How to Survive an Earthquake

Earthquakes can cause a lot of damage to people and property; people might get injured by falling objects; buildings, houses, and roads might collapse due to this natural disaster. Earthquakes are caused mainly by subterranean rocks that move to release tensions.

Here are some tips on how to survive an earthquake.

1. Unlike other disasters, it is hard to predict when and earthquake is to strike next. But usually, areas with a history of earthquakes have a tendency of experiencing the disaster again. One of the best things that you can do to survive an earthquake is to avoid building in places that have soft rock foundations. Places that have soft rock foundations are more prone to damage when an earthquake happens.

2. Drop, cover, and hold are the three things that you should do during an earthquake. Drop to the ground. Take cover; go under solid furniture like tables. Hold on. Stay where you are and wait for the earthquake to stop.

3. One of the main reasons for injuries during an earthquake is from falling objects. To avoid getting injured you can fasten your shelves tightly to the wall, place heavy objects in lower shelves, place breakable things or items such as glass and China in a low, closed cabinets with latches, and then fasten heavy things like mirrors to walls, avoid placing them near your beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.

4. Stay away from buildings, overhead wires, and streetlights if you are outside. As much as possible stay where you are unless you’re in a dangerous place, try to find a safer place.

5. Fires may also occur during an earthquake, every household has flammable items that can start a fire when dropped or mixed together. Make sure that you store any flammable materials in your house such as pesticides and weed killers in closed cabinets with latches, and place them in the bottom shelves.

6. Get out of your house or building after an earthquake, even though it doesn’t take much damage. The beams and foundations of your house or a building may have been broken or damaged, and it might collapse and injure anyone within. If the earthquake is strong, do not try to enter or go back to your house, unless an expert ensured that your house is safe.

7. One of the most important things is to have an emergency food supply and survival kits for this kind of situation. After an earthquake, there is a possibility that there is no steady supply of food and water due to possible damages to infrastructure. Also, water supply may become compromised after a strong tremor; transportation might become limited due to road damages. Fuel supplies, communication lines and food supplies in the area might also be compromised.

Even if you have managed to take no damage from an earthquake, your community and surroundings could be greatly damaged.

To be able to survive a disaster like an earthquake, one must know what to do during and after an emergency. Planning and acting on your survival plans can help you survive.