Earthquakes occur without warning and are one of the most destructive natural disasters. To save yourself from an earthquake, remember the “bow, cover and wait” procedure. Immediately stay away from glass, exterior walls, and other objects that could fall or fall. Curl up and take cover until the shaking stops, then watch and beware of the dangerous damage caused by the earthquake. Early preparation is key. Therefore, you and your family should have equipment and supplies, make contingency plans, and do regular exercises.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Protecting Yourself Indoors
Step 1. Stay away from glass, large furniture, and other dangerous objects as much as possible
In the first few seconds after the shock occurs, try to get away as quickly as possible from items that could fall or injure you. Bend down and walk or crawl away from dangerous objects such as windows, cupboards, televisions, and bookshelves.
- If you're in a crowded public place like a shop, don't rush to the exit even if you see a lot of people doing it. Move away from shelves, glass windows, and outside walls, then find an enclosed place for shelter.
- Keep in mind the phrase or procedure “behave, cover, and hold on”, a course of action suggested by the United States and international emergency management organizations.
Step 2. Bend down or lie down and take cover under a strong table
Look for sturdy furniture such as a table that can protect you from falling objects. Get on your knees and snuggle under the table until the shaking stops.
- If you are in bed when the earthquake occurs, stay on top of it. Brace yourself and protect your head and neck with a pillow.
- If you can't hide under a table, hide in a corner in the room.
- Don't stand in the doorway. This step is recommended at first, but it's more secure when you take cover under a sturdy table or curl up in the corner of a room. Door thresholds do not provide much protection from falling or floating objects which are the cause of most injuries or deaths during earthquakes.
Step 3. Protect your head and neck from falling objects or debris
If possible, take a pillow, sofa cushion, or other object to protect the face and head. If there is nothing to use for protection, cover your face, head, and neck with your hands and arms.
Strong earthquakes can create dangerous dust clouds. In these conditions, also protect the nose and mouth using a handkerchief or clothing
Step 4. Remain in a safe place until the shaking stops
Hold until the shaking stops after 1-2 minutes. Stay alert when you wake up because aftershocks can occur at any time.
- When an earthquake occurs, you and your family (or colleagues if you are in the office) must meet at a designated safe location. Make an action plan in advance and go to the designated meeting location after the shaking stops.
- If aftershocks occur, duck down, take cover, and hold on until the earthquake ends.
Step 5. Be careful around the rubble after leaving the shelter
Beware of pieces of glass and building debris. If you're not wearing footwear, walk slowly and be careful not to injure yourself. Wear thick-soled shoes and if you wear light clothing, wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
- In a very strong earthquake, remember to cover your mouth so you don't inhale the dust, especially if you have a history of respiratory distress.
- If you get stuck, don't scream because dust can be inhaled. Instead, send a text message or call emergency services, tap or hit a hard object, or if you have one, blow a whistle to let others know your location.
Step 6. Check for injuries and provide basic assistance if necessary
Call emergency services if you or someone nearby is injured and requires medical attention. If you can provide first aid or artificial respiration, provide emergency care as needed to the victim.
- To give rescue breaths, place one hand in the center of the victim's chest, and place the other hand on top of the first hand. Keep your arms straight as you press the victim's chest directly at 100 beats per minute.
- Stop the bleeding by applying direct pressure to the wound. Wrap the wound with sterile gauze or a clean cloth, then apply firm pressure.
- If firm pressure doesn't stop the bleeding, use a belt, clothing, or bandage to make a tourniquet. Place the tourniquet 5-7.5 centimeters above the wound toward the body. For thigh injuries, place a tourniquet over the wound, around the groin to limit the amount of blood flowing from the heart.
- If a person is seriously injured or unconscious, do not move the body unless the existing structure is not sturdy or the victim is in a very dangerous place.
Step 7. Observe the damage and hazards to the building structure
Check for cracks in building structures, fire, gas odors, or damaged electrical wiring and equipment. If you feel that the building is not sturdy, evacuate immediately. If possible and there is no chance that the building will collapse in a short time, resolve or deal with the damage to the building.
- If you smell gas or hear an explosion or hiss, open the window and leave the building immediately. Turn off the gas by closing the valve (either in the tube or special line outside the building) and contact the gas company or specialist. Keep in mind that professional services may be required to repair damage to the gas line.
- Watch for signs of electrical damage, including sparks, broken or torn wires, and a burning smell. If possible, turn off the power through the fuse box or breaker panel. If you have to go down into the water to access the fuse box or breaker panel, contact a specialist (eg an electrician) and don't force yourself to turn off the power grid yourself.
- Fight small fires with a fire extinguisher. In the event of a larger fire, call emergency services. Evacuate immediately in case of fire and you smell gas.
- Do not drink water from the sink, shower, or use the toilet until authorities advise that these activities are safe. Cover sink and sink drain holes to prevent backflow from drains.
Method 2 of 4: Saving Yourself While Inside a Vehicle
Step 1. Stop in an empty place away from trees, buildings, and other structures
Look for an open area and stop your vehicle on the shoulder or side of the road. Stay as far away as possible from power lines (or telephone lines), large structures, bridges, and other potentially hazardous objects.
Pay attention to the traffic around you and stop if it is safe. Do not stop suddenly so that the vehicle behind does not hit you
Step 2. Pull the handbrake and wait for the shaking to stop
Cars can rock violently during an earthquake, but make sure you stay still and calm. You are safer in the car than outside because the vehicle provides protection from dust and falling objects.
Turn on the radio because the stations usually broadcast emergency information
Step 3. Watch out for broken roads, debris, and other dangerous objects when you get back on the road
Listen to reports of road closures or hazard areas from emergency broadcasts. When the shaking stops, get back on the road and be aware of broken roads, large potholes, sloppy bridges, and other potentially dangerous objects.
If a power line hits your vehicle or you can't continue your journey, stay calm. Call emergency services and wait for first aid to arrive
Method 3 of 4: Keeping Safe Outdoors
Step 1. Stay away from buildings, street lights, power lines, and bridges
The most dangerous locations when an earthquake occurs are areas around buildings. When the ground begins to shake, stay as far away as possible from nearby buildings.
- Bend down or keep your body as low as possible so that you can maintain your balance while heading to a safe place. Also, beware of falling building debris.
- Don't take cover under bridges.
- Also, beware of subsidence, open cracks, or other large openings in the ground.
Step 2. Curl up in a large open area until the shaking stops
After moving away from nearby buildings, curl up and cover your head. Notice if there are objects nearby that can be used as protection, such as trash can lids. Otherwise, cover your head and neck with your hands and arms.
Remain crouched and as close to the ground as possible in a sheltered position until the shaking stops
Step 3. Be careful of dangerous objects when observing the surrounding environment
When moving after an earthquake occurs, be aware of pieces of glass, debris, broken power lines, fallen trees, or other dangerous objects. Check for cuts or injuries to yourself and others around you. If necessary, provide first aid and call emergency services.
Keep away from damaged buildings or areas around buildings. Keep in mind that aftershocks can occur. In the event of aftershocks, fragile buildings, windows, and architectural details may collapse
Step 4. Go to high ground if you are near a beach or dam
If the shaking lasts for more than 20 seconds, do not wait for an alarm or warning to save yourself. Go to a place with a minimum height of 30 meters above sea level or a distance of 3.2 kilometers from the beach.
- Earthquakes can cause tsunamis so make sure you stay away from coastal areas.
- Although the probability of occurrence is small, earthquake damage can cause flooding from the dam. If you live in a flooded area, go to higher ground. Check and develop an evacuation plan in advance if you live near a dam in an area prone to earthquakes.
Method 4 of 4: Preparing for an Earthquake
Step 1. Make an emergency supply kit
Store equipment in an easy-to-reach place, such as a wardrobe in the living room hallway or garage. Make sure each family member knows where the equipment is stored. Provide the following items:
- Enough bottled water and non-perishable food for 3 days.
- First aid kit, including gauze, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide, pincers, ibuprofen or pain reliever product, cotton swab, antidiarrheal, toilet paper, and eye rinse.
- Medications taken regularly by family members.
- Flashlight with extra battery.
- Tools, including screwdriver and adjustable wrench.
- Whistle, to let others know when you are stuck.
- Clothes and blankets.
- Food and medicine for pets (if any).
Step 2. Make a family rescue plan at home
You and anyone else staying at home should have a plan to quickly run to safety in the event of an emergency. Instruct each family member to bow, kneel, and wait, then head to the designated meeting location after the earthquake stops.
- These can be empty areas near homes, schools, community centers, or shelter areas.
- Plan to regroup in advance as telephone service availability may be limited and can only be used for emergency services.
- Do the exercises every six months to make sure you and your loved ones know what to do in the event of an earthquake.
Step 3. Identify the safe and dangerous places in every room in the house
Watch for tall cabinets, televisions, wardrobes, bookcases, hanging plants, and other objects that could fall and cause injury. Go into each room with family members and note the points that can provide protection, as well as those that are potentially dangerous.
For example, if there is a sturdy study table in your child's room, tell your child to take cover under it. Teach him to stay away from windows and wardrobes
Step 4. Store dangerous items in safe cabinets or short shelves
Do not store heavy objects in high places and install supports or brackets to secure tall furniture to the wall. Store dangerous items such as sharp objects, glass, and flammable or toxic items in locked or short cabinets.
Items such as knives or corrosive liquids can cause serious injury, especially if dropped from a high place during an earthquake
Step 5. Take a first aid and artificial respiration (CPR) tutorial class to earn a certificate
If someone near you is injured during an earthquake, basic knowledge of first aid can save others. CPR certification helps prepare you for the worst.
Find out about the nearest prep class in your city from the internet or request information from click or PMI
Step 6. Learn how to turn off water, electricity, and gas lines
Earthquakes can damage utilities and cause floods, fires, or explosions. If you do not know how to turn off the water, electricity, and gas lines, contact the appropriate authorities or service for specific instructions.
- To stop the electrical grid at home, turn off every circuit or fuse in the main panel, then slide the circuit switch or main fuse to the off position.
- The main gas valve is usually near the meter, but its position may be different. Use a wrench or pliers to turn the valve turn clockwise.
- The main water faucet is usually located near a water meter installed on the side of the road or sidewalk (may also be installed in the house). Turn the faucet turn clockwise to turn off the water.
Tips
- Wear sturdy, covered footwear to protect your feet from broken glass, falling debris, and other dangerous objects.
- Purchase a battery-powered portable radio so you can receive emergency information broadcasts.
- If you're in a wheelchair, try moving to a corner of the room to avoid windows and falling debris. Lock the wheels on the chair and, if possible, protect the head, neck and face.
- Call for emergency help only in the event of an emergency. The authorities know that there has been a major earthquake. If possible and safe, handle the situation yourself and wait for help. Telephone networks and first responders are needed more by people who are in real danger.
- If you are at school, listen to the teacher's directions. Usually, you are asked to duck down, take cover under a table, and protect your head and upper body.
- If the shaking lasts for more than 20 seconds or you hear a tsunami warning, leave the coast immediately. Don't be tempted to watch the tsunami or watch the sea recede. The receding sea conditions indicate that a tsunami is imminent.
Warning
- Do not run outside when the earthquake occurs. If you are inside a building, seek shelter. If you are already outdoors, stay outside and find an open space.
- Do not ignore warnings for tsunamis, floods, landslides, or other natural disasters. You also should not be negligent and relaxed if the warning turns out to be wrong.
- If a major earthquake occurs during bad weather, you need to keep yourself warm and dry. Include blankets and jackets in your emergency kit and keep in mind that you need twice as much water in hot weather.
