Earthquakes are a common natural disaster, but are only a real worry in areas that are earthquake prone. So if you live near any of the earthquakes belts of the earth, mainly the Circum-Pacific belt, the Alpide belt, or the mid-Atlantic Ridge.
By being prepared, you can increase your chances of surviving and recovering from an earthquake.
What to do before an earthquake
There are a number of things you can do to prepare for an earthquake before it happens. These include:
• Create an earthquake plan. This plan should include things like where you will go if an earthquake strikes, how you will communicate with your family members, and what supplies you will need.
• Secure your home. This means fixing any potential hazards that could cause injury or damage during an earthquake, such as loose objects on shelves or hanging objects.
• Assemble an emergency kit. This kit should include food, water, first-aid supplies, a flashlight, a battery-powered radio, and a whistle.
• Learn CPR and first aid. This will help you if you or someone you know is injured in an earthquake.
• Get earthquake insurance. This type of insurance can help you pay for repairs to your home or belongings if they are damaged in an earthquake.
What to do during an earthquake
If you are in an earthquake, the most important thing to do is to stay calm and follow these steps:
• Drop to the ground, cover your head and neck with your arms, and hold on. This is the safest place to be during an earthquake.
• Stay away from windows, outside walls, and anything that could fall, such as bookcases, lamps, and furniture.
• If you are in a car, pull over to a safe location and stay inside until the shaking stops.
• Do not use elevators.
• Once the shaking stops, check for injuries and help others if needed.
What to do after an earthquake
After an earthquake, it is important to take the following steps:
• Check for injuries and help others if needed.
• Turn off the gas, electricity, and water.
• Check for damage to your home and belongings.
• If you have to leave your home, go to a safe place.
• Stay informed about the situation by listening to the radio or watching TV.
• Help your neighbors if needed.
Conclusion
By preparing for what could come, you can increase your chances of surviving and recovering from an earthquake.
Additional tips
Here are some additional tips for preparing for an earthquake:
• Have a plan for how you will communicate with your family members if you are separated during an earthquake. This could include having a designated meeting place or using a cell phone app that allows you to share your location with others.
• Keep a list of important phone numbers, such as your family doctor, your insurance company, and the local emergency management office, in a safe place.
• Have a plan for how you will get food and water if you are unable to leave your home for several days. This could include having a stockpile of food and water in your home or knowing where to go to get food and water if you need to evacuate.
• Learn how to turn off the gas, electricity, and water in your home. This will help to prevent fires and other hazards after an earthquake.
• Have a first-aid kit and know how to use it. This will help you to treat minor injuries that may occur during an earthquake.
• Be aware of the risks of aftershocks. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes that can occur after a major earthquake. They can be just as dangerous as the initial earthquake, so it is important to stay safe even after the shaking has stopped.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you are prepared for an earthquake.