List down five (5) things to do before, during and after an earthquake do this in your answer sheet

This article was reviewed by a Caltech scientist.

It is impossible to predict when and where an earthquake will strike. Nonetheless, you can take steps before, during, and after a quake to help yourself stay safe and recover quickly.

List down five (5) things to do before, during and after an earthquake do this in your answer sheet

Make sure you and your household are earthquake-ready:

  • Secure heavy furniture and appliances – More than half of the injuries associated with the 1994 Northridge earthquake were caused by toppling objects. One way to protect yourself is to look around your home or workplace and make sure heavy furniture, such as bookcases and beds, as well as appliances, such as water heaters and televisions, are safely secured to the wall using straps, closed hooks, or wall studs. Large, heavy, or unstable items should be placed on low shelves, close to the floor, and away from doors and escape routes.
  • Identify safe spots – Know where you can take cover in every room, for example under a sturdy table or desk. Conduct regular drills on how to drop, cover, and hold on.
  • Have a plan – Make sure everyone in your household knows how to access disaster supplies, and whom to call and where to meet if an earthquake strikes when you are apart.
  • Gather supplies – Have ample water and an emergency kit ready in your home, as well as smaller go-bags in your car, workplace, and any other places you might be when an earthquake hits. Your emergency supplies should be tailored for your specific needs, but common items include water, a first-aid kit, sturdy shoes, a portable radio, snacks, and emergency cash. FEMA and The Earthquake Country Alliance provide detailed checklists of items to include in an emergency kit.

List down five (5) things to do before, during and after an earthquake do this in your answer sheet

The safest steps to take in the middle of an earthquake depend on where you are:

  • Indoors – Get under a desk or table, cover your head and neck with one arm or hand, and use your other arm or hand to hang on (drop, cover, and hold on). If no shelter is available, move into a hallway or against an inside wall. If you use a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking subsides. Stay away from windows, fireplaces, and heavy furniture or appliances, and do not use elevators. If you are in bed when an earthquake starts, do not get out of bed. Instead, lie face down to protect vital organs, and cover your head and neck with a pillow.
  • Outdoors – Quickly find an open space away from buildings, power lines, and anything else that can topple on you. If you are driving, safely pull over and stop, and stay in your car until the shaking stops. Do not stop under bridges, overpasses, trees, or anything else that can strike your vehicle. If you are in a mountainous area, watch out for falling rocks and landslides, and if you are near the ocean during a severe earthquake, be mindful of tsunamis.

List down five (5) things to do before, during and after an earthquake do this in your answer sheet

After the shaking subsides, assess your wellbeing and that of those around you. Stay alert to new or continuing hazards.

  • Conduct a safety check – Once you are in a safe place, check yourself and others for injuries, and call for help if needed. Look around to make sure you are not in danger from other hazards caused by the quake, such as gas leaks or fire. Wear boots or sturdy shoes to protect your feet from broken glass and debris.
  • Get help, if needed – If you are trapped, cover your mouth, nose, and eyes against dust. Send a text and make noise to alert rescuers to your location.
  • Be prepared for aftershocks – Aftershocks can be as strong as the original quake.
  • Stay connected – If you have access to a battery-operated radio (perhaps in your car) or television, update yourself on the latest emergency information. Let friends and family know you are safe, but, if possible, minimize calls to help protect internet and telephone connectivity. You can also register on the American Red Cross "Safe and Well" website to let people know you are safe.

  • Avoid running to other rooms while the ground is still shaking.
  • Do not seek shelter in doorways. They offer no protection against falling or flying objects.
  • After a quake, do not use matches or lighters near stoves or barbecues until you are sure there are no gas leaks. If the gas is turned off, do not turn it back on by yourself; let the gas company do it.
  • Do not call 911 unless you are experiencing a true emergency.

List down five (5) things to do before, during and after an earthquake do this in your answer sheet

Indiana University Bloomington   IU Bloomington

List down five (5) things to do before, during and after an earthquake do this in your answer sheet

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There are many things you can do to help yourself in the event of an earthquake. Generally, an earthquake is divided into three stages: before, during, and after. Know what to do in each stage.

Before

  • Develop a family earthquake plan. Prepare yourself and your home by completing the activities on this checklist.
  • Decide how and where your family will reunite if separated.
  • Choose an out-of-area friend or relative who separated family members can call after the quake to report their whereabouts and condition.
  • Know the safe spots in each room: under sturdy tables, desks, or against inside walls.
  • Know the danger spots: windows, mirrors, hanging objects, fireplaces and tall, unsecured furniture.
  • Conduct practice drills. Physically place yourself in safe locations.
  • Learn first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) from your local American Red Cross chapter or other community organization.
  • Keep a list of emergency phone numbers.
  • Learn how to shut off gas, water and electricity in case the lines are damaged. (Safety note: Do not attempt to relight a gas pilot).
  • Secure water heaters and appliances that could move enough to rupture lines.
  • Secure heavy furniture, hanging plants, heavy pictures or mirrors.
  • Keep flammable or hazardous liquids in cabinets or on lower shelves.
  • Maintain emergency food, water and other supplies, including a flashlight, a portable battery-operated radio, extra batteries, medicines, first aid kit and clothing.
During
  • If indoors, stay there and take cover under a table, desk, or other sturdy furniture.
  • Face away from windows and glass doors.
  • A doorway without a door is an acceptable location in which to stand.
  • Lie, kneel or sit near a structurally sound interior wall or corner away from windows, brick fireplaces, glass walls, etc.
  • Protect your head and body from falling or flying objects.
  • Remain where you are until shaking stops. Think out your plan of action first, then move.
  • Know exit routes if in a commercial building. Take cover and don't move until the shaking stops.
  • If outside, get into an open area away from trees, buildings, walls and power lines.
  • Lie down or crouch low to maintain balance.
  • Get to the best available shelter if there is no open area available.
  • If driving, stop safely as soon as possible. Stay inside your vehicle until the shaking stops.
  • Do not stop your vehicle under overpasses or bridges.
  • Stay below window level in your vehicle.
  • Turn off the engine and turn on the radio. Follow emergency instructions.
  • Stay in the vehicle if downed power lines have fallen across it. Do not touch metal. Wait for help. You might be able to back away from lines.
  • If you have to leave your vehicle, move to an open area quickly.
After
  • Check for injuries. Render first aid. Do not move seriously injured victims unless they are in immediate danger. Do not use the telephone immediately unless there is a serious injury, fire or other emergency. Hunt for hazards.
  • Check for other hazards and control them (fire, chemical spills, toxic fumes and possible collapse).
  • Check utilities (water, gas, electric). If there is damage, turn the utility off at the source.
  • Check for other hazards and control them (fire, chemical spills, toxic fumes and possible collapse).
  • Check building for cracks and damage, including roof, chimneys, and foundation.
  • Check food and water supplies.
  • Emergency water can be obtained from water heaters, melted ice cubes, canned vegetables, and toilet tanks.
  • Never use matches, lighters or candles inside.
  • Turn on the radio and listen for emergency broadcasts/announcements, news reports, and instructions. Cooperate with public safety officials.
  • Do not use your vehicle unless there is an emergency. Keep the streets clear for emergency vehicles.
  • If buildings are suspect, set up your shelter area away from damage.
  • Work with your neighbors for a quicker recovery. Stay calm and lend a hand to others.
  • Be prepared for aftershocks.
  • Plan for evacuation in case events make this necessary. Leave written messages for other family members or searchers.
  • Use gloves, wear heavy shoes, and have adequate and appropriate clothing available.

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