Earthquake Safety Plan
PREPARING FOR AN EARTHQUAKE
In the Philippines earthquakes occur quite frequently which means you will need to prepare for when these earthquakes happen. In just this year in 2015, the Philippines has had 170 earthquakes. Although it is known that most global earthquakes will concentrate at the plate boundaries, there is no reliable method of accurately predicting the place, time and magnitude. So you should still be prepared and familiarise yourself with and practise the "drop, cover and hold on" method and know where the safe spots in the rooms. For your own safety, you also need an Earthquake Readiness Plan. Get together with your housemates or family to discuss the plan and what exactly you are going to do and where you are going to go when an earthquake hits.
Another thing to do to prepare for when an earthquake hits is to prepare "Disaster Supplies Kits". You need kits like these to protect yourself. Keep these kits where you spend most of your time in the house as they will be very useful in an emergency. Have several of these kits. Possibly one at your work, house and car. Your kit should include the following items:
In preparation for an earthquake, you also need to identify possible hazards in your home and fix them. Several people have died from falling objects that may have been prevented. You should secure many unstable items that will be likely injure someone in an earthquake (e.g picture frames, heavy ornaments, shelving, etc.). Make sure to also secure items in your garage to prevent your vehicle getting damaged.
Another thing to do to prepare for when an earthquake hits is to prepare "Disaster Supplies Kits". You need kits like these to protect yourself. Keep these kits where you spend most of your time in the house as they will be very useful in an emergency. Have several of these kits. Possibly one at your work, house and car. Your kit should include the following items:
- Medication
- First aid kit and handbook
- Dust masks
- Bottled water
- Whistle (these are to alert rescuers what location you are in)
- Copies of personal identification (if it’s in your house keep everyone in the households identification in there)
- Road maps
- List of emergency out of area contact information
- Snack foods that are high in energy
- A working flashlight along with spare batteries
- Personal hygiene supplies
- Toiletries
In preparation for an earthquake, you also need to identify possible hazards in your home and fix them. Several people have died from falling objects that may have been prevented. You should secure many unstable items that will be likely injure someone in an earthquake (e.g picture frames, heavy ornaments, shelving, etc.). Make sure to also secure items in your garage to prevent your vehicle getting damaged.
RESPONDING TO AN EARTHQUAKE
You will reduce your chance of injury if you follow these simple steps when an earthquake strikes.
When outdoors:
- Move somewhere where there are no big buildings, streetlights and overhead utility wires.
- Make sure to stay away from buildings, streetlights or anything that is an easy target for the earthquake.
- Move out into the open.
When indoors:
- Go to a safe place under a piece of furniture or in a hallway where glass is not nearby.
- When you are safe, reach for the kit you made when preparing for the earthquake. These kits are very important.
When safe continue to follow your earthquake readiness plan that you planned beforehand. This is highly recommended .
EARTHQUAKE READINESS PLAN:
DO NOT:
fall on you could be deadly.
When outdoors:
- Move somewhere where there are no big buildings, streetlights and overhead utility wires.
- Make sure to stay away from buildings, streetlights or anything that is an easy target for the earthquake.
- Move out into the open.
When indoors:
- Go to a safe place under a piece of furniture or in a hallway where glass is not nearby.
- When you are safe, reach for the kit you made when preparing for the earthquake. These kits are very important.
When safe continue to follow your earthquake readiness plan that you planned beforehand. This is highly recommended .
EARTHQUAKE READINESS PLAN:
- DROP DOWN ONTO YOUR HANDS AND KNEES
This position will protect you for when shaking begins.
- COVER YOUR HEAD AND KNECK
Do this once you are under furniture or shelter.
- HOLD ONTO YOUR SHELTER
Make sure you are prepared to move with your furniture.
DO NOT:
- STAND IN THE DOORWAY.
Doorways are the weakest part in your house and cannot protect you.
- RUN OUTSIDE OR TO DIFFERENT ROOMS
Furniture may fall. By staying in one room will reduce the risk of getting injured.
- STAND NEXT TO A WINDOW OR ANYTHING ELSE BIG AND UNSTABLE.
fall on you could be deadly.
RESPONDING AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE
Earthquakes can cause severe immediate and long term damage. There will be aftershocks and you will need to prepared for this also. When the earthquakes have stopped, you must:
- Check if you or anyone else around you is injured.
If necessary use first aid. Do not use the phone immediately, to avoid congestion. Only use if the injury is serious.
- Turn on the radio for reports.
Reports will inform you about the damage and what you can do, including evacuation plans and other advice.
- Check for water, gas and electric line damage.
If you smell gas, open all doors and windows and leave immediately. Make sure to report it to everyone nearby you.
- Check for cracks and damages in the roof.
If identified, evacuate for your own safety.
- Don’t waste any food or water
Supplies may be interrupted.
- Avoid driving
Unless it is an emergency. Driving after an earthquake can be very dangerous.
- Stay away from beaches and ports.
Warning Strategy for Upcoming Earthquakes
A suggestion for a warning strategy, could be to develop smartphone applications that notify and alert people when an earthquake nearby has a magnitude that is beginning to look serious. The application could cause the phone to "beep" loudly, notifying the user of the danger, therefore possibly reducing harm by allowing people to prepare.
A suggestion for a warning strategy, could be to develop smartphone applications that notify and alert people when an earthquake nearby has a magnitude that is beginning to look serious. The application could cause the phone to "beep" loudly, notifying the user of the danger, therefore possibly reducing harm by allowing people to prepare.