Earthquakes: Last Minute Survival

Right so im not writing very much recently. i get an idea and start writing it then kinda put it off and dont finish it. i dont have a good reason for it and i hate myself because of it. So here is a post about what you should in a seismic event. dont hate me. ahhh.

Okay. So lets put this into situation. You are in school or on your way home, then suddenly the ground begins to rumble. You get no warning of this and you've never been in an earthquake before. What do you do?

If you are Indoors:

-"Drop, cover and hold on, within 3 seconds." - Take cover under a table or similar item if it is close by and hang on to it. This helps protect you from falling objects, but also from flying glass. Experience has shown that you are more likely to be killed or injured from building contents and glass than from structural collapse. To protect yourself from these hazards, you must take protective cover within three seconds during an earthquake. In places like Japan, an alarm can sound around 20 seconds before the waves hit, which may not seem like alot, but is valuble time for getting into a safe position.

-If a table or something similar is not close by, drop to the floor against a wall and cover your head and neck with your arms. Or as they say on aeroplanes: "Brace"

-Avoid windows, hanging objects, mirrors, tall furniture, large appliances, and cabinets filled with heavy objects, where things can fall on you.

-If you are indoors, stay there! Do not try to run outside, especially in a city with tall buildings where outdoors is getting really hectic. Unless of course your building is beginning to collapse, then...

If you are Outdoors:

-If you are outside-- get into the open, away from buildings, power lines, chimneys, and anything else that might fall on you.

-If you are driving--stop, but carefully. Move your car as far out of traffic as possible. Do not stop on or under a bridge or overpass, or under trees, light posts, power lines, or signs. Stay inside your car until the shaking stops. When you start driving, watch for breaks in the pavement, fallen rocks, and bumps in the road at bridge approaches.

-If you are in a mountainous area--watch out for falling rock, landslides, trees, and other debris that could be loosened by quakes.

-If you are on the beach, move to higher ground. An earthquake can cause a tsunami.

- its better if you are in a building that is steel enforced building.

If you are trapped in debris:

-Move as little as possible so that you don’t kick up dust. Cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.

-Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort.

Things to carry:

• One/Two bottles of water

• First aid kit

• Whistle and torch light (extra batteries)

• First aid kit

• Canned food (non-expiring foods)

• Wrap/Blanket

till next time (which will hopefully be soon)

Sabrina

P.S. These are just quick notice things you should do in a quake. I'll write about impacts and long term methods of quake preparation.

#earthquake