Earthquake Safety by David Wei

Earthquake PreparednessBe Prepared. Stay Alive.David Wei, MBAAccident Prevention SpecialistUCLA EH&S

OverviewEarthquake - Basics

Earthquakes - History

Earthquakes - Myths Dispelled

Earthquake Preparedness

Resources

How do earthquakes occur?Earthquakes occur because of movement at a fault - a place where two slabs of rock are sliding past each other.

Japan 2004

1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake

October 17 4:15 p.m.

6.9 Richter

San Francisco / Santa Cruz Mountains

1989 - Loma Prieta

1994 Northridge Earthquake

January 17, 4:30 a.m.

6.7 Richter

Myth Dispelled #1

You can predict earthquakes

Myth Dispelled #2

Animals can predict earthquakes

Myth Dispelled #3

There is earthquake weather

Most Deadly EarthquakesYear Location Magnitude Deaths

1976 China 7.5 655,0001927 China 7.7 200,0001923 Japan 7.9 143,0001908 Italy 6.9 110,0001920 China 8.3 100,0001932 China 7.6 70,0001970 Peru 8.0 54,0001990 Iran 7.9 50,0001935 Pakistan 8.1 30,0001939 Turkey 7.7 30,000

Most Powerful EarthquakesYear Location Magnitude Deaths

1960 China 9.3 22,0001964 Alaska 9.2 1301952 Kamchatka 9.0 01965 Aleutian Islands 8.7 01922 Chile 8.7 01957 Aleutian Islands 8.6 0

1950 India-China border 8.6 1,5001906 Ecuador 8.6 500

1963 Kuril Islands 8.6 01923 Alaska 8.5 0

Comparison of earthquake magnitude and severity

The most powerful earthquakes are not necessarily the most deadly - several other factors play a part ...

their location

types of soil

structure of buildings

population density

Your Behavior!!!

Tip #1: Fix the hazardsa.TV’s, Furniture

b. Water heaters

c. Hazardous materials

Tip #2: Prepare a Disaster Plan

Gas shutoff

Water shutoffPower Shutoff

a.Practice “Duck, cover, and hold on”

b. Locate Utility Shutoff Valves

c. Establish a Meeting Place

Tip #3: Prepare a Disaster Supply Kit

a. Medicines (Rx)

b. Food/water

c. Whistle

d. Personal ID

e. First Aid Kits

= Bandages, Knuckle Bandages, Triangle Bandages, Ace Bandages, Gauze Tape, First Air Tape, Antibiotic Ointment, Gloves, Cold Packs, Scissors, Tweezers, Absorbent

Compresses.

Tip #4: Know Your AreaAt work:

I know where exit routes, fire extinguishers and first aid kits are in my work area.

I know the danger spots - windows, mirrors, hanging objects, fireplaces and tall furniture.

I know the safe spots in each room - under sturdy tables, desks or against inside walls.

At home:

I know where to shut off the water, power and gas and I have access to the necessary tools.

How prepared are you for a future earthquake?

At work:

We have established disaster plan and have discussed it

I have assembled supplies and have them stored at my desk

I carry a list of important phone numbers in my wallet, including the number of my out of state family contact

We conduct regular practice drills, and have an established meeting place in the event of an evacuation

At home:

The water heater is strapped to the wall

Anything that would have fallen on my head has been secured to the wall

I have emergency lighting stored and ready to use

I have stored emergency food and water supplies

I have a portable radio and batteries

We have decided where we will reunite if separated

Shakeout! November 13th, 2008.Knowing How to React

Develop a workplace and a family disaster plan

Get training in first aid/ CPR and in how to use a fire extinguisher

Look for safe places inside and outside of all buildings where you spend time

If you are indoors when the shaking starts - Duck, Cover and Hold On

If you are outdoors in an earthquake, stay outside and move away from buildings and power lines. Crouch down and protect your head

Wait until the shaking stops before attempting to exit the building if necessary

Be on the lookout for fires

In high-rise building, the fire alarms and sprinklers may activate even if there is no fire; double check and extinguish small fires if trained to do so

If you must leave the building after the shaking stops, use the stairs not the elevator

Expect aftershocks, and plan where you will take cover when they occur

ResourcesUCLA Environment, Health & Safety

Injury & Illness Prevention Program

ehs.ucla.edu

UCLA Emergency Management

map.ais.ucla.edu/go/Emergency%20Management

County of Los Angeles

Emergency Preparedness and Response Program

www.labt.org

ResourcesCenters for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC)

emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes

Questions?