Safety Measures During An Earthquake: Tips You Should Follow To Keep Your Family Safe
It is impossible for anyone to predict an earthquake, but you can prepare your family before the next tremor hits. The following safety tips will keep you and your family safe.
Earthquakes rattle our planet regularly, striking somewhere on Earth every day and every hour. Such events are caused by the slow movement or shift of the tectonic plates that create stress in the crust and upper mantle of the Earth. At some point in time, the stress reaches a breaking point and eventually releases a ground-shaking tremor that can move blocks of the Earth, hurtling out of place. So if you live in an earthquake-prone region, you should always stay prepared. Follow the tips below to keep your family safe.
Drop down or hold on to something
Drop down immediately onto your hands and knees before the violent tremors can knock you down. This position will protect everyone from losing balance and falling, and at the same time, it can allow you to crawl and move if necessary.
Cover your neck and head
If you cannot cover your entire body, just cover your neck and head under a sturdy desk or table. If you cannot find any shelter nearby, crawl down next to a low-lying piece of furniture that will not topple and fall on you, and with your arms and hands, cover your neck and head.
Identify safe spots in your home.
Identify some of the safest spots in your home with your entire family, and instruct your children to seek shelter there immediately when an earthquake occurs. The safest place in your home would be an interior room that is not very cluttered with furniture and other things. If possible, seek cover under a sturdy bed or a heavy table.
Practice earthquake drills with your family
After chalking out your earthquake evacuation plan and conveying it to your children, it is time to practice it. Earthquake drills can help kids better understand what they should do to ensure safety when an earthquake occurs.
Keep all the emergency contact information updated
Addresses and phone numbers often change. Keep all the emergency helpline numbers updated and also save your children’s school number, it will help you know where and how your child is if an earthquake hits during their school hours, and you can safely pick them up.
Stay away from buildings if you are outside.
Move away from utility wires, buildings, fuel and gas lines, and sinkholes. The greatest threat of getting hurt from falling debris is the highest when you are standing closer to the outer walls of buildings or outside doorways.
The aspect of unpredictability is frightening earthquakes, but with advanced planning and a little preparation, you can be safe when a big one strikes.
