Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
described above) will better protect you from these injuries. In traditional buildings, the space
under a sturdy table or desk is likely to remain even if the building collapses. Pictures from
around the world show tables and desks standing with rubble all around them, and even holding
up floors that have collapsed. Experienced rescuers agree that successfully predicting other safe
locations in advance is nearly impossible, as where these voids will end up depends on the dir-
ection of the shaking along with many other factors.
The exception to the “drop, cover, and hold on” rule is if you are in a country/building
lacking engineered construction, and if you are on the ground floor of a non-reinforced earth-
based or mud-brick (adobe) building with a heavy ceiling. In that case, you should try to move
quickly outside to an open space, and if that is not possible as a last resort attempt to find a “tri-
angle of life.”
There are no hard-and-fast rules that work all the time in all situations. The hope is that be-
ing aware of these concepts will be of some assistance when making split-second decisions in a
time of crisis.
Immediate Actions to Take and Coping Strategies
Caution: If you smell gas, or the quake was severe, immediately turn off the outside electrical
and gas utility supply to your house (gas utility personnel may need to turn it back on).
• Drop, cover, and hold on as described above.
If a gas leak is suspected, do not light an open flame or turn on an electric switch.
All common electric switches arc when turned on or off, and may ignite explosive
gases. If you suspect a gas leak and need to turn on a flashlight, turn it on or off out-
side, in the open air. Glow sticks are a safe light source that will not ignite flammable
gases.
• Check for injuries and damage.
• Your car, when parked outside, can provide safe, secure shelter during periods of af-
tershocks when you may feel insecure sleeping in an indoor location.
• After a major earthquake, public water systems are usually incapacitated or contam-
inated. See water-purification suggestions in chapter 8 and the 72-hour grab-and-go
survival kit section in chapter 2 .
• Disease can be a huge problem after a major earthquake. People tend to be stressed
out, underfed, underclothed, dehydrated, injured, and often wet or cold. Sanitary con-
ditions are generally poor at best. See chapter 6 for suggestions on staying healthy in
a crisis or pandemic.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search