Earthquake Safe Spots - Do's and Don't's on Where To Go
- 5 years ago
Earthquakes are a common occurrence, rumbling below Earth's surface thousands of times every day. But major earthquakes are less common. Here are some things to do to prepare for an earthquake and what to do once the ground starts shaking. Safety Tips Below-
Before the Earthquake:
Learn how to survive during the ground motion. This is described in the "During the Earthquake" section below. The earthquake safety tips there will prepare you for the fast action needed - most earthquakes are over in seconds, so knowing what to do instinctively is very important.
Teach all members of your family about earthquake safety. This includes: 1) the actions you should take when an earthquake occurs, 2) the safe places in a room such as under a strong desk or along interior walls, and 3) places to avoid such as near windows, large mirrors, hanging objects, heavy furniture, and fireplaces.
Stock up on emergency supplies. These include: battery operated radio (and extra batteries), flashlights (and extra batteries), first aid kit, bottled water, two weeks' food and medical supplies, blankets, cooking fuel, and tools needed to turn off your gas, water, and electric utilities.
Arrange your home for safety: Store heavy objects on lower shelves and store breakable objects in cabinets with latched doors. Don't hang heavy mirrors or pictures above where people frequently sit or sleep.
Anchor heavy appliances and furniture such as water heaters, refrigerators, and bookcases.
Store flammable liquids away from potential ignition sources such as water heaters, stoves, and furnaces.
Get Educated. Learn what to do during an earthquake (see below). Then you will be ready for the fast action needed. Make sure that all members of your family have this important education.
Learn where the main turn-offs are for your water, gas, and electricity. Know how to turn them off and the location of any needed tools.
During the Earthquake:
If you are indoors, stay there. Quickly move to a safe location in the room such as under a strong desk, a strong table, or along an interior wall. The goal is to protect yourself from falling objects and be located near the structural strong points of the room. Avoid taking cover near windows, large mirrors, hanging objects, heavy furniture, heavy appliances, or fireplaces.
If you are cooking, turn off the stove and take cover.
If you are outdoors, move to an open area where falling objects are unlikely to strike you. Move away from buildings, power lines, and trees.
If you are driving, slow down smoothly and stop on the side of the road. Avoid stopping on or under bridges and overpasses, or under power lines, trees, or large signs. Stay in your car.
After the Earthquake:
Check for injuries, attend to injuries if needed, and help ensure the safety of people around you.
Check for damage. If your building is badly damaged, you should leave it until it has been inspected by a safety expert.
Before the Earthquake:
Learn how to survive during the ground motion. This is described in the "During the Earthquake" section below. The earthquake safety tips there will prepare you for the fast action needed - most earthquakes are over in seconds, so knowing what to do instinctively is very important.
Teach all members of your family about earthquake safety. This includes: 1) the actions you should take when an earthquake occurs, 2) the safe places in a room such as under a strong desk or along interior walls, and 3) places to avoid such as near windows, large mirrors, hanging objects, heavy furniture, and fireplaces.
Stock up on emergency supplies. These include: battery operated radio (and extra batteries), flashlights (and extra batteries), first aid kit, bottled water, two weeks' food and medical supplies, blankets, cooking fuel, and tools needed to turn off your gas, water, and electric utilities.
Arrange your home for safety: Store heavy objects on lower shelves and store breakable objects in cabinets with latched doors. Don't hang heavy mirrors or pictures above where people frequently sit or sleep.
Anchor heavy appliances and furniture such as water heaters, refrigerators, and bookcases.
Store flammable liquids away from potential ignition sources such as water heaters, stoves, and furnaces.
Get Educated. Learn what to do during an earthquake (see below). Then you will be ready for the fast action needed. Make sure that all members of your family have this important education.
Learn where the main turn-offs are for your water, gas, and electricity. Know how to turn them off and the location of any needed tools.
During the Earthquake:
If you are indoors, stay there. Quickly move to a safe location in the room such as under a strong desk, a strong table, or along an interior wall. The goal is to protect yourself from falling objects and be located near the structural strong points of the room. Avoid taking cover near windows, large mirrors, hanging objects, heavy furniture, heavy appliances, or fireplaces.
If you are cooking, turn off the stove and take cover.
If you are outdoors, move to an open area where falling objects are unlikely to strike you. Move away from buildings, power lines, and trees.
If you are driving, slow down smoothly and stop on the side of the road. Avoid stopping on or under bridges and overpasses, or under power lines, trees, or large signs. Stay in your car.
After the Earthquake:
Check for injuries, attend to injuries if needed, and help ensure the safety of people around you.
Check for damage. If your building is badly damaged, you should leave it until it has been inspected by a safety expert.