Earthquakes are one of the most
destructive and unpredictable phenomena of nature. While
many areas of the world are more susceptible than others,
earthquake potential exists all over the world. Review
the following information to assist you with your earthquake
planning. Remember a key element of your planning should
be the collection of specific survival equipment and
critical survival supplies in an emergency kit. While
earthquakes may be your primary concern, preparation
for other hazards should also be considered in your
emergency planning process.
Familiarize
yourself with these terms to help identify an
earthquake hazard.
Earthquake
- A sudden slipping or movement of a portion
of the earth's crust, accompanied and followed
by a series of vibrations.
Aftershock
- An earthquake of similar or lesser intensity
that follows the main earthquake.
Fault
- The fracture across which displacements
has occurred during an earthquake. The slippage
may range from less than an inch to more than
10 yards in a severe earthquake.
Epicenter
- The place on the earth's surface directly
above the point on the fault where the earthquake
rupture began. Once fault slippage begins,
it expands along the fault during the earthquake
and can extend hundreds of miles before slipping.
Seismic
Waves - Vibrations that travel outward
from the earthquake fault at speeds of several
miles per second. Although fault slippage
directly under a structure can cause considerable
damage, the vibrations of seismic waves cause
most of the destruction during earthquakes.
Magnitude
- The amount of energy released during an
earthquake, which is computed from the amplitude
of the seismic waves. A magnitude of 7.0 on
the Richter Scale indicates an extremely strong
earthquake. Each whole number on the scale
represents an increase of about 30 times more
energy released than the previous whole number
represents.
Your
earthquake preparedness planning should address the
following scenarios and your survival gear and survival
supplies should support you during all potential scenarios.
During
an earthquake if you are:
Indoors:
Take
cover under a sturdy desk, table or bench or against
an inside wall or doorway that is load bearing.
Stay
away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls
and anything that could fall.
If
you are sleeping, generally stay in bed and cover
your head with a pillow. If your bed is under
a heavy light fixture or you have a large mirror
or painting over your headboard, move to the nearest
safe place.
Stay
inside until the shaking stops. Most injuries
during an earthquake occur when people are entering
or exiting a structure.
Be
aware that the electricity may go out or sprinkler
systems and alarms may go off.
Do
not use elevators.
Outdoors
Stay
there and move away from buildings, streetlights,
and overhead utility wires.
In
a moving vehicle:
Stop
as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle.
Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees,
overpasses or overhead utility wires.
Proceed
cautiously once the earthquake has stopped keeping
an eye out for road damage and obstructions.
Trapped
under debris:
Do
not light a match for light.
Do
not move about or kick up dust.
Cover
your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing to
protect particulate inhalation.
Tap
on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you.
Use a whistle if one is available or shout for
help as a last resort. Use a repetitive set of
three taps or whistles followed by a pause.
