How to protect close family members and friends during an earthquake if you live in high seismic activity zone? It is impossible to predict the strength and duration of an earthquake based on the first tremors. To protect yourself and your family, it is important to act quickly at the first sign of an impending disaster and strictly follow the survival instructions developed by emergency services.
If you notice precursor signals of an impending earthquake such as changes in your own well-being, strange behavior of domestic or wild animals, or unusual natural phenomena in the atmosphere, you should immediately prepare for the approaching disaster. You must assemble an emergency kit containing:
- documents, money and bank cards;
- first aid kit with essential medications;
- warm blanket or jacket;
- flashlight, batteries or matches;
- supply of drinking water and non-perishable food;
- whistle to signal rescuers if you cannot get out from under the rubble on your own.
To stay informed and be able to contact your relatives, you should always carry a charged phone with you.
What to do during an earthquake
The initial tremors can catch people in various places, and it’s important to know how to react in different situations. If you find yourself during an earthquake:
- inside a building – you should not try to leave it, but should take cover in its strongest part, near load-bearing walls, away from windows, mirrors, and lighting fixtures. During tremors, protect your face and head, and also be vigilant for potential fire hazards;
- outside (on the street) – there is no need to try to get into the building. It is better to avoid being near electrical cables and tall walls. During tremors, sit down and cover your head with your hands to avoid injuries from falling objects;
- behind the wheel – it’s recommended to park the car as quickly as possible in an area free from tall trees, electrical poles, bridges, or high-rise buildings. You should stay inside the car until the earthquake is over;
- under the rubble – there’s no need to lose hope or waste energy on shouting. You can make yourself known by using a signaling whistle or by tapping on pipes or any material that conducts sound.
Wherever you are, after the earthquake, try to limit your phone usage as much as possible to avoid overloading communication lines unnecessarily. Contact your family or neighbors to see if they need assistance or call rescuers for yourself if needed.
What to do after an earthquake
After the series of main tremors, it is also recommended to follow safety guidelines that could save your life. You should do the following:
- don’t panic;
- check for any fires in the house and take necessary measures to extinguish them;
- disconnect gas, water, electricity, and any appliances connected to them;
- don’t light matches lighter indoors, avoid touching switches and sockets;
- don’t use elevators, even if they are powered;
- evacuate the building and find a specially designated or safe place;
- contact your relatives, supervisor by phone or radio communication;
- if necessary, call the emergency service and report about the situation;
- don’t get out of the car if electrical wires have fallen on or near it;
- contact rescuers and wait for help.
Don’t use your car unless absolutely necessary. In case of a major earthquake, main traffic routes will be reserved for emergency services. Try to get information from emergency services and follow their instructions.
Have your own rescue plan
Your family may be in different locations during an earthquake or other emergency. Therefore, it is important to discuss in advance with relatives what to do at school, work, or home before, during, and after an earthquake. Contact friends or acquaintances living outside the disaster area and arrange for temporary accommodation. Evacuation points may be overcrowded and face difficulties in accommodating all affected people.
Be prepared for the fact that in the first 72 hours after an earthquake, despite the best rescue efforts, there may be a lack of electricity, water, and communication. Therefore, have supplies of drinking water, non-perishable food (canned goods, biscuits, chocolate), as well as batteries or accumulators for communication devices and alarms.
If you have pets, try to find them and temporarily place them in a location where they can be safely kept and receive necessary assistance (evacuation centers and animal shelters).