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Earthquake guidelines
The earthquakes can strike suddenly, without warning and can occur at any time of the year, at any time of the day or night. According to the data on an yearly basis, 70 to 75 damaging earthquakes occur throughout the world.
The following measures are advised which can be followed in schools, homes and workplace.
q Find safe places in every room of your home, school or workplace away from windows, bookcases or tall heavy furniture. The shorter the distance you have to travel when the ground shakes, the safer you will be.
q Contrary to the popular belief to rush out when the quake hits, the experts advise that if you are indoors during an earthquake, DROP, COVER and HOLD ON.
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q It is very dangerous to try to leave a building. Many fatalities occur when people run outside of buildings, only to be killed by falling debris-bricks, roofing, from collapsing walls during and immediately following earthquakes. There is also danger of falling and hurting yourself.
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q Wait in the safe place until the shaking stops, check to see if you are hurt. You will be better able to help others if you take care of yourself first, then check the people around you.
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q Be on the lookout for fires. Fire is the most common earth quake related hazard, due to broken gas lines, damaged electrical lines or appliances.
q If you must leave a building after the shaking stops, use the stairs, not the elevator.
q If you are outside in an earthquake, stay outside. Stay out of damaged buildings as these may be destroyed by aftershocks following the main quake. Move away from buildings, trees, streetlight and power lines. Crouch down and cover your head. Many injuries occur within 10 feet of the entrance to buildings. Bricks, roofing, and other materials can fall from buildings, injuring persons nearby.
q If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow.
q If you are in a vehicle, pull over to a clear location. DO NOT stop on or under a bridge or overpass or under trees, light posts, power lines or signboards. STAY INSIDE your car until the shaking stops.
q Stay there with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking has stopped. Trees, power lines, poles, street signs and other overhead items may fall during earthquakes. The vehicle will help protect you from flying or falling objects. Once the shaking has stopped, proceed with caution. Avoid bridges that might have been damaged by the quake.
q Open closet and cabinet doors cautiously.
q Help neighbors who may require special assistance. Elderly people and people with disability may require additional assistance.
q Use telephone/mobile phones only to report life-threatening emergencies. Telephone lines are frequently overwhelmed in disaster situations. They need to be clear for emergency calls to get through.
q Watch animals closely. The behavior of pets may change dramatically after an earthquake. Normally quiet and friendly cats and dogs may become aggressive or defensive.
The earthquakes can strike suddenly, without warning and can occur at any time of the year, at any time of the day or night. According to the data on an yearly basis, 70 to 75 damaging earthquakes occur throughout the world.
The following measures are advised which can be followed in schools, homes and workplace.
q Find safe places in every room of your home, school or workplace away from windows, bookcases or tall heavy furniture. The shorter the distance you have to travel when the ground shakes, the safer you will be.
q Contrary to the popular belief to rush out when the quake hits, the experts advise that if you are indoors during an earthquake, DROP, COVER and HOLD ON.
q
q It is very dangerous to try to leave a building. Many fatalities occur when people run outside of buildings, only to be killed by falling debris-bricks, roofing, from collapsing walls during and immediately following earthquakes. There is also danger of falling and hurting yourself.
q
q Wait in the safe place until the shaking stops, check to see if you are hurt. You will be better able to help others if you take care of yourself first, then check the people around you.
q
q Be on the lookout for fires. Fire is the most common earth quake related hazard, due to broken gas lines, damaged electrical lines or appliances.
q If you must leave a building after the shaking stops, use the stairs, not the elevator.
q If you are outside in an earthquake, stay outside. Stay out of damaged buildings as these may be destroyed by aftershocks following the main quake. Move away from buildings, trees, streetlight and power lines. Crouch down and cover your head. Many injuries occur within 10 feet of the entrance to buildings. Bricks, roofing, and other materials can fall from buildings, injuring persons nearby.
q If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow.
q If you are in a vehicle, pull over to a clear location. DO NOT stop on or under a bridge or overpass or under trees, light posts, power lines or signboards. STAY INSIDE your car until the shaking stops.
q Stay there with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking has stopped. Trees, power lines, poles, street signs and other overhead items may fall during earthquakes. The vehicle will help protect you from flying or falling objects. Once the shaking has stopped, proceed with caution. Avoid bridges that might have been damaged by the quake.
q Open closet and cabinet doors cautiously.
q Help neighbors who may require special assistance. Elderly people and people with disability may require additional assistance.
q Use telephone/mobile phones only to report life-threatening emergencies. Telephone lines are frequently overwhelmed in disaster situations. They need to be clear for emergency calls to get through.
q Watch animals closely. The behavior of pets may change dramatically after an earthquake. Normally quiet and friendly cats and dogs may become aggressive or defensive.
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