How to keep yourself safe during an earthquake
An earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale hit Myanmar (Burma) today shaking huge parts of North East and North India. It originated at 74km SE of Mawlaik, Myanmar. This is the second earthquake since Sunday. On Sunday an earthquake measuring 6.6 had hit the Hindu kush region, reported India Times.
According to National Geographic, here are some things to do to prepare for an earthquake and what to do once the ground starts shaking:
Safety Tips
- Have an earthquake readiness plan
- Consult a professional to learn how to make your home sturdier, such as bolting bookcases to wall studs, installing strong latches on cupboards, and strapping the water heater to wall studs
- Locate a place in each room of the house that you can go to in case of an earthquake. It should be a spot where nothing is likely to fall on you
- Keep a supply of canned food, an up-to-date first aid kit, 11.4 liters of water per person, dust masks and goggles, and a working battery-operated radio and flashlights
- Know how to turn off your gas and water mains
During the earthquake
- Drop down; take cover under a desk or table and hold on
- Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you’re sure it’s safe to exit
- Stay away from bookcases or furniture that can fall on you
- Stay away from windows. In a high-rise building, expect the fire alarms and sprinklers to go off during a quake
- If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow
- If you are outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Drop to the ground. If you are in a car, slow down and drive to a clear place. Stay in the car until the shaking stops
After an earthquake
In a public alert issued by Google, this is what you should do
- Expect aftershocks hours, days, or weeks after the main quake
- Aftershocks can cause building damage and falling debris that could injure you
- Avoid open flames in damaged buildings
- Earthquakes can damage gas lines, so don’t use lighters or matches
- If you live near the coast, stay away from the beach. Earthquakes can cause dangerous tsunamis and flooding
- Drive carefully and plan alternative routes. Structural damage and traffic light outages may make it difficult to get to your destination
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