Earthquake Safety Tips You Should Keep Handy

An earthquake can be scary and can happen unexpectedly. Its sudden nature can cause some people to panic or forget what they must do to remain safe. Some earthquakes can cause severe property damage, destroy roads and utilities, and cause serious injuries and loss of life. We have a few tips on what you can do before, during and after an earthquake.

What is an earthquake?

An earthquake is classified as a natural disaster that can cause wide-scale damage, destruction, and death. It’s a seismic event involving sudden, rapid ground shaking caused by shifting rocks below the earth’s surface. An explosion may also cause an earthquake. Earthquakes can happen anywhere and anytime without warning and may cause fires, rockslides, landslides, or tsunamis.

General earthquake tips

1. When you realise an earthquake is happening, take cover under a desk or table and hold on. Stay away from places with heavy furniture that can fall on you.
2. If you are inside a building, remain indoors until the shaking stops and you know it’s safe to exit. Turn off the stove and take cover if you are cooking.
3. Do not go near windows. If you are in a high-rise building, don’t be alarmed if the fire alarms and sprinklers go off during an earthquake.
4. If you are in bed, stay there, hold on and protect your head with a pillow.
5. Find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines and drop to the ground if you are outside.
6. If an earthquake occurs while you are in a car, slow down, drive to a clear place, and remain in the vehicle until the shaking stops.

What you can do before an earthquake

1. Talk to your loved ones about earthquake safety. Discuss the actions to take when an earthquake occurs, the safe places (under a strong desk, along interior walls, etc.), and where to avoid (near large mirrors, hanging objects, windows, heavy furniture, and windows).
2. To help reinforce these actions, practice drop, cover, and hold at least twice yearly. Let each person demonstrate by dropping under a sturdy desk or table, holding on, and protecting their eyes by pressing their face against their arm.

3. Try to safely arrange your home by storing heavy objects on lower shelves and putting breakable objects in locked cabinets. Also, avoid hanging heavy mirrors or pictures above areas where people sleep or sit.
4. Ensure you anchor heavy appliances and furniture like bookcases, refrigerators, and water heaters.
5. Stoves, furnaces, and water heaters can ignite if they come into contact with flammable liquids. So, ensure you store flammable liquids away from these items.
6. Pay attention to where the main gas, electricity, and water shutoffs are. Learn how to turn them off and keep the tools needed nearby.
7. Get emergency supplies, including batteries, a battery-operated radio, flashlights, bottled water, a first aid kit, two weeks of food and medical supplies, blankets, and cooking fuel.

What to do after an earthquake

1. Check yourself and those around you for injuries and address them if necessary.

2. Look around the building you are in for damage. If it appears damaged, leave it and do not return it until a safety professional inspects it.
3. If you detect a gas leak, get everyone outside and open windows and doors. If it’s safe, turn off the gas at the meter, then report the leak to the fire department.
4. If there is a power outage, unplug appliances to prevent possible damage when the power returns. If you smell hot insulation, notice sparks, or see frayed wires, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or breaker.
5. If you must step in water to turn off the electricity, call a professional to do it for you.

Remember, an earthquake cannot be predicted, so it’s best to prepare early to protect yourself and others. You can use Find Yello to search for businesses and services that can help you.

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Source: Ministry of Health and Wellness, ODPEM, JIS, American Red Cross, and UWI Mona.