Earthquake Preparedness - What to Do During an Earthquake

Earthquakes are considered to be the most frequent or common natural phenomena in the world. Experts say that every year there can be as many as one million earthquakes occurring around the world, although larger earthquakes occur less frequently and most happen beneath the sea or in places where there are few people living. However, at any moment, earthquakes can occur almost anywhere and can be strong enough to cause a massive destruction.

During the past months alone, earthquakes have been the deadliest natural disasters, resulting to the loss of thousandths of lives and millions worth of properties throughout the world. Just last January 13, 2010, the Haiti earthquake that brought massive destruction to the island and tragedy to the lives of about 200,000 people excluding 300,000 who were injured as well as about a million Haitians who were rendered homeless. After the Haiti Earthquake, a few days ago, on February 27, 2010, another killer quake has occurred in Chile causing at least 723 lives and many more missing as of this writing. What makes it worse is that Earthquakes are very hard to predict and it may occur at any moment, without any sign or warning. But while earthquake seems unpredictable, there are certain preparations that we can do to reduce or mitigate its risks and hazards before it occurs. So let us be prepared to save our lives and properties by following the guidelines below.

Since earthquake disasters are unpredictable, it makes sense to have earthquake survival kits and emergency supplies always ready at hand.

You never know exactly when an earthquake occurs so it would then be wise to prepare yourself and your family in advance, especially if you live in earthquake prone areas. Here are some tips on how to prepare for an earthquake:

• Check for any hazard throughout your home, neighborhood, workplace and school. Know the hazardous or danger spots in order to identify unsecured items. Secure items such as mirrors and hanging objects, flammable products, book shelves, heavy furniture, computers, television sets and other home appliances.
• Hang heavy objects away from beds, couches and chairs. Don’t sleep where heavy and tall furniture may fall and cause injuries.
• Ensure that your shelves are securely fastened to the walls. Store breakable items and sharp objects in safely enclosed cabinets. Store household chemicals, pesticides, and other flammable products in closed cabinet.
• Check for any defective electrical wirings or leaky gas connections and fix them if you find any as they may cause fire. Ensure that everyone in your family knows how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.
• Check for any deep cracks in the ceiling or foundations of your home and if you have found any, fix these immediately. You may also consult an expert to get advices or recommendations if there are any signs of structural damage.
• Conduct earthquake drills with your family, neighbors and your community. Identify all emergency exits or passages and keep those areas clear. Note all safe places in your area such as under sturdy tables and desks, away from mirrors, windows or any breakable objects, or in open spaces, away from tall buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, street lights, lamp posts and anything that may collapse during an earthquake.
• Have designated places where your family can meet, in case you have been separated after an earthquake has occurred.
• Have disaster supplies and emergency kits readily available and stored in easily accessible locations in your home. Your emergency supplies should include non-perishable foodstuffs and potable drinking water in sealed containers, first aid supplies and essential medicines, cell phones, self- powered flashlights, portable radio and extra batteries, some money, important items and documents placed in tightly secured plastic bags, blankets, clean clothes, tissue paper and other sanitary supplies.

During an earthquake, stay calm and don’t panic. Move to an open space which is the safest location during a strong earthquake.

If you are inside your home or any building and you think that you no longer have enough time to get out of the premises, seek cover under heavy furniture such as a sturdy table, beds or couches and hold onto it while the shaking occurs. Keep away from mirrors, windows and other breakable objects to avoid being injured by shattered glass. When the first tremor subsides, get out from the building in an orderly and calm manner and evacuate to an open space and keep distance away from tall buildings and structures that may collapse. In getting out of the building, use the stairs instead of the elevator. Wait for further announcements from your local authorities and return home only when they declare that it is already safe to do so.

If you are outside, move to an open area, drop to the ground and stay there. Keep away from falling debris and other structures such as power lines, street lights and lamp posts and other concrete structures that may fall or collapse. Avoid getting caught in narrow alleys or in streets between buildings, tall structures and walls.

If you happen to be inside a moving vehicle, maintain your presence of mind when driving. Move away from areas where landslides may occur. Avoid crossing bridges, overpasses, or flyovers which may have been damaged by the earthquake. Stop your vehicle in a safe place that is far from tall buildings and structures and stay inside the car until the shaking stops.

After the occurrence of an earthquake the following safety measures should be exercised:

• Expect aftershocks after the first tremor, so do not attempt to enter partially damaged buildings or structures after an earthquake occurs because strong aftershocks may follow and cause weakened structures to collapse.
• Check yourself and others for possible injuries. If someone is injured, apply first aid when necessary, if you are not trained to do it, call for medical help from nearby hospitals.
• Check for possible spills of chemicals, toxic and other flammable materials to avoid accidental fires and tragedies.  Also watch for fires and if there is any, have them extinguished or call the nearest fire station for help. 
• Inspect your water and electrical lines and ensure that these are not damaged. If you suspect any damage, switch off the water and electricity. Have them repaired first before using them again.
• Inspect your house for any structural damage; vacate it if you feel that it is no longer safe to occupy it.
• If you have decided to vacate your house, leave a note stating where you will go so your family members and relatives will know where to contact you. Also bring emergency food and water and other essential supplies needed for your survival. 
• Use your phone only for emergency calls and avoid needless road use to make these easily accessible for the authorities conducting rescue and relief operations.
• Turn on your battery-operated radio or television and listen for the latest news and announcements from the authorities.
• Cooperate with your local authorities and follow official advisories and warnings. Return to your house only when the authorities declared it is safe.
• If you are near the seashore or in low lying areas, be alert with possible tsunami warning signs because a strong earthquake may cause a destructive tsunami. If the authorities issued a tsunami warning, immediately evacuate and seek higher ground and stay there and wait for further instructions from your local authorities.