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Posts Tagged ‘earthquake survival’

When you feel the ground begin to shake time is crucial. There isn’t time to panic AND survive. Choose to act and live. Structural damage can occur in your area if you are close enough to a blast or earthquake to feel the shock. These guidelines may help you live through such an event.

GENERAL SAFETY RULES
Keep a flashlight and sturdy shoes within reach of your bed and your work place. Keep a set of clothes that is easy to slip on beside your bed. If a tremor begins while you are in bed, remain there until the shaking stops. When the tremor ends, quickly put on clothing and shoes. Casual shoes or bare feet won’t hold up well when broken glass and other debris litter the ground.

DUCK, COVER & HOLD
IF YOU ARE INSIDE A BUILDING get down next to a load-carrying wall. Get beneath something solid such as a strong table. With your arms and hands, shield your head and neck. Brace yourself by hanging onto whatever you are beneath.

IF YOU ARE LOCATED IN A HIGH-RISE get beneath something sturdy. Use your arms and hands to shield your head and neck. Stabilize yourself by grasping the object you are beneath. Use the stairs when you exit. During an earthquake or fire DON’T use an elevator.

WHEN OUTSIDE
Look for large trees and power lines. If these fall, they are dangerous. Avoid these or any other overhead hazards. Look for an open space where you can avoid falling debris. Move away from high buildings. As much as 2 to 13 feet of glass could cover city streets below high rise buildings.

IF YOU ARE IN AN AUTOMOBILE
Remain in your automobile. Try to position yourself away from overhead hazards. Don’t park under any extensions. During an earthquake, don’t get out of your car even if it is underneath a bridge during. Tires will act as a cushioning (and insulation) if heavy debris fall onto your automobile. Move your vehicle to the shoulder without blocking other vehicles if you are on an open stretch of road. Remain there until the movement has stopped. Use your radio to track reports and get further instructions.

AFTER THE SHAKING STOPS
Realize that aftershocks are likely: prepare to DUCK-COVER-HOLD – again! Examine yourself for injuries. Get a flashlight. If possible, avoid the use of candles as the potential for gas leaks is great in a large event. Account for everyone in the household (if at home). Move everyone to a safe place that you’ve agreed upon beforehand. Then, take a lap around the house to assess the damage to property – any large cracks, foundation movement, does the house look askew?

Wait for instructions from authorities before attempting to shut off natural gas. Tune in by radio to the emergency broadcast network for information on relief efforts.

Look for your pets. Try to calm and re-assure them. Place them on a leash or restraint for several hours until you are SURE they are calm and not prone to running away. This will also help prevent bites that occur due to anxiety.

HEED YOUR INSTINCTS
Trust your gut when it comes to survival. Make a note of the behavior of birds and animals. In 2008 there was a mass migration of frogs crossing roads in China that began on a Monday (May 5th). The following Monday, May 12th, central China was rocked by a 7.8-magnitude quake which killed nearly 10,000 people.

A WORD OF WARNING
These guidelines are offered as suggestions. Considering your course of action ahead of time will increase your likelihood of survival if you find yourself in an earthquake. This information is not a substitute for professional services. The reader assumes all liability when utilizing these measures.