Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

You may not know where the earthquake will catch you. If you live in an earthquake-prone region of the world, then there is every chance that at the time of its occurrence you will be in the car. In this article, you will learn what to do if such a misfortune happened to you.

Steps

1. 1 First you need to understand whether this is really an earthquake. An earthquake while driving can be detected by realizing that something is wrong with your vehicle. Rely on sensations. Look around. You will feel the shaking and trembling of the ground, and you will see how something falls or the ground cracks.
2. 2 Pull over to the side of the road. Do this as quickly as possible, but at the same time, don't panic and focus on safety. You are likely not the only person on the road, so keep your eye on traffic and be aware that some drivers may panic.
   • If possible, try not to stop under bridges, overpasses, signs, power lines, trees, or any other object that might fall onto your vehicle. Avoid parking near the building. The car will not be able to protect you from a heavy object falling on it.
   • If you are in a multi-storey car park, get out of the car, sit down next to it and press against the side of the car to use it as protection - do not climb under the car, as this is fraught with damage.
3. 3 Turn off the engine and put the car on the handbrake.
4. 4 Turn on the radio, you may hear some warnings and tips. And do not forget - calmness, only calmness.
5. 5 Stay in the car until the tremors stop.
6. 6 Get out of the car as soon as the shaking has stopped. See the warnings below for what to do if a power line falls on your vehicle. See if you have an emergency power supply in your car, find it. Always keep the items listed in the “What you need” item in your car. Assess the damage to your vehicle to see if it is safe to drive further.
   • Check if everything is ok with your passengers. Be prepared for shock or panic and do your best to calm people down.
   • Treat all wounds with a first aid kit.
   • The fire department and other emergency services will deal with their own problems. You and the people around you need to work together. Don't call 911, and don't unnecessarily overload the line.
7. 7 Drive home or to another safe hideout, if possible and drive very carefully. Remember that it may be safer to stay where you are, especially if the roads are chaotic. Call your relatives and tell them that you are okay. However, be aware that the cell tower can be damaged. Listen to your local radio station for alerts and news.
   • During an earthquake, never drive over flood waters.
   • Do not drive through large cracks in the road. You run the risk of getting stuck in them.
   • Do not drive under bridges with cracks or other visible structural damage. Even if there is no visible damage, try to avoid all overhanging objects, bridges, signs, walls and overpasses.
   • Be careful - landslides are possible.
   • If you have to drive along a coastal road in an area known as a potential tsunami zone, try to get there as quickly as possible.
8. 8 Be prepared for repetitive shocks. The main shock is usually followed by aftershocks that can easily destroy damaged buildings and other structures that have not yet collapsed.

Tips

• If you live in areas prone to earthquakes, then you should definitely know the basics of first aid.
• If you have internet access on your phone, look at the traffic cameras to see the state of the road in your area. Remember that the internet may not work or cameras may fail.
• Remember that car alarms can be damaged by shaking.
• Rely on the radio.

Warnings

• If the power line falls on your vehicle, stay inside. Wait for a professional to remove it to minimize the chance of electric shock. Do not try to touch or get into a vehicle that has been hit by a power line.
• When power lines fail, try to keep your phone usage to a minimum. Make short calls to let your family know that you are okay or to find out how they are doing. Remember that your phone will have nothing to charge until the line is restored.

What do you need

There is a high chance that during an earthquake you will have to give up your car. And we know that you want to get home as soon as possible. Therefore, just in case, keep a kit with you that includes the following things:

• • Backpack - for comfortable transportation of all things
  • Flashlight with a working battery
  • Water bottles (stainless steel best)
  • Snack bars or snacks
  • Nice comfortable walking shoes
  • Blanket
  • First aid kit
  • Radio
  • Gloves / hat (remember that earthquakes can happen in winter)
  • Hand warmers
  • Waterproof matches
  • Multifunctional knife
  • Raincoat
  • Reflective stripes
  • Whistle (to draw attention if necessary)
  • Personal medicines
  • Other personal items such as toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, tampons, small bills / coins, documents.