🌋 Earthquake Survival Guide
It is almost impossible to predict the exact time, date and strength of an earthquake. Modern science can only predict its probability. How to prepare for an earthquake if you don't know about it in advance? The main thing is not to panic and approach the news about tremors with a cool head. We talk about how to behave before, during and after an earthquake.
Check the seismic activity of the region
Before traveling, check the seismic activity of the region you are traveling to. Now such maps with special risk zones have been developed for individual countries and for the entire planet. The most dangerous regions of the world have been known for a long time – these are the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia. Some countries may come as a surprise to you, such as Mexico, China and Fiji.
So, to avoid trouble, check not only the weather forecast, but also the earthquake map every day. You can do this at any time if you download mobile applications such as My Earthquake Alerts, Earthquake Network.
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Stay up to date with local news
The main thought with which you go on vacation: “I’ll finally take a break from the news and the phone.” But don’t rush to put your gadgets aside and have an absolute media detox, especially if you’ve arrived in a seismically active region. Subscribe to local news groups and find TV channels in a familiar language. Often news about an upcoming earthquake is reported through these sources of information.
Gather the necessary things
Think about the things you'll take in your emergency bag. They won't take up much space, but will help you in an emergency. Take documents and cash with you. Place them in a waterproof bag to keep them safe. Don't forget to take the most important medications, a power bank and a flashlight.
If you have a whistle, find a place for it among these things. With its help, you can send signals if you find yourself under rubble.
Keep a supply of clean drinking water and canned food at home for several days. We recommend purchasing energy bars and nuts. They do not require special storage conditions, but will help you stay full for a long time.
Learn information about how to help yourself and others during tremors.
Learn to provide first aid. Watch a few short videos or read short guides. Sometimes medical workers cannot reach victims due to the effects of an earthquake. This way you can help not only yourself, but also those around you.
Remember the three most important words during an earthquake: “Fall. Cover yourself. Hold on.” As soon as you feel the first tremors, immediately lie down on the ground or other hard surface. Support yourself on your hands and knees, not your stomach. This will help you maintain balance and protect your body.
Try to take cover under a table or lean against one of the interior walls. They can protect you from falling objects and debris.
Cover your neck and head with one hand. The palm should be on the neck, and the elbow should be on the back of the head. If you are sheltering under a table, hold on to it with your other hand. If there is no shelter, hold your head with both hands.
Create a safe space around yourself
As strange as it may sound, the biggest danger may be waiting for you in your home. During an earthquake, both light and heavy objects fall and can harm you.
Securely secure the refrigerator, cabinets, pictures, chandeliers, microwave, shelves and computers. Remove all heavy objects from shelves. Move beds and sofas to safe areas. These actions will not only save your health, but also preserve your property.
What to do if you are…
… in a buiding
You can try to leave the building only 15-20 seconds after the first tremors. If this fails, stay inside until the shaking ends. Think twice about coming down from the upper floors. Be sure to keep your “alarm suitcase” with you and do not let it out of your hands.
Move away from stairs, because during an earthquake they are the first to fall. Don't take cover in the elevator: it might get stuck and you won't be able to get out of it.
Don't stand in doorways. They will not protect you from flying objects, and their strength is comparable to the strength of any part of the building.
Try to find an object that can protect your head from fragments. This could be a book, a pillow or a thick notebook. The “shield” should not take up much space so as not to restrict movement. But it is he who can save you during the next shock.
… in open areas
Move away from power lines, windows and facades. Move away from gas stations, manholes and gas pipelines. These are high-risk objects that can harm you more than tremors. For example, the 1906 San Francisco earthquake killed more than three thousand people. And most of them were victims of exploding gas pipes, not the wreckage of buildings.
… on the road
If you are driving a car, stop it on the side of the road. Don’t try to “drive away” from an earthquake – the car will become a good shelter from debris and fragments. A vehicle is one of the safest places during earthquakes.
Put the handbrake on the car and turn on the radio. This way you can follow the news in real time. Stay away from bridges, underpasses, power plants, road signs and trees. If there are strong shocks, their debris will destroy the car, and you will lose a safe space.
Wait until the shaking ends and check if you can continue driving. An earthquake can knock down trees and road signs, break the road surface and flood it. Make sure that the car can go through obstacles and get to the desired location.
… on the coast
If an earthquake finds you on the seashore, do not try to admire the water element as far as possible. Intense tremors can cause a tsunami. The power of these sea waves can exceed the power of earthquakes.
Looking for a safe place? Move to higher ground or inland. If there is no high hill near you, try to find a non-destroyed building or climb a tree. Do not leave your “high ground” until you hear news that there is no tsunami.
… in the mountains
An earthquake displaces rocks, causing rocks to fall. Look around you to avoid being hit by them, landslides, trees or other debris. Try to stay away from rocks and ponds. Prefer open areas at low altitudes.
What to do after an earthquake?
When the tremors are over, we advise you to follow these simple rules.
- Use your mobile phone only in emergencies. This way you won’t overload the network or cut off communications to victims. Turn on the radio to find out the current situation in your area.
- If you were taking shelter in a damaged building, try to leave it and avoid falling under the rubble. Check gas and water pipes, unplug household appliances. Use matches and lighters only after making sure there are no gas leaks. You can check whether this has happened using a soap solution – at the point where the gas exits the pipe, the solution will begin to bubble.
- Examine yourself to see if you have any damage. If you know how to provide first aid, help the victims until the doctors arrive.
- Try to wear shoes with thick soles to protect your feet from cuts. This simple step will allow you to move at your full potential without the risk of injury. Any damage will automatically slow down your movement.
- Remember aftershocks are a series of small tremors after the main earthquake. You need to act during the “second wave” of tremors in the same way as during the first shaking.