Earthquake safety tips: how to protect yourself in an earthquake

Seeking a safe place during an earthquake

Just a few fleeting seconds separate any individual’s current activity from the onset of an earthquake, whether at home, work, on a trip, or engaged in any other pursuit. Each scenario demands an understanding of the correct behaviour to ensure survival:

Safety at home

During earthquakes at home, prioritise personal safety by assuming the correct safety posture: sit on the ground, protect the head and neck with hands, and seek stability under a table or moderately sized piece of furniture. Avoid windows or large furniture items that could fall, such as wall closets or refrigerators. Remain in this position until the earthquake subsides.

Crisanta Gonzalez, an emergency management coordinator for the City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department, confirms, “You’re safest under something like a desk or table, with one arm holding onto a leg of the table and your other arm protecting your neck and head.”

Safety in other buildings

Follow the aforementioned guidelines regarding the posture and shelter location, while avoiding using elevators at all costs. Remain in the chosen spot until the earthquake subsides and it is safe to exit.

Safety at shopping centres

During an earthquake at a shopping centre, immediately distance yourself from shelves and merchandise. Avoid attempting to evacuate to prevent overcrowding and ensure you can take necessary safety precautions. Sit on the ground and shield the head with available items such as books or cushions, or use your hands if no other options are available.

Safety outdoors

If an earthquake occurs while walking on the street, quickly move to the nearest open space away from buildings, power poles, and trees. Sit on the ground and wait calmly until the shaking stops.

If the earthquake strikes while driving, immediately pull over to the side of the road, ensuring the car is parked away from power poles, bridges, and large trees. Remember that the shaking of the car during an earthquake is normal, so remain calm and refrain from panicking.

Turn on the radio for updates on road conditions and instructions from authorities. Wait until it is certain that the earthquake has passed before resuming driving, and remain cautious of any possible  on the road.

Safety at the beach

If an earthquake strikes while at the beach, calmly move away from the water and find higher ground as a precaution against potential tsunamis. Refrain from using cars; instead, walk away from the area to avoid any obstacles resulting from the earthquake.

Essential guidelines for earthquake preparedness

It's essential for everyone to prepare and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and that of their families during an earthquake. This involves several important steps: creatung an emergency plan with designated safe spaces for hiding, educating all family members on proper emergency procedures, and ensuring household readiness by securing furniture and closets as well as regularly inspecting gas and water pipelines.

It is advisable to keep copies of essential documents easily accessible. In case signs of an impending earthquake are noticed, it's crucial to turn off gas or heaters as a precautionary measure. Additionally, preparing emergency kits stocked with water, food, first aid kits, money, and personal necessities is highly recommended.

In addition to all mentioned above, consider utilising technological applications to monitor seismic activities and receive alerts regarding the likelihood of an earthquake occurring in the area. Applications such as QuakeFeed, MyShake, and Earthquake Network enable individuals to make informed decisions for safety.

Regarding proper post-earthquake behaviour, the National Center of Meteorology in the United Arab Emirates warns of potential aftershocks and their ramifications. Moreover, the centre stresses the significance of following instructions from relevant authorities and adhering to released guidelines to ensure both personal and public safety. When evacuating damaged buildings, prioritizing safety and moving towards open, secure areas to avoid potential risks is crucial.

The National Center of Meteorology issues several important warnings following an earthquake. These include advisories against moving severely injured individuals unless they are in immediate danger, cautioning people to avoid passing through damaged areas, drinking water from unknown sources, and exercising care when using communication networks. Additionally, the centre advises to check for gas leaks before turning on any light or fire source to prevent potential hazards.

In the words of TV presenter Petra Nemcova, “We cannot stop natural disasters but we can arm ourselves with knowledge: so many lives would not have to be lost if there was enough disaster preparedness.”

References

[1] scienceexchange.caltech.edu, What Should You Do Before, During, and After an Earthquake?
[2] earthquakeauthority.com, The Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety
[3] npr.org, Earthquakes happen all over the world. Here's how to start preparing for one
[4] mass.gov, Earthquake Safety Tips
[5] cdc.gov, Stay Safe During an Earthquake