When the ground is rumbling every second counts. There is no time to panic. Choose to act and live. If you can feel a tremor, you are close enough to the epicenter (or blast) for there to be structural damage in your area. These guidelines may help you live through such an event.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
Keep a flashlight and sturdy shoes within reach of your bed and your work place. Keep a set of clothes that is easy to slip on beside your bed. If you are in bed when the shaking starts, remain in bed until the tremor is over. When the tremor ends, quickly put on clothing and shoes. Bare feet are no match for broken glass, and light shoes won’t last long in rough terrain.
DUCK * COVER * HOLD
IF YOU ARE INSIDE A BUILDING get down next to a load-carrying wall. Get beneath something solid such as a strong table. Use your hands to protect your neck and head. Brace yourself by holding firmly onto the object you are beneath.
IF YOU ARE IN A TALL BUILDING duck under a sturdy object. Use your arms and hands to shield your head and neck. Hold onto whatever you are ducking underneath for stability. Use the stairwell exit. Elevators should NEVER be used during a fire or earthquake.
IF OUTDOORS
Observe where the large trees and power lines are located. If these fall, they are dangerous. Overhead hazards like these should be avoided. Look for an open space where you can avoid falling debris. In urban areas, locate yourself away from tall buildings. Two to thirteen feet of broken glass can crash onto streets beneath high-rise buildings.
IF YOU ARE IN AN AUTOMOBILE
Remain in your automobile. Try to position yourself away from overhead hazards. Don’t place your vehicle under any protrusions. Remain in your car even if it is beneath a bridge during an earthquake. Tires will act as a cushioning (and insulation) if heavy debris fall onto your automobile. Move your vehicle to the shoulder without blocking other vehicles if you are on an open stretch of road. Wait for the shaking to stop. Listen for reports and instructions on the car radio.
AFTER THE SHAKING STOPS
Expect aftershocks; be prepared to repeat the DUCK, COVER & HOLD. Make sure you are okay. Locate the flashlight. In the event of gas leaks, a flashlight will be MUCH safer to use than a candle. If you are at home, locate everyone in your household. Move everyone to a safe place that you’ve agreed upon beforehand. Next, move around the exterior of the house and make a note of any large cracks, leaning walls, or other structural damage.
Natural gas shouldn’t be shut off unless you are instructed to do so by authorities. Listen to AM radio for updates/news from the Emergency Broadcast Network regarding where to go for help.
Don’t forget to locate your pets. Soothe and reassure them. To protect them from running away, restrain them or place them on a leash until it is certain they are no longer afraid. Anxiety induced bites are also prevented by taking these measures.
HEED YOUR INSTINCTS
Respect the role that instincts play in survival. Observe the habits of nature around you. China experienced a migration of thousands of frogs in 2008 that began on the 5th of May, a Monday. The following Monday, May 12th, central China was rocked by a 7.8-magnitude quake which killed nearly 10,000 people.
USE CAUTION
These guidelines are offered as suggestions. In the event you find yourself experiencing an earthquake, your chances of survival will be enhanced by having taken the time to contemplate your options. This material is no substitute for assistance by professionals. All liability is assumed by the person that utilizes these measures.
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