What to Do to Keep Safe When There’s an Earthquake
Did you know that an average of 20 earthquakes are recorded everyday? Most go unnoticed, yes; but once in a while, we do get a whopper, like what happened in Haiti, which, as of latest count has already claimed 200,000 lives.
Here are useful safety guidelines and the top tip is to stay calm. You can do more for everyone concerned with presence of mind.
BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE
1. Develop a family disaster plan
Establish meeting places during emergencies; work out a communication plan and assemble survival kits (with first-aid supplies and special medicines, tools and ropes, canned food and can opener, water and purification tablets, sealed matchsticks, battery-operated radio, flashlights, extra mattress, and garbage bags) at home and at work.
2. Orient the kids
Remind schoolchildren not to panic. Instead, they should cautiously move to safe spots within the room (e.g. under a sturdy table) while avoiding danger zones (e.g. glass windows and hanging objects), and do the “duck, cover, and hold” technique to protect their heads. When it reaches tolerable levels, they should go to a designated open area on the school grounds.
3. Protect property
Check the structural integrity of your house or building. Bolt heavy furniture to the floor, and check the stability of hanging objects. Every responsible member of the family should know where the main electrical switch and gas valve are located. These should be shut in the event of an earthquake to avoid fires.
DURING AN EARTHQUAKE
1. If you are inside a structurally sound building or home, stay there
Quickly open the door to keep the exit point accessible.
2. If you are outside, move to an open area
Stay away from trees, power lines, posts, and concrete structures. Move away from steep slopes that may be affected by landslides. Near the shoreline? Move quickly to higher ground as tsunamis might follow.
3. If you’re driving, stop and get out of the car
Do not attempt to cross bridges or flyovers that may have been damaged.
AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE
1. Check that you’re free of injuries
Put on long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes, and work gloves to protect you from further danger.
2. Check your surroundings
Look for and extinguish small fires. Clean up spilled medicines, bleachers, gasoline, or other flammable liquids immediately. Avoid using elevators and telephones.
3. Inspect your home for damage
Open closet and cabinet doors cautiously. If it looks unsafe, get everyone out.
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Published in: Emergency Preparation
Comments: 1 | Post a CommentPost a Comment
chellsy | Feb 12, 2010 | Reply
this is a good information