Are You Prepared For a Quake?
There are many ways in which you can prepare for an earthquake.
First you need how to learn to duck, cover, and hold.
Collapsing structures and falling objects are what cause injuries and deaths.
If you know how to protect yourself when an earthquake occurs, you could
just save your life. First you need to duck under a strong structure such
as a table or desk. Cover your neck and face so that it is better protected
from falling objects and broken glass. If possible, face away from any glass.
Hold onto the table or desk because most likely it will move so be prepared
to move with it. Hold that position until the shaking stops. If a table
or desk is not available, you should stand in the doorway.
Unless you have a serious emergency, stay off of the
telephone for the first hour after the earthquake happens. It will be very
difficult to complete a local call. Keep the lines clear for those who actually
have a serious emergency.
Not only can you protect yourself but you can help others.
Learn to rescue people trapped under debris, fight fires, and to provide
first aid. The elderly, immobile, and handicapped will need the most help.
Broken gas lines are the most common cause of earthquake-related
fires. You should know how to turn off the gas supply at the meter in case
you smell gas after a large earthquake. You should buy a special wrench
that fits your gas turnoff valve. It is a good idea to fasten it near the
valve.
Find out the policy at your local school concerning
release of children after an earthquake. It is also a good idea to arrange
with your neighbors to watch out for your family and property in case an
earthquake occurs and you are not home.
Make a plan with your co-workers, your neighbors, and
your family. It is very important to have an emergency response plan.
Medical aid, water, transportation, electricity, and
communication may be unavailable or severely restricted for several days
or weeks after a large earthquake. You should be prepared to take care of
you and your family for at least three days.
You should have a survival kit at work, in your car,
and in your home. In it you should keep batteries, flashlights, an A-B-C
rated fire extinguisher, a first-aid kit and handbook, a battery -operated
radio, food, warm clothes, one gallon of water per person per day, and sturdy
shoes.
Make sure that your supplies are in a safe and easy
to access area.
Make sure that everyone in your family knows where your
survival kit is located. It is also smart to take a course in first aid.
You spend a third of your day in bed so make sure that
no heavy objects such as a picture or mirror could fall.
If you have tall furniture like a bookcase, secure it
to the wall. It is also a good idea to add lips to shelves to keep items
from sliding off. Make sure adjustable shelves can't slide off their supports.
In the case of an earthquake, do not run outside or
use staircases or elevators.
If you are driving during an earthquake, you should
move to the shoulder. Stay away from overpasses, bridges, large buildings,
and power lines. Stay in your car until the shaking stops.
The most important thing of all is to stay calm.
A recent survey showed that 66% of the people around the world did not
know what to do when they experienced an earthquake.
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