What to Do During an Earthquake

Due to recent earthquakes in Japan and in Burma. I figured it might be important to write some good information about how to behave during earthquake. I sure didn’t know how to behave when I felt it myself last week.

I guess I never thought I would be in an area for such experience, but reality is – if you travel you better be prepared for anything, because you just don’t know country of your destination well enough to be certain things will not get out of hands.

So here is what I found very useful.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers the following information to help you stay as safe as possible during an earthquake.  Be aware that some earthquakes are actually fore-shocks, and a larger earthquake might occur.  Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place.  If you are indoors, stay there until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.

If indoors

• DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops.  If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
• Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
• If you are in bed when the earthquake strikes, hold on and protect your head with a pillow unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
• Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, load-bearing doorway.
• Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside.  Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
• Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
• DO NOT use the elevators.

If outdoors

• Stay there.
• Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
• Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.  The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls.  Many of the 120 fatalities from the 1933 Long Beach earthquake occurred when people ran out of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from collapsing walls.  Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury.  Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.

If in a moving vehicle

• Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle.  Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
• Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped.  Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

If trapped under debris

• Do not light a match.
• Do not move about or kick up dust.
• Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
• Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you.  Use a whistle if one is available.  Shout only as a last resort.  Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

For more information regarding earthquakes and earthquake preparedness, visit http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/index.shtm.

Happy & Safe traveling,

Ingrida LaMadrid