever you are, try staying there.
- Move away from windows, glass doors, heavy mirrors and pictures.
- Protect yourself from falling plasters, bricks, light fixtures and other objects.
- Avoid using elevators as power may fail.
- If you are driving, don’t stop on a bridge, under or near to electric poles or close to buildings from which debris falls.
- If you are outside try to come to an open land far from trees and buildings.
- If you are in a store or shop, move away from display shelves containing bottles, cans or other objects that may fall.
After an Earthquake
- Remove your first aid kit and provide first aid to those people in need.
- Check for fires and other utilities.
- Be prepared for additional earthquake shocks.
- Turn on a transistor for emergency bulletins.
- Stay away from buildings that might have been weakened by the earthquake.
- Do not light a match or turn light switch.
- Use flashlight .
- Never touch fallen power lines.
- Do not use telephone except in emergency.
- Clear up hazardous materials.
- Do not crowd the disaster site and keep the streets clear for the passage of emergency and rescue vehicles.
- If planning to evacuate take your 72 hour kit and leave.
- Keep listening to the radio for news on earthquake and further instructions.
Note:
- Earthquake never kills human but buildings do after shakes.
