8 Tips for Earthquake Preparedness and Response
Earthquakes are unpredictable. With the emerging technology, experts predict upcoming earthquakes. But we do not get accurate information from them. Nobody can explain natural calamities in specific numbers. As we all know, nature always plays its own game. So, when you cannot control these things, you can keep you can prepare yourself for such unforeseen circumstances.
It is beneficial to keep an earthquake preparation plan. Also, one must know about how to respond when an earthquake occurs and what are the safety measures to be taken. So, let us investigate a few tips which can help in earthquake preparedness and response.
Get A Survival Kit
Prepare or purchase a survival kit containing all the essential supplies. The kit should contain the basic material required for survival. You should keep water, non-perishable food with an opener, and a flashlight, and batteries. Along with this, a first aid kit is another essential to be added to your survival kit. Also, do not forget to keep prescribed medications, whistles, copies of your personal documents, and a Swiss army knife.
Practice Emergency Responses Like Drop, Cover, And Hold On
When you feel the earth-shaking, drop on your hands and knees wherever you are. Cover yourself. If you have a desk or table near you, crawl under it. Cover your neck and head with one arm and hand. Until you feel the vibrations, be there. Try to stay away from windows. Although earthquakes are not a frequent scene in Florida, people should be aware of do’s and do nots.
Analyze Your Location
Planning for an emergency is a part of earthquake preparedness. So, choose the safer locations in your room. Never stand under objects that can fall, like a bookshelf, or showcase. Also, if you are in bed, practice drop, cover, and hold on using your pillows to cover your head and neck. If you are outside, stay in an open area away from buildings, trees, and poles.
Watch Out and Help Others
When the shaking stops, check to see if you are hurt. This is because you can help others only when you are safe. When you are moving out, watch your steps. Walk carefully for fallen or broken objects. Remember, fire is another common earthquake-related hazard. They may be caused by broken gas lines or damaged electrical lines. Make use of stairs if you are in a building and avoid the elevator. One should avoid elevators in such conditions. Also, watch out for falling debris.
If You Are in A Vehicle
During the earthquake, if you are in a vehicle, stop the vehicle. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking stops. Do not try getting out of the vehicle. Stop the vehicle wherever you are. If you can, take it to the side of the road. See if you are in a safe place away from poles and trees.
Precautionary Steps After the Earthquake
Shut off the valves of gas and water lines. Open the doors and windows in case you feel any smell of gas. Report the issue to the authorities. Stay away from beaches. Sometimes, tsunamis strike the land after earthquakes. Be prepared for aftershocks.
Protect Your Property
Anchor your furniture to walls and floors. Bolt and fix bookcases and other tall furniture to wall studs. These items can fall over during an earthquake and cause damage. Secure the contents of your cabinets by installing strong latches. This will prevent the cabinets from opening and preventing contents from falling.
Install Flexible Pipe Fittings
By installing flexible pipe fittings, we can prevent gas and water leakage. Flexible fittings will not break with the vibrations of the earthquake. Solid pipes tend to break down as they cannot move with the quake. Flexible fittings are good to go, especially in earthquake-prone areas.
Greetings! This is Brian Marshall, owner of Pherian LLC situated in Tampa, Fl. America is a land of natural disasters. Every part of the USA is prone to some or the other natural calamity. Living in this land for years, I realize the importance of disaster awareness. Such knowledge and awareness are especially important for people to stay safe and secure.
