There are 3 important things to remember that can save your life in the event of an earthquake. They are:

  1. Before the earthquake - Plan ahead
  2. During the earthquake - Remain calm
  3. After the earthquake - Think clearly

#1. Planning ahead means to prepare yourself for the big event. There are many kinds of training to help you anticipate earthquakes as well as other disasters. These are often provided by local agencies. Check the following if or when you have received the appropriate training:

FIRST AID CLASSES

FIRE SAFETY LECTURES

CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) TRAINING

FAMILY TRAINING PROCEDURES

  • Prepare and maintain an emergency kit of food, water, and important supplies.
  • Determine the danger areas of your house to avoid during quakes, and try to correct them.
  • Locate the safe zones for retreat during a quake, and the appropriate ways to exit afterwards.
  • Locate and learn how to shut off gas, water, and electrical lines when appropriate.
  • Conduct practice drills to remind family members of the correct procedures.
  • Select an out of area friend or relative to contact, if necessary, to report whereabouts.
  • Decide how and where your family will attempt to reunite after a quake.

#2. Remaining calm may be the most difficult thing to do during an earthquake, but if you have prepared properly and practiced you actions it will be easier to accomplish. Many people panic only because others are panicking. Do not get caught up in the behaviors of others, you may have to react to get out of their way! Remember that even in a great earthquake the damaging shaking will not last much longer than about a minute. Take the following one minute quiz to see how you would react under the given conditions.

One Minute Earthquake Quiz Press here for correct answers.

1. If indoors you should: a/ stay indoors and get into a secure location,b/ run outside and get hurt by falling debris and broken glass, c/ kneel down and pray even if you are in a public school where school prayer is constitutionally forbidden.

2. If outdoors you should: a/ stand completely still, b/ get into an open area away from falling objects, c/ pause and appreciate the power of mother nature, d/ run around at random under the theory that its harder to hit a moving target.

3. If in a high-rise building: a/ go directly to the elevators for evacuation, b/ go to the roof, c/ get away from windows and flying furniture, d/ go to the basement where the shaking will be less.

4. If in a crowded public area: a/ crouch and cover your head with your hands and arms, b/ follow the crowd, c/ go against the crowd, d/ bravely lead the crowd to safety.

5. If out driving your car: a/ pull to the side of the road, b/ avoid overpasses and power lines, c/ stay inside until the shaking is over, d/ all of the above, e/ if you have an SUV ignore everything and keep driving to your destination.

#3 After the earthquake many things are often going to be quite different. Power lines may be down, fires may have started, glass and other objects will be scattered about. There is also the ever-present danger of aftershocks, compounding the damage of the main shock. It is critical to think about the consequences of your actions.

For example, don't just jump out of bed and run to shut off the gas valve. Gas may not be leaking, but your feet may be if you step on broken glass. Remember to put on your shoes. Think how difficult it might be to reignite a gas pilot. The following checklist may be of help:

1. Check to see that everyone is:

  • Safe
  • Uninjured
  • Calm
  • Secure for aftershocks

2. Check for:

  • Gas leaks
  • Damaged electrical wiring
  • Water leaks
  • Sewer line breaks

3. Survey the exterior of your house for damage to:

  • Chimney
  • Foundation
  • Roof
  • Walls

4. Turn on portable or car radio for instructions and news reports.

  • Do not use your vehicle unless there is an emergency.
  • Do not go sightseeing. Keep the streets clear for emergency vehicles.
  • Do not use you telephone unless there is an emergency.
  • Do not turn off gas lines unless there is damage.

5. If you are forced to evacuate:

  • Try to follow a pre planned route, designed to avoid dangerous areas.
  • Leave a message telling where you can be found.
  • Take a portable supply of emergence supplies with you.
  • Be prepared for aftershocks.

 

 

 

 

Answers to earthquake quiz. Press here to return to quiz.

1. A If indoors you should stay indoors and get into a secure location such as under a strong desk or table. Interior hallways where one can brace against two walls are preferable to doorways where a loose door may swing and cause injury.

2. B If outdoors you should get into an open area away from falling objects such as trees, power lines, buildings, and walls.

3. C If in a high-rise building get away from windows and flying furniture. Get under a secure table or desk. Do not use the elevators.

4. A If in a crowded public area crouch and cover your head with your hands and arms. Do not rush for the doors or fight the crowd.

5. D If out driving your car do all of the following: pull to the side of the road, avoid overpasses and power lines, stay inside the car until the shaking is over.