we-love-society.com

When you feel the ground begin to shake time is crucial. Panic is not an option. Deciding to remain calm can contribute to your chances of survival. Structural damage can occur in your area if you are close enough to a blast or earthquake to feel the shock. Depending on where you are located, the following guidelines may help save your life.

BASIC SAFETY
Keep well-made shoes and a flashlight within arm’s reach of your bed and another set near your work station. A set of clothes you can quickly put on should be at your bedside. If the shaking starts while you are in bed, remain there until it stops. When the tremor ends, quickly put on clothing and shoes. Broken glass will easily slice through bare feet (or casual/dress shoes) and hinder your efforts to get to safety.

DUCK * COVER * HOLD
IF YOU ARE INSIDE A BUILDING get down next to a load-carrying wall. Position yourself under something sturdy such as a heavy table. Use your hands to protect your neck and head. Brace yourself by hanging onto whatever you are beneath.

IF YOU ARE LOCATED IN A HIGH-RISE get beneath something sturdy. Cover your head and neck with a hand. Grasp the object shielding you to steady yourself. Use the stairs when you exit. NEVER use elevators during earthquake or fire.

WHEN OUTSIDE
Quickly note the location of large trees and power lines. These could be falling hazards. Overhead hazards like these should be avoided. Look for an open space where you can avoid falling debris. In urban areas, locate yourself away from tall buildings. Two to thirteen feet of broken glass can crash onto streets beneath high-rise buildings.

IF YOU ARE IN A VEHICLE
Stay in your car. Try to position yourself away from overhead hazards. Don’t place your vehicle under any protrusions. During an earthquake, don’t get out of your car even if it is underneath a bridge during. Tires will act as a cushioning (and insulation) if heavy debris fall onto your automobile. Move your vehicle to the shoulder without blocking other vehicles if you are on an open stretch of road. Wait for the quaking to end. Use your radio to track reports and get further instructions.

AFTER THE SHAKING STOPS
Realize that aftershocks are likely: prepare to DUCK-COVER-HOLD – again! Examine yourself for injuries. Locate the flashlight. Flashlights are much safer than candles in the event of gas leaks. If you are home, locate everyone that was in the house. Help everyone get to your pre-arranged meeting place. Then, take a lap around the house to assess the damage to property – any large cracks, foundation movement, does the house look askew?

Natural gas shouldn’t be shut off unless you are instructed to do so by authorities. Listen to AM radio for updates/news from the Emergency Broadcast Network regarding where to go for help.

Locate any pets you own. Attempt to reassure and calm them. Place them on a leash or restraint for several hours until you are SURE they are calm and not prone to running away. This will also help prevent bites that occur due to anxiety.

HEED YOUR INSTINCTS
Trust your gut when it comes to survival. Make a note of the behavior of birds and animals. In 2008 there was a mass migration of frogs crossing roads in China that began on a Monday (May 5th). The following Monday, May 12th, central China was rocked by a 7.8-magnitude quake which killed nearly 10,000 people.

A WORD OF WARNING
This article should be used as a guideline. Considering your course of action ahead of time will increase your likelihood of survival if you find yourself in an earthquake. This information is not a substitute for professional services. The reader assumes all liability when utilizing these measures.