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Earthquake
Safety – How to Prepare for One
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By
David W.
Tschanz |
06/01/2003 |
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Events
in Southeast Asia in 2004 and Iran in 2003, as well as a similar tragedy in
Turkey in 1999, continue to remind us all of the suddenness with which an
earthquake can hit, and the devastation that it can wreak. Whether you are
a resident of an “earthquake prone area” or merely a tourist that happens to
be in the wrong place at the wrong time, knowing what to do is essential.
The
real key to surviving an earthquake and reducing your risk of injury lies in
planning, preparing, and practicing what you and your family will do if it
happens. One of the key things you can do before a disaster is to take
some basic training in both Standard First Aid and Basic Life Support. You
should also acquire sufficient battery powered flashlights and test them
regularly. Battery powered radios and televisions can be essential in the
immediate post-disaster period. You should be familiar with the exits and
escape routes wherever you are staying, be it your own home, an office or a
hotel.
During
the Earthquake
During
a major earthquake, you may hear a roaring or rumbling sound that gradually
grows louder. You may feel a rolling sensation that starts out gently and,
within a second or two, grows violent. Alternatively, you may first be
jarred by a violent jolt. A second or two later, you may feel shaking and find
it difficult to stand up or move
from
one room to another. Both the Bam and Turkey earthquake struck in the
middle of night, without warning.
Indoor
Safety
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According
to the American Rescue Team International (ARTI), the
best way to avoid getting squashed during an earthquake is to curl up in
areas most likely to become voids in case of the building collapsing. Voids
are spaces created around large objects such as a desk, bed, couch, filing
cabinet etc., and if a person is in a void when the building collapses, he
will most likely survive.
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Stay
away from glass and hanging objects, and bookcases, china cabinets, or other
large furniture that could fall. Watch for falling objects, such as bricks
from fireplaces and chimneys, light fixtures, wall hangings, high shelves,
and cabinets with doors that could swing open. Grab something to shield your
head and face from falling debris and broken glass.
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Use
a battery-operated flashlight if the lights go out. Don't use candles,
matches, or lighters during or after the earthquake. If there is a gas leak,
an explosion could result.
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If
you are in the kitchen, quickly turn off the stove and take cover at the
first sign of shaking.
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DO
NOT use the elevators.
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If
you are in a crowded public place, do not rush for the doorways. Others will
have the same idea. Move away from display shelves containing objects that
may fall. If you can, take cover and grab something to shield your head and
face from falling debris and glass.
Outdoor
Safety
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If
outdoors, move away from buildings and utility wires. The greatest danger
from falling debris is just outside doorways and close to outer walls. Once
in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.
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f
you are in a moving automobile, stop as quickly and safely as possible and
move over to the shoulder or curb, away from utility poles, overhead wires,
and under- or overpasses. Stay in the vehicle, set the parking brake, and
turn on the radio for emergency broadcast information. A car may jiggle
violently on its springs, but it is a good place to stay until the shaking
stops. If you are in a life-threatening situation, you may be able to reach
someone with either a cellular or an emergency roadside assistance phone.
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When
you drive on, watch for hazards created by the earthquake, such as breaks in
the pavement, downed utility poles and wires, a fallen overpasses and
bridges.
After
the Earthquake
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Be
prepared for "aftershocks." Although most of these are smaller
than the main earthquake, some may be large enough to cause additional
damage or bring down weakened structures.
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Because
other aftereffects can include fires, chemical spills, landslides, dam
breaks, and tidal waves, be sure to monitor your battery-operated radio or
TV for additional emergency information.
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Check
for injuries. Do not attempt to move injured or unconscious people unless
they are in immediate danger from live electrical wires, flooding, or other
hazards. Internal injuries may not be evident, but may be serious or
life-threatening. If someone has stopped breathing, call for medical or
first aid assistance immediately and begin CPR if you are trained to do so.
Stop a bleeding injury by applying direct pressure to the wound. If you are
trapped, try to attract attention to your location.
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An
earthquake may break gas, electrical, and water lines. If you smell gas: (1)
open windows; (2) shut off the main gas valve; (3) do not turn any
electrical appliances or lights on or off; (4) go outside; (5) report the
leak to authorities; and (6) do not reenter the building until a utility
official says it is safe to do so.
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If
electric wiring is shorting out, shut off the electric current at the main
box.
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If
water pipes are damaged, shut off the supply at the main valve.
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Have
chimneys inspected for cracks and damage. Do not use the fireplace if the
chimney has any damage.
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Immediately
clean up spilled medicines, drugs, flammable liquids, and other potentially
hazardous materials.
Evacuating
Your Home
If
you must evacuate your home:
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Take
vital documents (wills, insurance policies, etc.), emergency supplies, and
extra medications with you.
The
only sure way to optimize your chances of surviving an earthquake or any
potential disaster is to develop a workable plan. The other key step is
reviewing it with family members and practicing it. There is no sure way
to avoid calamity, but proper precautions and understanding can make a disaster,
even a catastrophic one, survivable.
*
David W. Tschanz, PhD has a master's degree in public
health/epidemiology from the University of South Carolina. He is also a
medical/military historian, web developer, editor and demographer. You may
contact him by sending your emails to: Desertwriter1121@yahoo.com.
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