How to Get by During an Earthquake

With the recent earthquakes in Japan and New Zealand, I picked up some useful information about staying safe during an earthquake.

Earthquake Preparation

Its useful to know that their may be a fore shock before the real earthquake which could be a lot bigger. Reduce your movements and get to a safe place as soon as possible. Stay there until the shaking has stopped and your able to get out safely.

Earthquake Safety

If Your Trapped

Tap or bang on the wall or pipe. This is very important, so that rescuers can here where you may be situated. If you have a whistle at hand, use that to attract attention. Shouting is only a last resore and can be dangerous, as you'll inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

Try not to move as this will again cause the dust to move around making it easier to breath it in. Remember to cover your mouth with a piece of clothing or anything you can find at hand.

Never light a match, you don't know if gas pipes have burst.

If Your in a Moving Vehicle

Stay away from roads, bridges and ramps. Proceed with caution.

Stop when you think its safe and stay in your car. Don't go anywhere near utility wires, trees, buildings and overpasses.

If Your Outdoors

If your already outside stay there. The danger is beside buildings, outside walls and exits. Fatalities from an earthquake are usually caused by outside walls and people running outside of buildings.

Stay away from utility wires, buildings and street lights.

If your Indoors

When your inside a building get on the floor immediately and find a solid table to get under. If you can't find a table crouch down and cover your neck and arms in an inside corner of the building.

Keep away from doors, glass, outside walls and doors, fixtures and furnishings, or anything that can move.

If your in bed when an earthquake strikes cover your head with your pillow and make sure your not underneath a light fixing. If you do have a light fixing overhead or nearby find a safe place.

If your close to a doorway and you think it's a strong load bearing one stay there.

Stay inside the building and don't move, until the shaking stops. Moving about during the earthquake is dangerous.

It is important to realise that sprinkler systems, fire alarms and electricity may go off.

Never use an elevator!