Earthquake preparedness

Earthquake preparedness

Although there are no guarantees of safety during an earthquake, identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can save lives and significantly reduce injuries and property damage.

What to do during an earthquake
Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might occur. Minimise your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place and stay indoors until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.

If indoors: Drop to the ground, take cover by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops. If there isn't a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.

Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.

Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, load-bearing doorway.

Stay inside until shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
Do not use the elevators.

If outdoors: Stay there. Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires. Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.

Three ways to plan ahead:
These simple precautions will go a long way.

Check for hazards at home
Fasten shelves securely to walls. Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves. Hang heavy items such as mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit. Brace overhead light fixtures. Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. (These are potential fire risks). Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations; get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.

Identify safe places indoors and outdoors
Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table or against an inside wall, interior columns and beams, can serve as safe zones. Other safe zones are in the open, away from buildings, trees, and telephone and electrical lines, and overpasses.

Educate yourself and family members
Hang emergency telephone number (police- helpline: 999, DMP-7124000, Fire station-control room: 01713038181, 955555, 9556667, and hospital: 8626812, 8626823, 86266812) at a suitable position at your house.

Teach children how and when to call police, fire department and other emergency agency. Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water. Identify escape routes within the building.

Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- LS Desk, Daily Star