Earthquake Safety
A lot of people have done the earthquake safety drills in school. It is pretty much all most adults know about earthquake safety. But if you live in a high-frequency earthquake zone, or if you just want to be prepared for even the most unlikely situation, there is more you can do.
Prepping for an Earthquake
There is something you can do to prepare for a severe earthquake other than just getting under a door way or desk believe it or not. There are multiple things you can do to better protect your family, friends, peers and self.
During an Earthquake
After an Earthquake
Prepping for an Earthquake
There is something you can do to prepare for a severe earthquake other than just getting under a door way or desk believe it or not. There are multiple things you can do to better protect your family, friends, peers and self.
- -Build an earthquake kit and go over the "during-an-earthquake plan" with your family; be sure to tell young children multiple times
- -Fasten shelves securely to walls; be sure to put heavy or large objects on lower shelves.
- -Brace overhead lights; secure decor, mirrors and shelves away from places where people sit/sleep
- -Repair leaky pipes and defective electrical wiring at risk of fire; be sure to get a professional's help
- -Repair deep cracks in ceiling and foundations
- -Locate safe spots in each room
- -Hold earthquake drills with your family
- -Every work place is required to have a safety plan, so be sure to learn it right away in case of an emergency
During an Earthquake
- -DROP to the floor, under a table and against an interior wall
- -Stay away from windows and furniture or lighting that could fall on top or near you
- -Stay inside until the shaking has come to a complete stop and wait a few minutes for any aftershocks
- -Do not use elevators or stairs
- -Be aware of your surroundings and realize that things will get hectic (so STAY CALM)
- -Stay in bed if you are already there once the earthquake starts UNLESS there are heavy light fixtures around you
After an Earthquake
- -Do not go outside until you know for sure that the earthquake has stopped; expect aftershocks
- -Check for small fires; fires are usually one of the main problems in big earthquakes
- -Listen to a television or radio for warnings and information; listen for warnings of tsunamis if you are in a coastal area
- -Be careful when driving after a earthquake; expect traffic light outages and poor road conditions
- -Inspect utilities and your household for spills and damages that could lead to fires
- -Be aware that there may not be any electricity, running water and phone service for a few days