The internet has numerous sources for information on Earthquake preparation and what to do during an Earthquake. One of the most informative sites belongs to the U.S. Geological Survey on their Earthquake site: https://earthquake.usgs.gov/. The site includes an Earthquake FAQ that contains topics like: Earthquake Myths, Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics, Latest Earthquakes, and Earthquake Preparedness. Including a list of things not to do and should do during an Earthquake.
Below are some of the excerpts from the FAQ found on that site.
What should I NOT do during an earthquake?
- DO NOT turn on the gas again if you turned it off; let the gas company do it
- DO NOT use matches, lighters, camp stoves or barbecues, electrical equipment, appliances UNTIL you are sure there are no gas leaks. They may create a spark that could ignite leaking gas and cause an explosion and fire
- DO NOT use your telephone, EXCEPT for a medical or fire emergency. You could tie up the lines needed for emergency response. If the phone doesn’t work send someone for help
- DO NOT expect firefighters, police or paramedics to help you. They may not be available.
What should I do DURING an earthquake?
- If you are INDOORS — STAY THERE! Get under a desk or table and hang on to it (Drop, Cover, and Hold on!) or move into a hallway or against an inside wall. STAY CLEAR of windows, fireplaces, and heavy furniture or appliances. GET OUT of the kitchen, which is a dangerous place (things can fall on you). DON’T run downstairs or rush outside while the building is shaking or while there is danger of falling and hurting yourself or being hit by falling glass or debris.
- 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 RESUME 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 near the OCEAN – see these safety rules from NOAA’s Tsunami Warning Center.
What do I do AFTER an earthquake?
WEAR STURDY SHOES
to avoid injury from broken glass and debris. Expect aftershocks
CHECK FOR INJURIES
- If a person is bleeding, put direct pressure on the wound, use clean gauze or cloth if available
- If a person is not breathing administer CPR
- DO NOT attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in further danger of injury
- COVER injured persons with blankets to keep warm
- SEEK medical help for serious injuries
- Fire hazards–put out fires in your home or neighborhood immediately, call for help
- Gas leaks–shut off main gas valve ONLY if you suspect a leak because of broken pipes or odor
- Damaged electrical wiring–Shut off power at the control box if there is any danger to house wiring
- Downed or damaged utility lines–do not touch downed power lines or any objects in contact with them
- SPILLS–clean up any spilled medicines, drugs, or other harmful materials such as bleach, lye, gas
- DOWNED OR DAMAGED CHIMNEYS–Approach with caution–don’t use damaged chimney (it could start a fire or let poisonous gases into your house)
- FALLEN ITEMS–beware of items tumbling off shelves when you open doors of closets and cupboards
- CHECK FOOD AND WATER SUPPLIES–Do not eat or drink anything from open containers near shattered glass
- If power is off, plan meals to use up foods that will spoil quickly or frozen foods (food in the freezer should be good for at least a couple of days)
- Don’t light your kitchen stove if you suspect a gas leak
- USE BBQ or camp stoves, outdoors only for emergency cooking
- If your water is off you can drink supplies from water heaters, melted ice cubes or canned vegetables (AVOID drinking water from swimming pools or especially spas–it may have too many chemicals in it to be safe)
Mike Kieffer is an IT geek by hobby and trade, with a BS in Information Systems & Technology. He is a proud father of 10, a grandpa, an author, a journalist, and internet publisher. His motto is to “Elevate, Inspire and Inform”, and he is politically conservative and a Christian. Mike has a passion for technology, writing, and helping others. With a wealth of experience, he is committed to sharing his knowledge with others to help them reach their full potential. He is known for his jackassery or his form of self-expression that encourages boldness, creativity, and risk-taking. It can be a way to push the boundaries and challenge traditional norms, leading to creative solutions and positive change.