It is always critical for us to properly prepare for an earthquake, especially if we live near a fault line or a place that is particularly prone to earthquakes, like California. Although there are early warning systems in place to notify people in advance of a major earthquake, the best way to minimize injury and ensure your safety is to make sure that you are prepared at all times.
Earthquakes may strike suddenly and violently--however, it only takes a small amount of your time to protect yourself from an earthquake if one should ever occur. Planning in advance is always the best way to stay safe during natural disasters like earthquakes, especially since many people can't just pick up and move away from a certain place to avoid them.
While there are a few locations throughout the country where earthquakes occur more frequently than in the rest of the U.S., there are still occasions when earthquakes have hit areas that are not accustomed to experiencing them. There is no way to know exactly where or when an earthquake will occur and they're often highly unpredictable, so Movers.com recommends that everyone follows the tips outlined in this guide to prepare yourself.
Protect the vulnerable areas of your home
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Some of the more prudent steps that you can follow are to secure water heaters, as well as heavy and tall furniture to prevent them from toppling. Breakables or flammable liquids such as pesticide killers and weed killers should be stored on the lower shelves or on the floor in secure cabinets. If they fall from a shorter distances, it will reduce the risk of damage to the products. Fix all of your shelves securely and firmly to the wall. Make sure to avoid placing very heavy items, such as light fixtures and glass mirrors, hanging over your bed or sofa.
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Have a look at your foundations and ceilings. If you find any deep cracks in the structures, then make sure to fix them as soon as possible before the problem is exacerbated.
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Make sure to check and fasten all of the electric cables, faulty fittings and gas leaks if you find any, because they can potentially become a fire hazard during an earthquake. It is always a good idea to fix flexible pipes for gas and for other purposes to avoid gas leaks.
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In order to protect glass from breakages, try to install shatter-safe window films.
Safest places to go during an earthquake
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Identify the safest spots in each room throughout your home where you can take cover in the event of an earthquake. These spots might be underneath a sturdy desk table or against an inside wall.
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Make sure to communicate with your family members about your emergency plan and allow them to choose a suitable place to take shelter in the house during an earthquake.
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Have an emergency contact list that is shared with everyone in the home and discuss the place that you want to meet in the aftermath of a disaster if you or any members of your family are separated.
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Never make an attempt to run outside during an earthquake because there is always the danger of falling debris that can pose a great hazard. If you do happen to find yourself outside already during an earthquake, then run to an open space that is free from power lines or any other large objects that can potentially collapse and fall. If you are in a car, do not drive it to an overpass or near any bridges.
Create a disaster safety kit and keep it handy or readily available near the central part of one of the main rooms in your house that is frequented the most, like the kitchen or living room. The items that should be included in the safety kit are:
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Flashlight with extra batteries
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Glow sticks
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First-aid kit
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Emergency food and water
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Sturdy shoes
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Cell phones with extra batteries and radio
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Plastic bags for waste
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Food and supplies for your pets
When the earthquake stops
The most important things that have to be taken care of after an earthquake are the health and well-being of you and your family. Immediately check to make sure that you and your family members are safe and make sure that none of your family members got trapped or injured during the earthquake. If need be, try to administer some type of first-aid for anyone who is injured, and if the injury is too severe for first aid, call 911 and move yourself and others out from any collapsed areas of the building as soon as you can and as carefully as possible. It's important that you stay tuned to the radio or television for the latest updates.
If you find anything that is suspicious, such as the smell of a gas leaks, then shut off the gas valve, or if you find any power outages or ruptured water lines or sewers, then shut down the power at the control box and try to vacate the area as soon as possible.
If you are separated from your family members and your phone is working, then contact them and let them know about your location. Make sure to use your phones only for emergency calls, as there may be power outages and you may run out of battery power quickly.
Be cautious in and around any structures in the moments immediately following an earthquake. Some buildings may be vulnerable to collapsing. Open closets with extreme care, as items may fall from cupboards or closets when the door is opened.
You should avoid driving in the immediate aftermath of an earthquake, as the roads will likely be scattered with dangerous debris or just unsafe for traveling in general. Make sure to clean up any dangerous substances such as bleaches, gasoline or other flammable liquids that might have been spilled during the earthquake. If you smell fumes from other chemicals, try to leave the area as soon as you can, or open windows to allow some clean air into the room.
Photo by: Stuart Miles (Freedigitalphotos.net)