Earthquake Safety Precautions

As unpredictable events of nature, earthquakes can cause much damage and destruction and much loss of life. During an earthquake injury and death to persons are usually caused by falling objects and collapsing buildings. In order to minimize the impact that earthquakes can have it is most important that safety precautions are observed and adhered to. The following safety precautions take into consideration:
a. Before an earthquake.
b. During an earthquake.
c. After an earthquake.
BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE
1. Potential earthquake hazards in the home and workplace should be removed and corrected. Top-heavy furniture and objects, such as book cases and storage cabinets, should be fastened to the wall and the largest and heaviest objects placed on lower shelves.
2. Supplies of food and water, flashlight, a first-aid kit and a battery-operated radio should be set aside for use in emergencies.
3. One or more family members should have a working knowledge of first-aid measures because medical facilities nearly are always overloaded during an emergency or disaster, or may, themselves, be damaged beyond use.
4. All family members should know what to do to avoid injury and panic. They should know how to turn off the electricity, water and gas. They should know the locations of the main switch valves. This is particularly important for teenagers who are likely to be alone with smaller children.
DURING AN EARTHQUAKE
1. The most important thing to do during an earthquake is to remain CALM. If you can do so then you are less likely to be injured. Also, those around you will have a greater tendency to be clam if you are calm.
2. Make no moves or take no action without thinking about the possible consequences. Any irrational movement may be an injurious one.
3. If you are inside stay there. Stand in a doorway or crouch under a desk or table, away from windows or glass fixtures.
4. If you are outside, stay there. Stay away from objects such as light poles, buildings, trees and telephone and electric wires, which could fall and injure you.
5. If you are in an automoblie, drive away from underpasses/overpasses, and stop in the safest place possible and stay there.
AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE
1. After an earthquake the most important thing to do is to check for injuries in your family and in the neighbourhood. Seriously injured persons should not be moved unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. First-aid should be administered, but only by someone who is qualified or has a working knowledge of first-aid.
2. Evacuate the building as soon as the shaking stops. Carefully inspect the exterior of the building for cracks in walls, shifted posts and pillars. If you see anything other than minor cracks do no re-enter the building until it has been inspected for safety by a professional.
3. Check for safety-hazards - gas, water sewage breaks; downed power lines and electrical short circuits, damaged and weakened buildings and foundations, fires and fire hazards.
4. Turn off appropriate utilities. Do not use matches, lighters or open flame, appliances or electrical switches until you are sure that there are no gas leaks.
5. Do not use the telephone except in extreme emergency.
6. Wear shoes and protective clothing, for example, hard hats and gloves, to avoid injuries while clearing debris.
7. Keep battery-operated radios and listen for emergency bulletins.
8. If electrical power is off for any length of time use the foods in your refrigerator and freezer before they spoil. Canned and dry foods should be saved for last.
9. Co-operate with all public safety and relief organizations. Do not go into damaged areas unless authorized by appropriate personnel.
10. Be prepared for additional earthquake shocks.