There are several natural disasters that you may face in your lifetime. Indeed, tornadoes, tsunamis, and earthquakes occur quite frequently. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to stay safe during an earthquake. Here are some tips to follow in the event of an earthquake.
1. If you are indoors during an earthquake
If you are inside during an earthquake, you will not act in the same way as if you are outside. Here’s what to do in case you’re in a building:
- Lie on the floor and hide under a solid table or another piece of furniture. Stay in your hiding place until the tremor stops. If there is no table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and squat in a corner inside the building.
- Stay away from glass, windows, doors and exterior walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
- Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake begins. Behave yourself and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light that could fall. In this case, go to the nearest safe place.
- Do not stand under a doorway unless you know that it is a heavily supported doorway and is close to you. Many interior doors are made of lightweight construction and offer no protection.
- Stay inside until the earthquake stops and it is safe to exit. Do not leave a building during the tremor. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside a building try to move to or from another location.
- Do not use the elevators.
- Be aware that electricity may be cut off or water sprinkler systems or fire alarms may be triggered.
2. If you are outdoors during an earthquake
If you are outdoors during an earthquake, be sure to follow these few tips:
- Do not move from where you are except to stay away from buildings, streetlights and electrical wires.
- Wait until the tremors stop. The greatest danger is near buildings, exits and along exterior walls.
3. If you are in a moving vehicle
If you are in a moving vehicle and are witnessing an earthquake, here’s what you should do:
- Stop as quickly as you can, while being careful, and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, bridges, and electrical wires.
- Return to the road carefully once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges or ramps that could have been damaged by the earthquake.
4. If you are trapped under debris
If you are trapped under debris during or after an earthquake, here’s what you should do:
- Do not light matches.
- Do not move or remove dust.
- Cover your mouth with a tissue or clothing.
- Tap on a pipe or wall so that the rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if there is one. Shout only as a last resort, as doing so may cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
