Top 10 Earthquake Safety Tips you need to know

Earthquakes occur as a result of disturbances in the Earth’s crust. This leads to a sudden discharge of energy through seismic waves.

In simple words when the two plates of the Earth’s crust Sial and Sima hit against each other, it gives birth to earthquakes.

Also known as quakes or tremors, they’re known to cause ground rupture, landslides, shaking, avalanches, fires, soil liquefaction, Tsunami and floods.

They may also result in volcanic eruptions. Nature is fury and so powerful that mere mortals like us can only hope to survive by taking defensive measures.

Also, it is to bring into notice that the use of good quality scaffolds during construction of any building will help your building withstand harsh circumstances.  

In order to get some good quality scaffolds, you need to contact a reputed supplier who can offer you scaffolding material on rent.

Now check out top 10 earthquake safety tips:

1.      Awareness of Earthquake Safety:

The information of earthquake safety zones and location is of great help in the event of the disaster itself that usually comes like a bolt from the blue with hardly any time to respond.

Action needs to be taken promptly and some foremost things should be made known to all members of the house and office.

2.      Emergency supplies:

It is always good to keep an emergency kit ready.

Flash lights with first aid kit, bottled drinking water, extra batteries, medical supplies, whistle, and blankets are some of the foremost things which could help you survive till specialized help arrives.

Organisations should make sure that they fulfil all the major security guidelines and abide by the earthquake safety tips.

3.      Arrangement for safety:

The things around your office or house need to be arranged in such a manner so as to avoid maximum damage during an earthquake.

Heavy objects should always be stored in lower shelves and breakable objects should be kept in cabinets with latched doors.

Heavy objects should not be hanged or kept in the area where people are more likely to take refuge at the time of earthquake.

4.      Anchoring of heavy furniture:

Make sure that the process of anchoring heavy objects like refrigerators, water heaters and book cases is taken seriously at your home OR work place.

It might just save you and your colleagues or family’s life someday.

5.      Material used in construction:

In the event of an earthquake, it has been seen that wooden buildings are safer as compared to brick and concrete buildings.

Wood is flexible and it usually moves with the force of earthquake without collapsing.

But even if it collapses, then there is more chance of survival because injuries will be less with the risk of being crushed under the debris unlike in the case of brick and concrete structures.

6.      Calmness during an earthquake when trapped inside:

Calmness is of greatest importance in the event of a calamity. It goes without saying that we shouldn’t panic even during an earthquake.

It has been seen that taking shelter in a fatal position next to a large bulky object will often helps in survival.

7.      Avoid Stairs:

At the time of earthquake, the stairs swing differently compared to the rest of the building as they bump with the rest of the structure.

If stuck in a staircase collapse, there’re high chances that people get horribly injured. So try to avoid stairs at the time of an earthquake and even post quake until it is certified safe to use.

8.      Escape from doors and windows:

It’s always better to escape the building if you’re near a window or door. Keep in mind that the doors or windows would lead you to an open space.

 You can also try to get to the outer walls of the buildings if not outside them completely. If you’re stuck in the interior it would take more time for help to reach you.

9.      Outdoors during an earthquake:

If you’re in your car during an earthquake, get out and lie down next to it.

It is also seen that people who had chosen to remain inside vehicles during earthquakes were crushed when roads below them gave away.

You can move away to open areas, stand clear of trees, power lines and buildings and drop to the ground. Meanwhile you should cover your head and neck.

10.  After the earthquake:

In a post earthquake situation, aftershocks are a common phenomenon. Even if the intensity of an aftershock is lesser than the earthquake, it should be treated seriously.

The threat of falling debris and other dangers to life and property remain until experts confirm that no more aftershocks are likely to happen.

It is therefore best to follow the earthquake safety tips until authorities declare that the situation is under control.

Conclusion:

1.       Have an earthquake readiness plan.

2.       Consult a professional to learn how to make your home sturdier, like bolting bookcases to wall studs, installing strong latches on cupboards etc.

3.       Locate a place in each room of the house in case of an earthquake. It should be a spot where nothing is likely to fall on you.

4.       Keep a supply of an up-to-date first aid kit, canned food, 3 gallons (11.4 litres) of water per person, dust masks, goggles etc.

5.       Know how to switch off your gas and water mains.

About Author:

Baba Jagta Shuttering is a well renowned scaffolding material supplier and manufacturer in India. We offer affordable scaffolding rental services.

Your requirements are our primary concern and we would be highly pleased and delighted to serve you with our ideal services.