[RP TownTalk] What to do during an earthquake

[Sarah Wayland]

I hope everyone is safe after the earthquake.

I got this notice at work, and found it helpful so I am passing it
along. It's from the FEMA website.

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What to Do During an Earthquake

Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be aware that some
earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might
occur. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place
and if you are indoors, stay there until the shaking has stopped and
you are sure exiting is safe.

If indoors
•DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or
other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If
there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with
your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
•Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything
that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
•Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and
protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light
fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
•Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and
if you know it is a strongly supported, loadbearing doorway.
•Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside.
Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside
buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building
or try to leave.
•Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or
fire alarms may turn on.
•DO NOT use the elevators.

If outdoors
•Stay there.
•Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
•Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest
danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside
exterior walls. Many of the 120 fatalities from the 1933 Long Beach
earthquake occurred when people ran outside of buildings only to be
killed by falling debris from collapsing walls. Ground movement during
an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most
earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying
glass, and falling objects.

If in a moving vehicle
•Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid
stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility
wires.
•Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads,
bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

If trapped under debris
•Do not light a match.
•Do not move about or kick up dust.
•Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
•Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if
one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you
to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.


-- 
Sarah Wayland
sarah.wayland at gmail.com