WHAT TO DO BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER EARTHQUAKE?

7/10/2019 (Permalink)

WHAT TO DO BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER EARTHQUAKE? Ventura, California

Earthquake is the shaking of the Earth’s surface resulting from the sudden release of energy in the lithosphere that creates seismic waves. It  range in size from  weak that they cannot be felt to those violent enough to toss people around and destroy whole cities. When the epicenter of a large earthquake is located offshore, the seabed may be displaced and cause tsunami. Earthquakes can also trigger landslides, and volcanic activity. The energy of a magnitude 4 earthquake is 31 times the energy of a magnitude 3 earthquake. The energy of a magnitude 5 earthquake is 31 times the energy of a magnitude 4 earthquake.

Things to Do Before an Earthquake

1. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, and extra batteries at home.
2. Learn first aid.
3. Learn how to turn off the gas, water, and electricity.
4. Make up a plan of where to meet your family after an earthquake.
5. Don't leave heavy objects on shelves (they'll fall during a quake).
6. Anchor heavy furniture, cupboards, and appliances to the walls or floor.
7. Learn the earthquake plan at your school or workplace.

Things to Do During an Earthquake

1. Stay calm! If you're indoors, stay inside. If you're outside, stay outside.
2. If you're indoors, stand against a wall near the center of the building, stand in a doorway, or crawl under heavy furniture (a desk or table). Stay away from windows and outside doors.
3. If you're outdoors, stay in the open away from power lines or anything that might fall. Stay away from buildings (stuff might fall off the building or the building could fall on you).
4. Don't use matches, candles, or any flame. Broken gas lines and fire don't mix.
5. If you're in a car, stop the car and stay inside the car until the earthquake stops.
6. Don't use elevators (they'll probably get stuck anyway).

Things to Do After an Earthquake

1. Check yourself and others for injuries.
2. Check water, gas, and electric lines for damage. Turn on the radio. Don't use the phone unless it's an emergency.
3. Stay out of damaged buildings.
4. Be careful around broken glass and debris. Wear boots or sturdy shoes to keep from cutting your feet.
5. Be careful of chimneys (they may fall on you).
6. Stay away from beaches. Tsunamis sometimes hit after the ground has stopped shaking.
7. Stay away from damaged areas.
8. If you're at school or work, follow the emergency plan or the instructions of the person in charge.
9. Expect aftershocks.

It is important to think about what you will do to protect yourself, wherever you are, when the earth begins to shake.