Being prepared for an earthquake can save lives and can help to keep order during a chaotic disaster. Sometimes earthquakes are unpredictable. Having a plan in case of an earthquake and knowing life saving techniques helps people to be protected against the dangers that occur during earthquakes.

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Prevention (What To Do Before An Earthquake)

If you live in an area that is at risk of having earthquakes it is important to take precautionary measures to protect your home and the people who live within it. One of the main reasons buildings collapse during earthquakes is because they aren't build structurally sound. If you have the ability to build or renovate your house then talk with architects about building techniques that would protect a home from collapsing during an earthquake.

It is also important to think about where you place objects. During an earthquake heavy objects can fall over and injure people. Smaller objects, kitchen knives for example, can also pose a risk to people. If you are afraid of earthquakes and want to prepare your house as a preventive measure then it is important to consider objects that can harm you and your family. Create a safe space where people in your home can take shelter without fear of objects falling on them.

Preventive Measures:

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• Keep large and heavy objects on low shelves or in cabinets close to the floor.
• Keep fragile objects such as bottles, glasses, cups, plates etc. in closed cabinets.
• Place breakable belongings like photo frames, mirrors, art pieces, etc away from beds, sofas, or any other space people frequently sit or sleep.
• Repair faulty electrical wiring and gas lines. This will help prevent fires.
• Repair wall or ceiling cracks to prevent drywall from falling from the ceiling due to the shaking of an earthquake. It may be necessary to hire an expert for structural repairs.
• Ensure your home and structures were constructed using proper building codes.

Protect Yourself and Your Family

• Be informed about earthquakes and their dangers.
• Talk to your family and have an emergency plan for earthquakes.
• Have a plan for after an earthquake.
• Walk around your house and determine the safest spots to take shelter.
• During an earthquake take shelter in doorways, under tables, under a bed or mattress, or out in your yard where no electrical lines, trees, or buildings can fall on you.
• Find information about earthquakes from posters, billboards, social media, or internet searches.

Earthquakes can be dangerous and no laughing matter. If a person suspects an earthquake is happening they should take shelter immediately. If an earthquake plan exists then individuals should follow the plan and encourage their family members and friends to follow along. It is important to stay calm and collected during a natural disaster. Panicking can be dangerous and can cause people to get hurt. There are many places inside a home that are protected like under a mattress or in a doorway away from heavy or falling objects.

An Earthquake Is Happening! What To Do...

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• Get down on the ground and crawl to shelter in a safe place when nothing can fall and crush you. It might be hard to walk due to the shaking of the ground. Crawling helps you be more stable when you move from one spot to another.
• If you can not reach your planned shelter then cover your head with your hands and sit in the corner of two adjoining walls or in a doorway.
• Avoid heavy furniture and things that can fall and break like photo frames, mirrors, and windows.
• A mattress or table make good shelters because they protect you from objects falling from high up.
• Stay away from lifts and elevators.
• Have an emergency preparedness kit with water, flashlights, batteries, food, blankets, and other tools needed for survival.
• If you leave the house avoid electrical lines, broken gas lines, lamp posts, and unstable buildings.

What To Do After An Earthquake

• Be prepared for aftershocks. After a big earthquake, smaller vibrations may occur at any time from one hour to one month after the original earthquake.
• Be careful opening cupboards. Objects can easily fall after they've been shaken during the quake.
• If your home is badly damaged then evacuate and take shelter elsewhere until you can repair your home.
• If you live near the ocean be prepared for a tsunami or high tides.
• Help people trapped or injured.
• If you smell gas, open a window and quickly leave your home. Make arrangements to repair your gas line as soon as possible.
• Turn off the main switch electrical switch in your electrical box if you fear damage to your electrical wiring. Hire a licensed electrician to fix your wiring.

Links For More Information

http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/index.shtm

http://www.earthquakecountry.info/dropcoverholdon/

http://www.somewhereinblog.net/blog/kobir_mon/29238361

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