Safety Steps for Earthquake Survival
When the ground is rumbling every second counts. There is no time to panic. Choose to act and live. If you can feel a tremor, you are close enough to the epicenter (or blast) for there to be structural damage in your area. It is possible that the following suggestions may help you survive.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
Keep well-made shoes and a flashlight within arm’s reach of your bed and another set near your work station. At home, keep clothing you can quickly put on within reach of your bed. If a tremor begins while you are in bed, remain there until the shaking stops. After the shaking has ended, get dressed and put on your shoes. Broken glass will easily slice through bare feet (or casual/dress shoes) and hinder your efforts to get to safety.
DUCK, COVER & HOLD
IF YOU ARE INDOORS crouch near an interior, load bearing wall. Place yourself beneath a sturdy object (table, etc.). With your arms and hands, shield your head and neck. Take a firm hold of the object you are beneath to keep yourself steady.
IF YOU ARE IN A TALL BUILDING duck under a sturdy object. Protect your head and neck with your hands. Stabilize yourself by grasping the object you are beneath. When exiting, always use the stairwells. NEVER use elevators during earthquake or fire.
WHEN OUTSIDE
Observe where the large trees and power lines are located. If these fall, they are dangerous. Avoid these or any other overhead hazards. To avoid falling debris, locate an open space. In urban areas, locate yourself away from tall buildings. Two to thirteen feet of broken glass can crash onto streets beneath high-rise buildings.
IF YOU ARE IN YOUR CAR
Stay in your car. Locate yourself beyond the reach of overhead threats. Don’t place your vehicle under any protrusions. Remain in your car even if it is beneath a bridge during an earthquake. The vehicle’s tires act as insulation and will cushion the blow of any heavy debris that lands on your car. Move your vehicle to the shoulder without blocking other vehicles if you are on an open stretch of road. Wait for the shaking to stop. Use your radio to track reports and get further instructions.
WHEN THE TREMMOR SUBSIDES
Expect aftershocks; be prepared to repeat the DUCK, COVER & HOLD. Examine yourself for injuries. Secure your flashlight. In the event of gas leaks, a flashlight will be MUCH safer to use than a candle. If you are home, locate everyone that was in the house. Help everyone get to your pre-arranged meeting place. Once you’ve accounted for everyone, walk around the perimeter of the house, checking for structural damage such as large cracks or obvious leaning.
Wait for instructions from authorities before attempting to shut off natural gas. Listen to AM radio for updates/news from the Emergency Broadcast Network regarding where to go for help.
Look for your pets. Try to calm and re-assure them. In order to assure that they not get lost running away in fright, place them on a leash or restrain them until they are calm. Anxiety induced bites are also prevented by taking these measures.
FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCTS
Use your best instincts regarding disaster safety. Make a note of the behavior of birds and animals. Did you know that on Monday, May 5th of 2008, frogs in China began a mass migration that took them across streets and roads? A few days later (May 12th) a 7.8 magnitude quake killed nearly 10,000 people in central China.
A WORD OF WARNING
These guidelines are offered as suggestions. Taking the time to think through your options BEFORE such an event will greatly help you should you ever find yourself in such a position. This material is no substitute for assistance by professionals. The reader assumes all liability when utilizing these measures.
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