If you happen to live in a region that is prone to Earthquakes, it is important to take a number of steps to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. Earthquakes can cause a great deal of damage and loss of life, depending upon the intensity, so it is always a good idea to be prepared for one.
Regardless of whether you live in an earthquake-prone region or not, you should be in possession of important supplies, such as a fire-extinguisher, a battery-powered radio, first-aid kit, extra batteries and a flashlight.
First Aid First
Learning to administer first-aid will surely prove useful if an Earthquake ever hits your city with an unexpectedly high intensity. Once the convulsions stop, it is important to check to see if you have any injuries or not. First-aid must be offered to anyone in need of it, but be sure to tend to yourself first.
It is always a great idea to wear shoes that are sturdy, for protection against shards of broken glass or pieces of debris that could otherwise injure your feet badly.
A Meeting Spot
Planning for a disaster ahead of time is always the first step to mitigating the associated dangers. It is a great idea to decide on a meeting spot, and a means of communication, for all family members, before the onset of an earthquake.
Heavy Objects
Leaving heavy objects lying on shelves is a grave mistake if an earthquake is likely to happen in your area. This is because these objects may come falling off the shelves and injure someone seriously.
Heavy cupboards, appliances and furniture should be anchored to the walls or the floor to prevent them from moving about and causing damage or obstructions.
Stay Calm, Staying Inside or Outside
Once an earthquake starts, the first important thing to do is to stay calm and focused. Do not waste time in entering or exiting a building and make the most of your surroundings to acquire protection.
If you are inside a building, it is important to stand next to a wall in a room that is somewhat towards the center of the building. You could also crawl under a piece of heavy furniture or stand under the frame of the doorway, as this would minimize the damage done to your body if the roof collapses.
Damaged buildings should be evacuated as quickly as possible to prevent the possibility of getting injured. Using the elevator is a grave mistake to commit during the occurrence of an earthquake, as it is likely to get jammed and threaten your safety.
On the other hand, if you are outside, be sure to move a significant distance away from buildings, electricity poles or anything that has even the remotest possibility of falling on top of you if the intensity of the earthquake increases unexpectedly.
If You’re Driving
If you happen to be driving during the occurrence of an earthquake, pull over as soon as you can and stay seated until you no longer feel any convulsions.
It is natural for aftershocks to happen from time to time after the occurrence of the earthquake, so follow all emergency plans or instructions provided by relief personnel to help you stay safe.
