What Do You Do if an Earthquake Shakes Up Your Home?
January 19, 2010 – 11:32 pm
The recent earthquake disaster in Haiti makes you think about what you would do during one. Within 45 seconds, Haiti was obliterated…could you find a safe place in your home to go to within this short time period? In a situation like this, you have more chance of surviving if you’re prepared for an event like this. Although there is only so much you can do so to set up basic safety measures for an earthquake, it’s important to do as much as you can and let your family in on everything too.
One thing to keep in mind is that earthquakes don’t usually come once. Often you have foreshocks before the larger earthquakes, and you can also have lingering tremors or even another big earthquake several days later. Because there is such uncertainty as to when an earthquake and its after effects are over, it’s best to minimize your movements and stay indoors until the shaking has subsided.
As soon as an earthquake hits, you should stop, drop to the ground and protect yourself underneath a sturdy piece of furniture. If you can’t get under a table or desk in time, settle for a corner and keep your face and head covered with your arms. It’s wise to avoid glass, windows, outside doors, outside walls, lighting fixtures and light furniture. Safe places can be hard to find when you’re in a panic, so you can seek shelter within a doorway if necessary. Another safe and comfortable place can be your bed, because you can protect your head and body with pillows.
Some other tips include staying indoors until it’s safe to go outside. You don’t want to risk leaving your house and going outside where you can be seriously injured by cars, buildings and other larger structures. If you have an elevator, don’t use it.
Earthquakes can be extremely destructive, but in the midst of the shaking and blackout and/or power surge, your highest priority is seeking a safe shelter within your home.
Popularity: 1% [?]
Tags: earthquake hits home, earthquake safety, surviving an earthquake