Earthquake Safety Tips for Home and Travel

March 15, 2010

I don’t pretend to be an expert on earthquakes but because I live in a high risk zone AND because there have been alot of fatalities already this year I thought I should do more to educate myself on current thinking. I am also heading to Chile at the end of the year and would like to go prepared, at least mentally, so I’ll instictively know what to do if an earthquake occurs.

I had been saving an article called The Triangle of Life written by Doug Copp. It turns out his suggestions have been broadly discredited so read on below to see what you really should be doing in 2010.

Before an Earthquake

  • Assess your home and workplace for hazards and begin fixing them. For instance, you could remove pictures over your bed, put heavier items lower down in cupboards, attach  hot water heaters and pianos to a wall and know where your water, electrical and gas shutoffs are. Gas meters should be properly braced.  Have the tools in place to shut off the gas.
gaslines 003 Earthquake Safety Tips for Home and Travel

Correctly installed gas meter with brace

Then be prepared for an emergency.

Specifically the following should be in place – at home, in your car and in the workplace, especially if you live in a medium to high risk earthquake zone.

  • Decide ahead of time on an emergency family meeting place.
  • Choose a family member outside of your province or state who can co-ordinate information.
  • Collect important personal papers and keep them in a fire proof, waterproof container. I carry just about everything I need to know on an old fashioned piece of paper in my wallet. Remember, cellphones may not initially work. Sometimes texting will work but circuits will probably be overloaded.
  • Put together an emergency kit. It should include first aid supplies, food and water for a mimimum of 3 days, extra clothing, prescription medicine, and a whole lot of miscellaneous items like flashlights, car keys, portable radios, matches, cash (ATM’s won’t work) pet supplies.. Download a full emergency supplies checklist…and then buy them.

During an Earthquake

  • Drop, cover and hold is still the recommended action – though the first 3 seconds are key. Cover you head, neck and whole body if possible by getting under a sturdy table. Otherwise get down near an interior wall and protect your head.

More injuries and deaths result from imploding glass and building contents being flung around at high force. In a serious seismic event you too can be violently thrown around so practice the drop, cover and hold scenario. Then think about it what you’d do if you were on the road -  decrease your risk in an unfamiliar environment by spending a few minutes imagining what actions you’d take if you actually felt an earthquake.

Be prepared.

After an Earthquake

  • Assess injuries and damage. Notify loved ones.
  • Leave your home if told to do so or if it is structurally unsafe.
  • Begin the clean up.

Southern California has published a useful seven step guide to prepare for earthquakes if you’re keen on more information.

Other posts with a safety theme you might like:

Leigh McAdam

HikeBikeTravel

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Posted by Hike Bike Travel | Filed Under Safety Tips 

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