Earthquake Safety
Earthquake safety is illusive to some, misrepresented to others, and dispensed well by the many in the know. First, some of us do not live or have not until recently lived in a region where earthquake safety was called for as must-know protocol. Next, the comics will tell you that many safety points are myths handed down by the misinformed or the authorities without a clue as to how to make you feel at ease…so as they did with the fifties bomb scare advice, when they told students to climb under their desks for protection (from nuclear fallout???), or in the event of a hurricane warning to tape your windows, will tell you to run to and stand in a doorway or what have you. Ducking into doorways would be reasonable if the earth only always rumbled with very minor tremblings, but an earthquake of the scope of the Loma Prieta (October, 1989, San Francisco), for instance, which took out tons of cement and steel on bridges will not be discouraged from crumbling that house and door jamb right around you, trapping you for keeps.
Windows do not implode during an earthquake, so you will not likely be hit by a hurling shard…though windows do buckle and break and the chances do exist that one could get injured, so staying away from glass is a good idea. If possible, going outside and away from possibly falling buildings is another good earthquake safety suggestion. And also smart is turning off gas at the main, because gas and other pipes—which are typically underground—do break. Here are a few more earthquake safety tips, for before, during, and/or after:
EARTHQUAKE SAFETY BEFORE an EARTHQUAKE
Have back-up medication, eye glasses, non-perishable food, water for at least three days, and a can opener packed in a place you can reach (outside, for instance).
Have extra car and house keys, important papers, and cash and coins set aside in a safe box you can grab easily.
Have medical and other documents copied and put with the above papers, such as birth, immigration, and marriage certificates, etc..
Have a radio that works on battery as well as extra batteries.
Call a service technician to come and anchor any systems or equipment that is not heavy enough to stay put but is heavy enough to do damage or be damaged: telephones, water heaters, gas tanks, oxygen tanks, etc..
Have extra batteries for other important items, such as hearing aids, portable phones, and flashlights (NO CANDLES!). Keep a flashlight by the bed.
Have a phone book, hand-held data keeper, or list of emergency contacts—including police, fire, paramedics, and family and friends.
EARTHQUAKE SAFETY DURING/AFTER an EARTHQUAKE
Try to get outside and away from buildings and powerlines. If you are already outside, move into open space. If you are in a car, stop the car (away from bridges, overpasses, and tunnels, if possible) but stay inside the car. If you are on a beach, get as far inland as possible.
Do not light candles, matches, or lighters of any kind.
Find the gas main and turn off the gas (have someone show you how BEFORE). The gas company will likely be busy doing the same for others, but if you need to, call the company to have someone come.
Call a friend or family member if you are not hurt. If you are, call the paramedics, police, or fire station…keeping calm as possible, as you will likely get a busy signal or will have a wait (if it is a major emergency in a large area, for example).
Look out for each other. That is, if you are with other people, help each other to stay calm and safe. Earthquake safety is about people, really. Hopefully, you have also devised an earthquake safety plan that includes an agreed-upon meeting place. If a big one hits and one of you is at the office downtown and another is in class, you can make your way to the park, graveyard, or other mutual open space so you will know all are safe and together.
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