The most important first step is understanding what to do the moment an earthquake hits. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks, and a larger earthquake might occur. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. The chosen location must be a safe distance from windows, heavy furniture or upstanding book shelf. Ask yourself if your cupboard doors could fly open (allowing dishes to... 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. ", "I believe all of this. Thank you guys for this site.". Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on earthquakes.
The sad part is we are not giving it back, for example- Cutting trees daily but not planting new trees daily. To view this site, enable JavaScript by changing your browser options and try again. What do I do if I get stuck in a building during an earthquake? With advanced preparations, you can reduce the risk involved with the earthquake. What can be done? If an earthquake strikes, make sure all gas lines are completely tightened. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and planning in advance can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake.
For cities and municipalities, relevant agencies must work together with engineers to implement designs that can withstand earthquakes the best way possible. Earthquake hits all of a sudden and affects thousands of people. Some earthquakes may be followed by aftershock’s or an even a bigger quake.
Work together in your community to apply your knowledge to building codes, retrofitting programs, hazard hunts, and neighborhood and family emergency plans. To cushion yourself from the inconvenience, request a relative or friend outside the state to act as your contact person. Products that we are using are not natural anymore as some kind of manipulation is always there. Use an invisible nylon cord to secure tall, heavy items that can topple over to the wall. Zoe Jewell | September 23, 2020 | Safety Tips. Not only will the damage to your home be more severe, but it will be more likely that you cannot get to your home if you are away from it. Similar items should be kept at your desk at work or school (for work, keep a pair of comfortable walking shoes ready). Consider keeping a pair of shoes and flashlight under your bed.
You can go through a general information manual about how to protect your family and property from the earthquake. Try not to hang breakable objects such as mirrors near your bed or couch. Thank you.
Earthquake early warning systems may be in place to alert you of an earthquake and give you time to prepare. It is very important that you be calm and think peacefully after the earthquake ends up. If you have flammable products, … My family and I, on the other hand, thanks to having the inquisitive sense to have checked out this site beforehand and learned some things, were able to put what we have learned into action.
Once outside, move away from buildings to an open space. Emergency numbers for fire, medical, police, and insurance. There are a few myths about earthquakes you should know about. You can also make the copies of your important documents and contracts or can also scan these documents and save them online. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. Repair all the defective electric settings and leakage in gas connections (if any). Secure the Furniture If you are indoors, you should drop, cover, and hold—drop to the ground, find cover under a table or other sturdy piece of furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops. There are four basic steps you can take to be more prepared for an earthquake: Step 1:Secure your space by identifying hazards and securing moveable items. Scanning documents is a very good option to protect your documents during an earthquake. Do not light a match. You'll learn why earthquakes happen, how they've shaped the Bay Area, and what you can do to prepare for the next one. Stay there until the shaking stops. Here are 5 tips to prepare for an earthquake as listed by the California Academy of Sciences: Items that have the potential of causing bodily harm should be stored safely or secured firmly. Each member of the family should be given the emergency contact number. A good in-house plan should also include safe places to gather and ways to get connected when a family member is trapped.
Be sure to include batteries and flashlights to help you see in the dark in case the power goes out. The San Andreas Fault forms the boundary between the two continental plates. Tips for where and how to store your earthquake kit. Place an eye screw in the wall, and tie the thread around the object (such as a vase) and then tie it to the eye screw. For example- if you are at the office. Phone lines get congested in disaster. Here's a list of 10 items to start your earthquake kit.
What are the Causes and Effects of a Thunderstorm? For instance, heavy and fragile items like mirrors and picture frames should be removed and tuck them away from where people sit. Use a whistle if one is available. - If in a vehicle, pull over and stop. Use non-slip mats to prevent objects with a low center of gravity from sliding. Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning.
This post is part of Exploring Earthquakes, a rich collection of resources co-presented by the California Academy of Sciences and KQED. Earthquake magnitudes and energy release, and comparison with other natural and man-made events. The earthquakes that have hit California mostly emanate from the North American Plate that covers large swathes of the North American Continent and the Pacific Plate that covers much of the California Coast line and the Pacific Ocean floor. Step 4:Minimize financial hardship by organizing important documents, strengthening your property, and considering insurance. The plans can be used when designing or constructing new infrastructure such as highways, bridges and buildings. Get a new perspective on earthquakes with this rich collection of multimedia resources. If you are outside your home then settle away from buildings, trees, heavy electric lines, etc. The other countries that have experienced devastating earthquakes include Iran, the Philippines Islands, Japan, Indonesia and Chile. Here are a few facts and statistics about the earthquake. Step 2:Plan to be safe by creating a disaster plan and deciding how you will communicate in an emergency.
Make a plan for reuniting after the disaster in case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school). It seems JavaScript is either disabled or not supported by your browser. The seismic activity of an area describes the frequency and type of earthquake. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. While people in movies and television shows tend to deal with earthquakes by just shouting “Earthquake!” and running around their homes, that’s not the safest way to deal with a natural disaster.
Remember, a disaster can strike when parents and kids are away at work and school respectively. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being.
If you are outside, move into the open, away from anything that could fall or collapse like telegraph poles and buildings.
Stay inside until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe. We’ve implemented some new health and safety measures for your protection: Click the link below to learn more and view complete safety information. Get ready with an emergency plan to reunite after the earthquake.
Have flexible fittings placed on your gas pipes. The Academy is thrilled to announce that we'll be reopening to members and donors on October 13 and the public on October 23. What can I expect in my house when an earthquake occurs?
2.
Is it a good idea to stay in a tent if my house is destroyed? Each time you feel an aftershock, DROP, COVER and HOLD ON. Global Warming Essay for Kids From Class 3 to 6. "Just got hit by a 5.3. At most schools where earthquakes are possible, there are earthquake drills. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. FULLY SUPPORTS THE PRINCIPLES OF THE FAIR HOUSING ACT AND THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ACT. http://seismo.berkeley.edu/outreach/be_prepared.html, https://www.fema.gov/earthquake-safety-home, http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes/prepared.asp, http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/natural-disasters/earthquake-safety-tips/, http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/earthquake, http://www.windowsandsiding.net/windows/faq/what-can-be-used-to-keep-a-broken-window-from-shattering/, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. You need to drop the ground, find heavy furniture to cover yourself and hold on until the earthquake ends up. This handbook provides information to residents of the Central United States about the threat of earthquakes in that area, particularly along the New Madrid seismic zone, and explains how to prepare for, survive, and recover from such events. Drop and cover your head from falling objects.
The question is not if but when southern California will be hit by a major earthquake - one so damaging that it will permanently change lives and livelihoods in the region. Cash & credit cards for emergency usage etc.
With proper planning, we can minimize the impact of the earthquake to some extent. Store enough water, food, and other basic items to meet your needs for at least 72 hours. In this case, 81% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status.
Get safely on the ground, and find a safe item, such as a sturdy table, to use as protective cover. USGS science provides part of the foundation for emergency preparedness whenever and wherever disaster strikes. With Earth Reminder, I am raising concern by bringing informational content related to earth care to the world and guiding them to contribute towards the Mother Earth. © 2020, Get My Weather Daily All Rights Reserved, Watch: Amazing Video Shows Thunderstorm Pushing Smoke into a City, Watch: Beta Weakens, Still Causing Heavy Rain and Flooding in Texas. How do I identify it? What to do Before an Earthquake. Check for injuries and hazards, then help others. Creating a disaster supply kit will help you get through the aftermath of an earthquake. Prepare for an earthquake by securing your space, organizing needed supplies and minimizing your financial hardship with home earthquake insurance. Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves or on the floor. Structural weaknesses in building foundations, walls and ceiling must be reported to the relevant authorities and repaired immediately. It is quite tough to predict when a severe earthquake is going to happen.