It is scary to imagine that the ground we are standing on and believe to be so reliable and thick can shift and split open. Although there have been advances in the technology to predict natural disasters, earthquake predictability and accuracy is still not as efficient as we need in order to be most prepared.
CAUSE:
Earthquakes are caused by tectonic plates shifting, and subterranean pressure and heat that has been trapped in the Earth (Courtley, 2012).
HOW TO PREPARE:
There are maps that illustrate fault lines and risk prone areas. The greatest cause of death during the initial earthquake tremor is falling debris. For this reason, it is important to check rooms and make sure things like bookcases are bracketed to the wall. Big objects should be placed on the floor, and mirrors or pictures near beds should be bracketed or removed. Broken gas lines provide very serious fire hazards, so you should make sure there is enough flex in the hose if you have gas appliances (Courtley, 2012). Rehearsing what to do if and earthquake occurs is very beneficial.
OUTDOORS:
If you are outdoors during an earthquake, you should get away from buildings, poles and overhead power lines (Courtley, 2012). The safest distance from a building is around three times the height of that building. A large parking lot or park would be the ideal location outside.
IN A VEHICLE:
You should stop your car as soon as possible. Again, it is important to stay away from buildings. Try to drive off elevated roadways or bridges.
INSIDE:
The book urges that you stay inside. You should try to use one of two methods of coping when inside. The first is called the Drop, Cover and hold on. In this method, you should find a sturdy table or piece of furniture and get under it (Drop). Next you should cover your head with your arms, and hold on (Courtley, 2012). The second method is called the Triangle of Life. In this method, you should position yourself next to a sturdy piece of furniture so that in the case of a wall collapsing, it will create a crawl space or void space where you can survive.
HOW NOT TO PREPARE:
There are a few common misconceptions about what to do in the case of an earthquake. In the book, Courtley says running outside, getting in a door frame or getting against a wall aren’t your best options. This was interesting to me because I have always thought standing in a door frame was what you were supposed to do. Sometimes misinformation is spread around and thought for so long that it is very surprising when we hear the truth.
AFTERMATH:
I think that this part of an earthquake can be very devastating, and it often is not what we think of. Obviously your first priority is to survive, but what about after? If you were inside when the earthquake hit, you should get up and go outside immediately. Aftershocks can continue for days following the initial earthquake.
References:
Courtley, C. (2012). SEAL Survival Guide. New York, NY: Gallery Books
think safety blog 