Earthquake protection guide

[social_warfare]There is no way to know when an earthquake will occur, the best thing we can do is to inform  and prepare ourselves to act in the best way when the next earthquake occurs. International institutions such as the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Japan Meteorological Agency, the “Bogotá, with your feet on the ground” Campaign, the California Emergency Management Agency and others advise the following measures to prevent and reduce the damage caused by an earthquake. Let’s follow this earthquake protection guide.

BEFORE

In you are at home, determine the objects that could become a hazard during an earthquake, such as pictures, mirrors, lamps, hanging pots, etc. and relocate or secure them so they cannot fall on you during  an earthquake. Practice earthquake drills. In advance, each member of your family whether they are in an office or school should know where to stand in the event of an earthquake; for example, under a sturdy desk or table. Learn where and how to shut off electricity, gas, and water at main switches and outlets. Agree on an out-of-town contact number that your family members can call to let others know they are safe. Keep a supply of non-perishable food and drinking water for at least 3 days.

EMERGENCY KIT:

Make it a habit to have a backpack on hand with:

– Portable radio
– Flashlight with batteries
– First aid kit
– Bottled water
– Canned foods and dry grains
– Can opener
– A copy of your personal documents
– Whistle
– List of emergency telephone numbers

DURING: If possible, stay calm and stay indoors during the earthquake. Bend down, kneel over and hold on! Take only steps that allow you to get under a safe place, such as a sturdy desk or table. Once there, hold on to one leg with both hands. Stay away from windows, glass, mirrors, exterior doors or walls, and anything that could fall on you, such as lamps and furniture. If there is no table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and duck away from windows and bookcases.

If you go out…

The street: stay away from power lines and posts. A building: Get under a table or desk, away from windows and outside walls.
Stay there until the movement has passed.

DO NOT use the elevators. Inside a crowded place like a restaurant or movie theater: Stay where you are. Don’t run towards the doors. Stay away from shelves that contain objects that could fall on you. A moving car: Stop as quickly as possible and stay inside the vehicle until the shaking stops. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, bridges, or power lines. Then proceed cautiously, looking at the road and bridges for possible damages. If you must go outside, watch for falling objects, downed power lines, and walls, bridges, etc.

AFTER: 1. If you get caught in debris:

• Do not light a fire.
• Try not to move or raise dust.
• Cover your mouth with a tissue or your clothing.
• Bang on a pipe or wall so rescuers can find you. Use a whistle, if you have one. Shout only as a last resort, as doing so could swallow dangerous amounts of dust. 2. Know that after an earthquake, there will be aftershocks. If the place where you were was affected by the first tremor, avoid going back to it. These aftershocks are usually less violent than the main earthquake, but strong enough to cause additional damage to weakened structures. 3. Check for injuries. Do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of death or further injury. If you have to move an unconscious person, stabilize the neck and back first, then call for help immediately. If the victim is not breathing, carefully position the victim for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. 4. Keep the injured person’s body temperature with a blanket, but make sure it doesn’t get too hot. 5. Never give fluids to an unconscious person. 6. If the power goes out, use battery-powered flashlights. Do not use candles or matches indoors after an earthquake, as there may be gas leaks. 7. Inspect your home for structural damage. If you have concerns about safety, have your home inspected by a civil engineer before you return. 8. Clean the floor of spilled medicines, bleach, gasoline, and other flammable liquids. If gasoline vapors are detected and the building is not well ventilated, leave immediately. If you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound, open a window and get outside. 9. Shut off the electricity if you know or suspect damage. Shut off the water supply at the main tap if the water pipes are damaged. Do not flush toilets until you know the sewers are in good condition. 10. Open cabinets carefully as items may fall off the shelves.

Myths and facts about earthquakes…

Myths

1. “The most dangerous thing in an earthquake is the risk of buildings collapsing.

2. “In an earthquake, it is best to stand under the door frame or exit the building.”

3. “When an earthquake occurs, the best thing to do is run to a church.”

4. ”The worst is over”. It Is time to assess damage and clean up.

Facts

1. Do not assume that you are safe immediately after the shaking has stopped. Aftershocks can occur minutes after the first quake ends. While they are usually not as strong, they can cause additional damage and injuries. Drop, cover and hold on again in the case of aftershocks.

2. Most injuries occur when objects fall on people as they enter or exit buildings.

3. In modern houses, door frames are no stronger than the rest of the house. It is safer to get under a table or desk away from the windows.

4. Old churches are by no means safe places during an earthquake and their structures are often among the first to collapse.

https://dimidesan.com/nuclear-weapons/