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An Earthquake is a sudden shake of the Earth's crust.
The vibrations may vary in magnitude.
The underground point of origin is called the "focus"
The point directly above the focus on the surface is called the "epicentre".
Earthquakes by themselves rarely kill people or wildlife. It is usually the secondary events that they trigger, such as building collapse, fires, tsunamis, and volcanoes, that are actually the human disaster. As many of these could be avoided by better construction, safety systems, early warning and evacuation planning.
Earthquakes can cause the following:
Falling injuries from shaking
Crushing injuries from collapse
Electrocution from exposed power lines
Burns from debris fires
May also cause:
Tsunami
Societal breakdowns, power outage, transportation issues, looting, and riots
After the quake you will be faced with the rule of 3's basic survival skills
Protect yourself
If you are in your car
Stop, stay in your car unless you are under another roadway and can not get out from under it. If you are, get out and get down beside your car. If there is a collapse, your car may keep it up and off of you.
Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
If you are in your home
Stop, drop and hold on, getting next to interior walls may be you best bet if there is a collapse. Do not run outside if you are in a building, you may get hit by falling debris.
If you are outside
If you are outside, get away from buildings and utilities into an open area and drop to the ground.
If you are below a dam, move to higher ground as soon as possible and stay there until you verify its integrity.
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Seven Steps To Earthquake Safety
Step 1: Secure it now!
Reducing and/or eliminating hazards throughout your home, neighborhood, workplace and school can greatly reduce your risk of injury or death following the next earthquake or other disaster. Conduct a "hazard hunt" to help identify and fix things such as unsecured televisions, computer, bookcases furniture, unstrapped water heaters etc. Securing these items now will help to protect you tomorrow.
Download the Secure It Now!- 804 KB PDF
Step 2: Make a plan
Planning for an earthquake, terrorist attack, or other emergency is not much different from planning for a party or vacation. Make sure that your emergency plan includes evacuation and reunion plans; your out-of-state contact person's name and number; the location of your emergency supplies and other pertinent information. By planning now, you will be ready for the next emergency.
Download the Make a Plan - 436 KB PDF
Step 3: Make disaster kits
Everyone should have disaster supplies kits stored in accessible locations at home, at work and in your vehicle. Having emergency supplies readily available can reduce the impact of an earthquake, a terrorist incident or other emergency on you and your family. Your disaster supplies kits should include food, water, flashlights, portable radios, batteries, a first aid kit, cash, extra medications, a whistle, fire extinguisher, etc.
Download the Make Disaster Kits - 432 KB PDF
Step 4: Is your place safe?
Most houses are not as safe as they could be. Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, there are things that you can do to improve the structural integrity of your home. Some of the things that you might consider checking include inadequate foundations, unbraced cripple walls, soft first stories, unreinforced masonry and vulnerable pipes. Consult a contractor or engineerto help you identify your building's weaknesses and begin to fix them now.
Download the Is Your Place Safe? -620 KB PDF
Step 5: DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON!
Learn what to do during an earthquake, whether you're at home, at work, at school or just out and about. Taking the proper actions, such as "Drop, Cover, and Hold On", can save lives and reduce your risk of death or injury. During earthquakes, drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on to it firmly. Be prepared to move with it until the shaking stops.
Download the Drop, Cover, and Hold On! - 480 KB PDF
Step 6: Check it out!
One of the first things you should do following a major disaster is to check for injuries and damages that need immediate attention. Make sure you are trained in first aid and in damage assessment techniques. You should be able to administer first aid and to identify hazards such as damaged gas, water, sewage and electrical lines. Be prepared to report damage to city or county government.
Download the Check It Out! - 560 KB PDF
Step 7: Communicate and recover!
Following a major disaster, communication will be an important step in your recovery efforts. Turn on your portable radio for information and safety advisories. If your home is damaged, contact your insurance agent right away to begin your claims process. For most Presidentially declared disasters, resources will also be available from federal, state, and local government agencies.
Download the Communicate and Recover! - 408 KB PDF
