On 4th of July, people of California were struck with two bloodcurdling shocks. While seismologists are expecting more aftershocks, here at GPFS we’ve came up with a precise guide for you to understand what has to be done before, during and after an earthquake.
Before the Earthquake:
- Stay informed by receiving alerts, warnings and information about safety.
- Secure your home completely. Put all the items that can break or fall in a safe place. Keep heavy and fragile objects in a place where they won’t cause you and your family any damage.
- Review emergency plan with your family. Identify safe places in your house and make sure the plan is foolproof.
- Take a look at all your emergency items. Have your first aid kit updated, know where all your necessary belongings are and keep them in a place easy to access.
- In case of other emergencies like power outages, keep emergency lights with you and gas tanks full. Also ensure to close the gas and water valves.
- Often times when the incident actually happen, you panic and don’t know how to take a precautionary measure even if you know what to do. Practice as much as you can. Drop, cover and hold! Much as it seems like a silly activity, it is not!
During the Earthquake:
- When the ground starts shaking get away from windows, and doorways immediately. Getting in doorway will not save you from objects falling off and flying.
- Drop on the floor when the ground first shakes so that it doesn’t knock you off, cover your head and neck with your arms. If there is any furniture piece near you, try to get under it for extra protection. Hold onto any sturdy thing near you until it stops shaking. Better, not move too much if the shocks are extreme.
- Walk away from buildings, streetlights, and wires if you’re outside the house. Find a large ground and stay there until it stops shaking.
- In case you’re in a vehicle. Pull up and stay there for a while until the ground get back to its normal state.
After the Earthquake:
- Monitor media for continuous emergency information.
- Stay at the place you are because the aftershocks might be on their way.
- After waiting for a few minutes, get out of the place. If you are in a damages building near a place where fire has broken out, move away quickly.
- Call out for help. Blow a whistle or something to let rescuers locate your position.
- Stay away from downed wires, lights or any other power damages that might have happened near you.
- Check your home thoroughly for damages. Do not get into your house if you can smell gas leak.
- Report power outages.
Remember the aforementioned earthquake guidelines to secure yourself from future natural hazards.