In times of crisis or disaster little knowledge and some preventative
measures could really increase your chances of survival.
Natural hazards like for example earthquakes or any type of natural
calamities are frequently happening nowadays, they can be really disruptive
since they happen unexpectedly or without warning and likely to have an effect
on large areas.
Advance preparation is very important to lessen the impact of the damage
and loss of life. The keys are proper training and education.
If you are looking for tips and guides during crises, think about these
simple things that you can do to make yourself safer, with this you will not
make an expert, however it could be a big help for your own life safety if
yourself caught in an earthquake situation.
Let’s start with the simple step by step guide information on what to do
before, during and after an earthquake.
Before The Earthquake
Know the hazard in your area by identifying an
active fault line and evaluate weather or not you are vulnerable to the effects
of an earthquake.
If you are leaving in a high risk area, make
necessary steps to strengthen your house.
Fix heavy appliances and all movable furniture such
as refrigerators, filing cabinet and bookcases to the walls to reduce risk of
falling during a tremor. Put down all heavy objects to the lower grounds and
keep breakable items inside cabinets with latched doors.
Avoid hanging heavy decoration and glass mirrors close
to the beds and to the place where your relatives often stay.
All flammable items such as kerosene or gasoline
must store properly and keep away from any source of any ignition.
Make a disaster plan to protect your family and
yourself, prepare for emergency kit and disaster survival kit, good for 5 to 7
days. Please watch the video below for your reference. Courtesy of American Red Cross
Educate your family regarding your plan on what to
do before, during and after the earthquake and exercise them regularly.
During an Earthquake
Stay away from any glass windows and heavy objects that possibly will
fall over you. Please bear in mind that falling debris and hard object during
an earthquake is one the most common hazards, so avoid yourself and your family
to be exposed of these hazards.
Take shelter in a safe place in your house. Get duck, hold and cover in a
sturdy table to keep away from falling debris.
Don’t ever try to go outside during an earthquake.
Stay inside if you are already indoors because attempting to go outside the
building or house during ground shaking is a dangerous situation, you could be
hit by falling debris.
If you are outdoors
quickly make yourself away from high-rise buildings, trees and
to power lines to avoid falling debris.
If you are driving a car,
immediately slow down and stop on the safe area of the road. And make sure you
keep distant from power lines, giant billboards, big trees, mountains and bridges.
After an Earthquake
Earthquakes are usually followed by aftershocks, so might be aware and
prepared such scenarios.
Check your family immediately if they are safe and no injury, and provide
assistance to people around you if needed.
Checked your gas lines to make sure there are no leaks, and turn off the
gas valve immediately if you hear or smell a gas leak, and avoid of using open
flame or any electrical appliances because could ignite the gas.
Check for possible electrical wiring damaged, if you notice sparks and
worn out wires, turn off the main safety switch immediately and unplug major
appliances.
If your house or building is badly damaged avoid anyone to enter until it
has been inspected by a safety professional.
If possible document the damage of your house for future insurance claims
if any, and make sure that you take videos or photograph of the damage as
evidence.
Thanks for your valuable time reading this piece I wish and I hope you that you'll have learn something.
