DM : Be Cautious Do's and Don'ts During Earthquake

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Chapter:- Disaster Management

BE CAUTIOUS DURING EARTH QUAKE

During an earthquake a majority of casualties result from falling debris, bricks and timber from collapsed buildings.

Here are some suggestions for your safety:

• An open space away from buildings is the safest place. So, if you are near an exit, run outside, 10-20 meters away, so that you can avoid collapsing walls. Once outside, do not go near buildings, boundary walls, chimneys and electric power lines. Always seek protection from falling debris.
• If you are caught indoors, take cover under a door frame or a sturdy table, bench, desk or bed so that large falling objects may not hurt you. Don’t go out on to balconies, terraces or projections.
• If you are in a moving vehicle, pull off the road and stay in it till it is safe. If you have to continue the journey after the quake stops, look out for collapsed bridges and landslides.
• Avoid using any open flame during the quake, and as far as possible, put out all fires.
• Stay out of the building if you feel that it may collapse. Contact the nearest relief camp. Protect your feet from broken glass.
• If electrical connections have not been damaged, you could tune in to the radio or television to get the latest information on the quake.
• In case you need help or smell leaking gas or detect cracked electrical or water connections, inform the people supervising the operations.
• Don’t go sight seeing! Damaged structures can crash down without any warning, and trap you unawares.
• Avoid panic after the earthquake and don’t add to the chaos.

Do's and Don'ts Earthquake

A. Before an earthquake:

• Follow and advocate local safe building codes for earthquake resistant construction.
• Follow and advocate upgrading poorly built structures.
• Make plan and preparation for emergency relief.
• Identify the medical centers, fire fighting stations, police posts and organize relief society of your area.
• Know the electric and water shut off locations in your house.
• Heavy objects, glasses, cutlery should be kept in lower shelves.
• Flower pots should not be kept on the parapet.

B. During an earthquake:

• Keep calm and reassure others.
• 
• During the event, the safest place is an open space, away from buildings.
• If you are indoors, take cover under a desk, table, bed or doorways and against inside walls and staircase.    
• Stay away from glass doors, glass panes, windows or outside doors. 
• Do not rush to go out of the building, to avoid stampede.
• If you are outside, move away from buildings and utility wires.
• Once in the open, stay there till the vibrations stops.
• If you are in a moving vehicle, stop as quickly as possible and stay in the vehicle.
• Free all pets and domestic animals so that they can run outside.
• Do not use candles, matches or other open flames. Put out all fires.

C. After an earthquake:

• 
• Keep stock of drinking water, foodstuff and first-aid equipment in accessible place.
• Do not spread and believe rumors.
• Turn on your transistor or television to get the latest information/bulletins and aftershock warnings.
• Provide help to others and develop confidence.
• Attend the injured persons and give them aid, whatever is possible and also inform hospital.
• Be prepared for aftershocks as these may strike.
• Close the valve of kitchen gas stove, if it is on. If it is closed, do not open. Do not use open flames.
• Do not operate electric switches or appliances, if gas leaks are suspected.
• Check water pipes, electric lines and fittings. If damaged, shut off the main valves. Do not touch live wires of electricity.
• If needed, open doors and cup boards carefully as objects may fall.

 

from hazards and risks.