Earthquakes are one of the most devastating natural disasters that can strike anywhere and anytime. They can cause severe damage to buildings, infrastructure, and human lives. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, there are about 20,000 earthquakes around the world every year, and some of them can be very powerful and destructive.
How to protect yourself in an earthquake is a vital question that everyone should know the answer to. Whether you live in a high-risk area or not, you should be prepared for the possibility of an earthquake and know what to do before, during, and after it.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to protect yourself in an earthquake, based on the best practices and recommendations from experts and authorities.
Before an Earthquake: Prepare and Plan
The best way to protect yourself in an earthquake is to be prepared and plan ahead. Here are some steps you can take to prepare and plan for an earthquake:
Identify potential hazards in your home and workplace.
Look for objects that can fall, break, or cause injuries, such as furniture, appliances, shelves, mirrors, windows, etc. Secure them to the wall or floor, or move them away from places where people sit or sleep. Also, check for structural weaknesses, such as cracks, leaks, or damage, and repair them as soon as possible.
Create an emergency kit and a family communication plan.
An emergency kit should contain essential items that you and your family may need in case of an earthquake, such as water, food, flashlight, radio, batteries, first aid kit, medications, cash, documents, etc. Store your kit in a safe and accessible place, and update it regularly.
A family communication plan should include contact information, meeting places, and escape routes for your family members in case you get separated or cannot reach each other. Make sure everyone knows the plan and practices it regularly.
Know how to turn off utilities.
In case of an earthquake, you may need to turn off gas, water, and electricity to prevent fires, leaks, or electrocution. Learn how to locate and operate the shut-off valves and switches for your utilities, and keep the necessary tools handy.
For more information and resources on how to prepare and plan for an earthquake, you can visit the Earthquake Country Alliance website.
They offer a comprehensive guide on the seven steps to earthquake safety, which include securing your space, making a plan, gathering supplies, strengthening your home, dropping, covering, and holding on, improving safety after earthquakes, and restoring daily life.
How to Protect Yourself in an Earthquake
Here’s how the combined recommended the Red Cross and the United Nations experts, to find out how to stay safe during an earthquake, How to protect yourself in an earthquake.
Things you SHOULD NOT do:
- Hide in the doorway. This is a dangerous myth: a door frame can be dropped right in your head.
- Walk outdoors if you are on the first floor. . Elevators and stairwells very dangerous during an earthquake. So do not use that thing, let alone use the elevator.
Other than that, things you should take note and do is.
- As soon as you feel the vibrations, move closer to the outer wall. If a building falling, you will be found more quickly.
- Make sure there is not something in the round that might fall: lighting equipment, closet hangers.
- Lie down on the floor, preferably near the couch or bed (not under the bed!). If the ceiling falls, your bed will be struck and beside it there will be free space, which is stable enough not to fall on you.
- Another good option is lay near the wall. Curved like a shrimp, cover your head with your arms to protect your head.
- This theory is quite controversial. On the one hand, the most common hazard occurs when the earthquake is objects falling. If we know in advance that the earthquake will not be strong enough to knock down the House, we can safely hide under the table. But in more severe earthquake, while the walls and the ceiling fell in, the table will only destroy someone
You have about 10-20 seconds from the first tremors to the possibility of a collapse. It would be perfect if you use it to leave the building.
But don’t do that if:
- You are at the top of the first floor, as has been said before.
- There was a crowd at the exit.
- You doubt it will take less than 10 seconds.
In this case, the danger of getting hurt if trying out higher than if you lived in. You definitely need time to assess a situation. In an emergency, making decisions are becoming increasingly difficult. In this way the building ruins and cable won’t fall on you. If you are on a bridge or ladder, leave immediately.
After an Earthquake
After an earthquake, you should check and care for yourself, your family, your home, and your community. Here are some steps you can take to check and care after an earthquake:
Check yourself and others for injuries.
If you or anyone else is injured, call for help or apply first aid if you know how. Do not move seriously injured people unless they are in immediate danger. If you are trapped, try to make noise or use your phone to alert rescuers.
Check your surroundings for damage or hazards.
Look for fires, gas leaks, broken glass, fallen objects, exposed wires, or structural damage. If you smell gas, hear hissing, or see sparks, turn off the gas and electricity if you can, and get out of the building. Use a flashlight, not a candle, to avoid igniting flammable materials.
If you see damage to your home or building, evacuate and do not re-enter until it is declared safe by authorities.
Check your communication devices and sources.
Try to use your phone, radio, TV, or internet to get information and updates about the earthquake and its aftermath. Do not make unnecessary calls, as phone lines may be congested or damaged. Use text messages, social media, or email to communicate with your family and friends. Let them know that you are safe and where you are.
Check your emergency kit and supplies.
If you have an emergency kit, use it wisely and ration your water and food. If you do not have an emergency kit, look for alternative sources of water, such as melted ice, rainwater, or water heaters.
Do not drink water from faucets, pipes, or toilets, as they may be contaminated. Look for non-perishable food, such as canned goods, dried fruits, or crackers. Do not eat food that has been exposed to heat, smoke, or chemicals.
Check your neighbors and community.
If you are able, help your neighbors, especially those who are elderly, disabled, or have young children. Join a community emergency response team or a local volunteer group to assist with relief efforts. Follow the instructions and guidance of authorities and emergency workers. Do not go to the disaster area unless you are authorized or requested to do so.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about how to protect yourself in an earthquake:
What should I do if I am in bed during an earthquake?
If you are in bed during an earthquake, stay there and cover your head and neck with a pillow, blanket, or coat. Do not get out of bed or run to another room, as you may be injured by falling or flying objects.
What should I do if I am in a public place during an earthquake?
If you are in a public place during an earthquake, such as a mall, theater, or stadium, stay calm and follow the instructions of the staff or authorities.
Do not panic or rush to the exits, as you may cause a stampede or be trampled. If possible, get under a table or desk, or against an interior wall. Stay away from windows, glass, or exterior walls.
What should I do if I am near the coast during an earthquake?
If you are near the coast during an earthquake, be aware of the risk of a tsunami, which is a series of large waves caused by the displacement of water.
If you feel a strong or long earthquake, or if you see the water recede or rise rapidly, move to higher ground or inland as soon as possible.
Do not wait for an official warning, as a tsunami may arrive within minutes. Stay away from the beach, harbor, or waterfront until you are told it is safe to return.
Bottom Line: How to Protect Yourself in an Earthquake
Earthquakes are unpredictable and dangerous events that can happen anywhere and anytime. Knowing how to protect yourself in an earthquake can save your life and reduce your injuries.
The key is to prepare and plan before an earthquake, drop, cover, and hold on during an earthquake, and check and care after an earthquake. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of surviving and recovering from an earthquake.
