How To Handle Earthquake

Natural calamities always occur without notifying anybody. However, if you get warning signals about the potential disaster, you should make sure to be vigilant on your part. One such calamity, that comes unbridled, is earthquake. During an earthquake, you should not panic about what to do and how to escape. Instead, you should formulate ways to rescue yourself and others from the disaster and avoid serious injuries. You should take safety measures, depending upon the intensity of the earthquake. With the tips given in this article, you will be able to know more about how to handle earthquake.

What To Do In An Earthquake

During An Earthquake

During an earthquake, if you are indoors, do not panic. Find a cover - a sturdy piece of furniture, like a desk or table, to cover yourself. Get under the furniture and lie down.
Protect your head and neck with hands and arms. Stay away from glass, heavy furniture, fireplaces and electronic equipments.
Keep distance from windows and outside walls as well. Cling on to a hard piece of furniture.
Hold on to the furniture firmly and be prepared to move with it. Do not release the grip until the tremor is over.
If you are outdoors, get into an open space, away from buildings. Do not stand under electric posts or anything else that could collapse on you.
In case you are driving, pull your car out of the traffic, and stop it at the side of the road. Park the vehicle in an open area, away from light posts and power lines. Keep sitting inside it until the shaking is over.
During an earthquake, when you are in a crowded place such as stadium or theatre, avoid panicking. Do not create chaos, by rushing for the exit. To get out of the area, use stairs instead of escalators. Move out in an orderly manner.

After An Earthquake

Check for injuries to the people around you.
Try to move the injured persons out of the debris. Clean up spilled medicines and drugs and other potentially harmful chemicals.
Find out whether the earthquake has resulted in fire hazards.
Do not touch power lines, as they may give you an electric shock.
Wear sturdy shoes, when you are moving in the areas near debris or broken glass.
Inspect the area and check for any gas leaks. In case you detect the smell of leaking gas, do not light candles or matches. Provide ventilation for the area by opening all the windows. Let the gas move out of the room.
Do not re-enter any devastated building, until all the repairs are done and the place has been declared safe.

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