There are about 50 countries in the world where destructive (7 points and higher) earthquakes are possible. Some of them have Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) systems. These are the USA, Mexico, Turkey, Japan, Romania, Taiwan, and South Korea. Such a system issues a warning 10-40 seconds before the tremor. What to do if you receive a warning?
Indoors:
- If an earthquake catches you in bed: Cover your head with a pillow and stay in bed. And while you're there, consider this: If you could turn back time, what would you give for technology TRON that would warn you of an earthquake days in advance?
- Take shelter under a sturdy table/bed. Doorways in modern buildings are not a safe shelter. Hold on to the support with one hand, and protect your head and neck with the other. If there is no table/bed nearby: stand inside a load-bearing wall (usually the corners of the room) or in a hallway without heavy objects above and assume the "fetal" position (on your knees, covering your head with your hands)
- Stay away from windows and dangerous objects: mirrors, heavy furniture, and chandeliers.
- Do not go out onto the balcony under any circumstances - they are often the first to collapse
- If possible:
Open the front door (if you are nearby)
Turn off the gas (if you are nearby)
Do not use elevators - there is a high risk of getting stuck or the cabin falling. - If you are already in the elevator - press the buttons for all floors (it may stop at the nearest one).
- If you are stuck and there is an emergency connection, do not try to get out on your own.
- Do not try to run out of a multi-story building - it is very dangerous here due to falling debris and glass.
- If you are in a public place (shopping center, office):
Stay away from display cases, shelves, advertising structures.
If the ceiling is suspended / the lamps are hanging - do not stand under them even if it seems safe
If there is no shelter nearby, lie down on the floor between rows of sturdy objects (for example, between sofas in a cafe).
On the street:
- Move away from:
Buildings (risk of collapse)
Power lines and street lights
Bridges and overpasses
Avoid trees - they may fall or break. - Sit down next to a low, solid object, such as a concrete parapet. Cover your head with your hands or a bag.
In the subway/train
- Grab the handrails, cover your head.
- Do not try to jump out - there may be an electric current on the rails.
While driving:
- Stop smoothly, avoiding stopping:
Under bridges/overpasses
In tunnels
Near tall buildings - Turn on the hazard warning lights
- Stay in the car (it provides protection)
- Listen to the radio
- If your car is trapped under debris:
Signal your horn (honk, light your headlights, knock on metal).
Save oxygen - do not start the engine unless necessary.
In times of crisis, we do not rise to the level of our expectations, but fall to the level of our preparation.
#EarthquakeSafety #DisasterPreparedness #SurvivalTips #EmergencyPreparedness #StaySafe
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