Earthquake Safety

Turkey, 1992 Magnitude 6.9

Earthquake facts

Each year 12,000-14,000 earthquakes are reported; that's an average of 35 earthquakes a day.

Japan, 1995 Magnitude 6.8

Earthquake facts

When earthquakes strike a populated region, they can cause extensive property damage, serious injuries and fatalities.

Pakistan, 2005 Magnitude 7.8

Earthquake facts

Scientists cannot predict precisely when or where one will occur.

It's important to know what to do before, during, and after an earthquake.

Mindoro, 1994 Magnitude 7.0

What to do BEFORE an earthquake

1. Identify potential hazards and fix them.

Secure heavy appliances and furniture. Consider safe locations for mirrors and

heavy wall decor. Put heavy and breakable items on

lower shelves or tables. Have buildings checked for structural

problems.

What to do BEFORE an earthquake

2. Create a disaster plan. Practice “drop, cover and hold on.” Identify safe spots in each room. Learn to shut off the electricity, gas

and water. Establish an evacuation plan. Prepare essential medical and food

supplies. Learn first aid and CPR. Have occasional earthquake drills.

Safe spotsUnder sturdy tables or desks In structurally sound or strongly supported doorwaysIn a small room or hallway Against an interior wall Never take cover near windows or

heavy furniture that can tip over, such as bookcases and entertainment units.

Avoid poorly supported doorways, such as those with metal frames.

What to do DURING an earthquake

Indoors: Drop, cover, and hold on. If you must move for safety, take

only a few steps and stay there until the shaking stops.

If you are not near a desk or table, drop to the floor against the interior wall and protect your head and neck with your arms.

Drop, cover and hold on

Drop to the ground under

a table or desk for

protection from falling

objects.

Cover your head and neck with

your arm to protect them from flying

debris.

Hold on to a leg of the

table or desk you're under so that it will

not slide away from

you.

What to do DURING an earthquake

Avoid exterior walls, windows, hanging objects, mirrors, tall furniture, large appliances, and kitchen cabinets with heavy objects or glass.

If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow.

Do not go outside!.

What to do DURING an earthquake

In a high-rise: Drop, cover, and hold on. Avoid windows and other hazards. Do not use elevators. Do not be surprised if sprinkler

systems or fire alarms activate.

What to do DURING an earthquake

Outdoors: Move to a clear area if you can

safely do so. Stay at least 10 feet away from

any building from which window glass and other debris could fall.

Move away from trees, streetlights, and power lines.

Crouch down and cover your head.

What to do DURING an earthquake

On a sidewalk near buildings:

Duck into a doorway to protect yourself from falling bricks, glass, plaster, and other debris. Seattle, 2001

Magnitude 6.8

What to do DURING an earthquake

In a car: Pull over to the side of the road,

stop, and set the parking brake. Avoid overpasses, bridges, power

lines, signs and other hazards. Stay inside the vehicle until the

shaking is over. If a power line falls on the car, stay

inside until a trained person removes the wire.

What to do DURING an earthquake

In a stadium or theater: Stay at your seat and protect your

head and neck with your arms. Don’t try to leave until the shaking is

over. Then walk out slowly watching for

anything that could fall in the aftershocks.

Avoid rushing towards exits.

What to do DURING an earthquake

In a crowded store or other public place:

Do not rush for exits.

Move away from display shelves containing objects that could fall.

What to do DURING an earthquake

Near the beach: Drop, cover and hold on until the

shaking stops. When shaking stops, immediately

evacuate to high ground or move inland. Don't wait for officials to issue a

warning. Walk quickly, rather than drive, to avoid

traffic, debris and other hazards.

What to do DURING an earthquake

In a mountainous area:

Watch for and avoid falling rocks, broken roadbeds, landslides and falling debris.

El Salvador, 1986

Magnitude 7.8

What to do AFTER an earthquake

1. Check yourself for injuries. 2. Protect yourself from further danger

by putting on long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and sturdy shoes.

3. Check others for injuries. Give first aid for as necessary.

4. Look for and extinguish small fires. Eliminate fire hazards.

What to do AFTER an earthquake

5. Turn off the gas if you smell gas or think it’s leaking.

6. Listen to the radio for instructions.7. Expect aftershocks. Each time you

feel one, drop, cover, and hold on!8. Inspect your home for damage.9. Stay out of damaged buildings.

Stay calm and alert!

The End