Safety tips before, during and after an earthquake

During an earthquake injury and death to persons are usually caused by falling objects and collapsing buildings. In order to minimize the impact that earthquakes can have it is most important that safety precautions are observed and adhered to.

BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE

1. Potential earthquake hazards in the home and workplace should be removed and corrected. Top-heavy furniture and objects, such as book cases and storage cabinets, should be fastened to the wall and the largest and heaviest objects placed on lower shelves.

2. Supplies of food and water, flashlight, a first-aid kit and a battery-operated radio should be set aside for use in emergencies.

3. One or more family members should have a working knowledge of first-aid measures because medical facilities nearly are always overloaded during an emergency or disaster, or may, themselves, be damaged beyond use.

4. All family members should know what to do to avoid injury and panic. They should know how to turn off the electricity, water and gas. They should know the locations of the main switch valves.

DURING AN EARTHQUAKE

1. The most important thing to do during an earthquake is to remain CALM.

2. Make no moves or take no action without thinking about the possible consequences. Any irrational movement may be an injurious one.

3. If you are inside stay there. Stand in a doorway or crouch under a desk or table, away from windows or glass fixtures.

4. If you are outside, stay there. Stay away from objects such as light poles, buildings, trees and telephone and electric wires.

5. Douse all fires.

6. If you are in a crowded place, do not rush for cover or to doorways.

7. If you are in a moving vehicle, stop as quickly as safety permits, but stay in the vehicle until the shaking stops.

8. If you are in a lift, get out of the lift as quickly as possible.

9. If you are in a tunnel, move out of the tunnel to the open as quickly as safety permits.

AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE

1. After an earthquake the most important thing to do is to check for injuries in your family and in the neighborhood. First-aid should be administered, but only by someone who is qualified or has a working knowledge of first-aid.

2. Evacuate the building as soon as the shaking stops.

3. Check for safety-hazards - gas, water sewage breaks; downed power lines and electrical short circuits, damaged and weakened buildings and foundations, fires and fire hazards.

4. Turn off appropriate utilities. Do not use matches, lighters or open flame, appliances or electrical switches until you are sure that there are no gas leaks.

5. Do not use the telephone except in extreme emergency.

6. Wear shoes and protective clothing to avoid injuries while clearing debris.

7. Co-operate with all public safety and relief organizations.

8. Be prepared for additional earthquake shocks and stay out of severely damaged buildings as aftershocks may cause them to collapse.

9. As a precaution against tsunamis, stay away from shores, beaches and low-lying coastal areas.



Source:

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