Stay Safe During an Earthquake

 What is earthquake

An earthquake is one of the most potent and unpredictably destructive natural disasters that can occur in any place on Earth. 

An earthquake is a powerful shaking of the Earth's surface that results from the rapid release of energy in the crust, typically when masses of rock that are rubbing against one another break and "slip"23. 

Geologic faults, confined regions where rock masses move relative to one another, are where earthquakes happen most frequently.

Earthquakes can cause significant damage to structures, infrastructure, and human lives. 

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), approximately 500,000 detectable earthquakes occur worldwide each year, of which approximately 100,000 are felt by people and approximately 100 cause damage.

 The 1556 Shaanxi earthquake in China was the deadliest, killing approximately 830,000 people. The 1960 Valdivia earthquake in Chile, which had a magnitude of 9.5 and triggered a massive tsunami, was the strongest ever recorded.

Being prepared for an earthquake can mean the difference between life and death. 

This article will give you some advice and tips on surviving an earthquake before, during, and after it occurs. We'll also go over what causes earthquakes and how to measure them. 

You can reduce your risk of injury or death and cope better with the aftermath of an earthquake if you follow these guidelines.

HOW TO SURVIVE AN EARTHQUAKE 

1. Ensure you have a well-stocked emergency kit with water, nonperishable food, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered radio before an earthquake.

2. Determine safe areas in your house or business, such as behind heavy furniture, away from windows, and near inner walls.

3. Heavy things, such as bookcases and huge furniture, should be anchored to the walls to avoid toppling during an earthquake.

4. Down to the ground and seek refuge beneath a strong desk or table, or crouch against an inner wall during an earthquake. Use your arms to shield your head and neck.

 5. If you are outside, select an open spot away from buildings, trees, and electrical lines. If you are in a car, pull over and stay inside until the earthquake has passed.

6. If you are in a high-rise building, seek shelter behind a desk or table and avoid using elevators. Before attempting to flee the building via the stairs, wait for the earthquake to stop.

7. Check yourself and others for injuries after the earthquake and administer first aid if required. To avoid a fire, turn off all gas and electrical equipment.

8. Prepare for aftershocks, which are minor earthquakes that might happen after the initial one.

9. Listen to the news and emergency bulletins for updates on the situation, and obey local authorities' directions.

How to stay safe during an earthquake:

1. Drop, Cover, and Hang On: During an earthquake, the most essential thing to do is to descend to the ground, seek cover beneath a substantial piece of furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops. This will keep you safe from falling debris and other dangers.

2. Keep away from windows: Because broken glass can inflict catastrophic injuries during an earthquake, avoiding windows and other things that could shatter is critical.

3. During an earthquake, do not attempt to flee outside or to another room. You might fall and harm yourself as a result of the shaking.

4. Switch off the gas and the electricity: If you smell or discover a broken gas line, turn off the gas and quickly leave the building. Turn off the electricity as well to avoid fires.

5. It's natural to be afraid during an earthquake, but try to remain cool and follow the safety instructions. Keep in mind that earthquakes usually last only a few seconds or minutes.

6. Prepare yourself: Prepare an earthquake survival pack in case of emergencies. Food, water, first-aid materials, a flashlight, and a radio should all be included in the kit.

7. Keep up to date: Pay attention to the news and obey the advice of authorities. They will update you on the earthquake and any steps you need to take.

FAQs

What are the 5 things not to do during an earthquake?

• Doorways. Doors can slam shut, causing injury.

• Windows, bookcases, towering furniture, and light fixtures are all examples of this. Glass shards or heavy items might injure you.

• Elevators. ...

• Stay at least 10 meters away from downed power wires to avoid harm.

• Coastline.

How can we keep ourselves safe before, during, and after an earthquake?

Stay calm!

Stay outdoors if you're outside. If you're inside, lean against a wall towards the building's center, stand in a doorway, or burrow beneath heavy furniture (a desk or table). Keep away from windows and exterior doors. Be out in the open, away from power wires and anything else that might collapse.