Are You Prepared for an Earthquake? Advice to Follow

Posted: February 19, 2023 11:52 am

The recent earthquake near the border of Turkey and Syria is now responsible for at least 42,000 fatalities with many more people still missing or injured. This immense natural disaster has put the focus on earthquake survival strategies. According to the American Red Cross, 45 U.S. states and territories are considered to be at least at a moderate risk for earthquakes. This means that there is a good chance that you should be familiar with what to do in the event of this disaster. Here are four things to keep in mind if you get caught up in a major earthquake.

Have a Plan

Having a plan of action in the event of an earthquake is one of the best ways to guard your survival. Keep in mind that it is often the ramifications of the event that put people at the most serious risk. For instance, you need to understand how to approach the potential of a lack of power, water, and other basic services. There is also a risk of fire in the aftermath of an earthquake that needs to be addressed.

Although you cannot control Mother Nature, you can control how prepared you are to take what she throws at you. This means making choices such as securing furniture and shelving if you live in an area of high risk.

It also means having an earthquake preparedness kit on hand for when disaster strikes. Your kit should contain essential supplies for survival such as non-perishable food, bottled water, medication, and a first aid kit. Your kit should also contain a flashlight, batteries, a multi-purpose tool, personal hygiene items, copies of all important documents, emergency contact information, cash, and blankets.

A paper map of your area is also a good item to keep in your kit. Do not count on having access to the internet during this stressful time. Familiarizing yourself with emergency evacuation routes in your community may also prove to be helpful.

Secure Heavy Furniture

Securing your household furniture or other items that can become projectiles during a shaking event is also essential. Most people become injured during an earthquake as the result of falling debris. In particular, the area around your sleeping quarters should be carefully examined and secured.

Heavy decorative items should be placed on lower shelves so that they do not become airborne. You can use special straps to secure your televisions and other appliances. Be sure to use your home’s wall studs to secure heavy furniture.

Take Cover During the Actual Earthquake

It is a natural tendency for many people to run outside when they hear or feel the ground begin to rumble. However, this is the worst thing to do in this situation. The best course of action is to stop and take cover immediately. Drop to the floor and wait there until the shaking subsides so that the earthquake is not able to knock you down. Because falling is one of the leading causes of injury during an earthquake, keeping your center of gravity as low as possible will protect you from additional harm.

You will increase your odds of walking away unscathed even further if you find cover under a sturdy object such as a table. Identify objects around your house that can serve as a protective device from falling objects so that you have options close to you should you suspect an earthquake.

As an alternative, you can try to protect the most vulnerable parts of your body by using your hands to guard your face and neck. It is also critical to stay away from windows, outside walls, and other structures that can close in on you and fall.

Have a Communication Plan in Place

Many people are understandably rattled when they cannot reach out to loved ones in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Having an emergency communication plan in place prior to the emergency will give you peace of mind that you are making the best decisions during the heat of the moment when you may not be thinking clearly.

Your written communication plan needs to include names, phone numbers, and email addresses for all household members. It is also a good idea to keep the contact information for at least two people who do not live in the same area. All household members should also know where to meet in case of an emergency. The Red Cross app known as “Family Safe” is a great tool to use to connect loved ones when communication is spotty.

Experts recommend texting loved ones rather than calling in the aftermath of any type of natural disaster. You do not want to inadvertently tie up lines needed for emergency responders by calling.

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