[RP TownTalk] What to do during an earthquake

[Sonia Dasgupta]

Was anyone home when the quake happened? I'm looking for firsthand accounts
from residents. Can you send me a note at sonia at patch.com

Sonia

On Tue, Aug 23, 2011 at 4:18 PM, Sarah Wayland <sarah.wayland at gmail.com>wrote:

> 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.
>
> ---
>
> 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
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-- 
Sonia Dasgupta
Editor | Riverdale Park-University Park Patch<http://riverdalepark.patch.com>
301-237-1216
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