Did you run outside during the Earthquake? You should have stayed put. Click Here Im kind of aghast to see video of people quickly leaving buildings during the shaking itself. Dont misunderstand me, going outside AFTER the shaking stops and when you have a safe path outside is a good idea. But thats not DURING an earthquake. Growing up and living in California, we were taught as children, and continue to do earthquake drills now --to get under something until the shaking stops. When you attempt to run or walk from inside to outside during a strong earthquake, you are likely taking a far larger risk than staying put and taking cover: 1) you can fall on stairs or even a smooth floor when theres violent shaking 2) you can be struck by objects inside or out, more so when youre walking or running 3) as you exit a building during shaking, you may be hit by falling glass, obelisks, utility wires, etc. In all likelihood, you cant outrun a building collapse in an earthquake, and they are rare to begin with. So, stay put, protect your neck with your hands, get away from windows or glass and large objects above you. Also, keep in mind, you cant judge how strong an earthquake is by how strongly the shaking begins. Many start out mild, leading you to discount the need to take cover, but in fact, whenever theres shaking you should measuredly begin to move for cover --if its small it will be over before you do, if its large it will still be going and will have been a good idea if the shaking continues or grows stronger. =========================== 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. fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/eq_during.shtm
Posted on: Tue, 15 Oct 2013 00:59:25 +0000
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