Earthquakes can strike suddenly and without warning, leaving us vulnerable to falling objects, broken glass, and structural damage. Knowing how to protect yourself during an earthquake is crucial for your safety and the safety of your loved ones. Follow these guidelines to stay safe:
1. Drop, Cover, and Hold On
In most situations, you can protect yourself by immediately following these steps:
- Drop: As soon as you feel the ground shaking, drop down onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from falling and allows you to move if necessary.
- Cover: Take cover under a sturdy table or desk. If no shelter is nearby, get down near an interior wall or next to low-lying furniture that won’t fall on you. Cover your head and neck with your arms and hands.
- Hold On: Hold on to your shelter (or your head and neck) until the shaking stops. Be prepared to move with your shelter if the shaking shifts it around.
2. Additional Safety Measures
To further reduce your chances of being injured during an earthquake, consider the following actions:
- Move Away from Hazards: Within the few seconds before shaking intensifies, quickly move away from glass, hanging objects, bookcases, china cabinets, or other large furniture that could fall.
- Watch for Falling Objects: Be aware of objects that could fall, such as bricks from fireplaces, light fixtures, wall hangings, high shelves, and cabinets with swinging doors. If available nearby, grab something to shield your head and face from falling debris and broken glass.
- Kitchen Safety: If you’re in the kitchen, turn off the stove and take cover at the first sign of shaking.
- Stay in Bed: If you’re in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow. Avoid walking or rolling onto the floor, as broken glass can cause injuries.
- Avoid Doorways: Contrary to popular belief, standing in a doorway is not safer during an earthquake. Instead, take cover under a table. Doorways are no stronger than other parts of the house and do not protect you from falling or flying objects.
- High-Rise Buildings: If you’re in a high-rise building, drop, cover, and hold on. Move away from windows and outside walls. Do not use elevators.
- Crowded Places: In crowded places, avoid rushing for doorways. Others will have the same idea. Move away from display shelves containing objects that may fall.
- Stay Calm if Trapped: If you’re trapped, try to get someone’s attention by tapping on hard or metal parts of the structure. This may increase your chances of being rescued.
Remember that staying calm and following these safety measures can make a significant difference during an earthquake. Be prepared, stay informed, and protect yourself and your loved ones.
