How to behave during an earthquake

Video: How to Protect Yourself During an Earthquake | Disasters

Content

Steps
Method 1 of 3: Get on the floor, protect yourself, and hold (indoors)
Method 2 of 3: The Triangle of Life (Indoor)
Method 3 of 3: Surviving an Outdoor Earthquake
Tips
Warnings

Earthquakes occur as a result of a shift in the earth's crust, which causes seismic waves to vibrate and collide with each other. Unlike hurricanes or floods, earthquakes occur without much identification and are usually followed by a series of similar, less intense aftershocks. If you find yourself in the epicenter of an earthquake, there are only a split second left to make a decision. Take a close look at the following tips to help you survive if you find yourself caught between life and death.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Get on the floor, protect yourself, and hold (indoors)

1 Throw yourself to the floor. The technique "on the floor, protect your head and hold on" - akin to the technique used in fire "stop, throw yourself on the floor and roll on it." While this is not the only way to save your life by staying indoors during an earthquake, it is the preferred method of the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross.
- Severe earthquakes occur with little or no signs, so it is recommended to lie down on the floor as soon as it starts.A weak earthquake can intensify in a split second; it's better not to take risks than to regret later.
2 Find yourself a refuge. Take shelter under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture. As much as possible, stay away from glass, windows, exterior doors, walls, and anything that might fall, such as lights or furniture. If there is no table next to you, covering your face and head with your hands, sit down, hugging the inner corner of the building.
- Never:
  - Run outside. You are more likely to get hurt trying to get out of a building than if you stay put.
  - Head into the doorway. That it is safe in the doorway is a myth. You will be safer under a table than hiding in a doorframe, especially in modern homes.
  - Run to another room to hide under a table or other furniture.
3 Stay inside until it is safe to go outside. According to research, most people are injured when trying to change their place of hiding, as well as in situations where in a crowded place everyone is trying to find a safe way out.
4 Hold on. Debris may fall during an earthquake. Hold onto whatever surface you can get under and wait for the tremors to subside. If you are unable to find a place to hide, constantly protect your head with your hands, curled up on the floor.
5 If an earthquake catches you in bed, stay where you are. Hold on with a pillow over your head, unless there is a heavy lamp hanging over you that may fall. In this situation, go to the nearest safe place.
- Many are injured by leaving their beds during the earthquake and stepping on broken glass with their bare feet.
6 Stay inside the building until the earthquake ends or until it is safe to go outside. Research shows that most injuries were sustained while attempting to leave a building or move to another part of it.
- Be careful when going outside. In case of strong repeated shocks walk calmly, don't run... Stay in an open area with no wires, buildings, or cracks in the ground.
- Don't use the elevator to get out. Electricity may be cut and you will be trapped. The best way to do this is to use a ladder - if it is free.

Method 2 of 3: The Triangle of Life (Indoor)

1 As an alternative to the “on the floor, protect your head, and hold on” method, you can use the triangle of life. In a situation where there is no way to find a table under which to hide, use other options. While many of the world's leading disaster intelligence agencies dispute this method, it could save your life if the building you're in starts to collapse.
2 Find a structure or furniture nearby. According to the triangle theory, people who take refuge near household items (not under them), such as a sofa, are often protected in the space created by a flat collapse. Theoretically, during destruction, a heavy ceiling falls on an object or furniture, destroying this object, and a cavity or free space is formed next to it. The adherents of this theory believe that sheltering in this space is the safest option for surviving an earthquake.
3 Curl up in fetal position next to construction or furniture. Doug Kopp, the main proponent and popularizer of this theory, argues that this method, which cats and dogs use instinctively, also works for humans.
4 Take a look at the list of things to avoid during an earthquake. If you can't find a safe place to hide, cover your head and curl up where you are.
- Never:
  - Stand in the doorway.People who stand in doorways are usually at risk of being crushed to death by the weight of a doorframe that has fallen under the influence of an earthquake.
  - Climb the stairs to hide under the furniture. Stairs and staircases are the most dangerous places during an earthquake.
5 Note that the triangle of life has no scientific basis and expert recommendations. In fact, this method is a controversial issue. If there are several options for an earthquake, it is better to use the “on the floor, protect your head and hold on” method.
- There are several problems with the triangle of life. First, it is difficult to understand how the triangles of life will form, since objects during an earthquake move not only up and down, but also from side to side.
- Second, scientific studies report that most earthquake deaths are due to falling debris and objects, not building collapse. The triangle of life is based primarily on earthquakes, which cause buildings to collapse, not falling things.
- Many experts are convinced that people are more likely to get injured while trying to move somewhere, rather than staying where they are. According to the theory of the triangle of life, you need to find somewhere to hide, and not stay in place.

Method 3 of 3: Surviving an Outdoor Earthquake

1 Stay outside until it stops shaking. Do not try to heroically save anyone and do not risk entering the building. It will be best in open areas, where the risk of falling under the rubble of buildings is reduced. The greatest danger lies in the immediate vicinity of the building, at the exit and next to the outer walls.
2 Stay away from buildings, street lights and power lines. Outside, they pose the greatest danger during an earthquake.
3 If you are in a car, stop as quickly as possible and stay inside. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, bridges and power lines. Continue carefully when the earthquake stops. Avoid roads, bridges and slopes that may have been damaged by an earthquake.
4 If you find yourself trapped under the rubble, stay calm and take precautions. It may seem counterintuitive, however, if you find yourself trapped under a motionless mountain of rubble, it is best to wait for someone to come to your aid.
- Do not light matches or lighter. Escaping flammable gas or other flammable substances can cause accidental fire.
- Do not twirl or kick up dust. Protect your mouth with a tissue or clothing.
- Knock on pipes or walls so lifeguards can find you. If you have a whistle, use it. Shout only as a last resort, because screaming can inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
5 If you are near a large body of water, be prepared for the possible tsunami. Most tsunamis are caused by underwater earthquakes, during which there is an abrupt displacement (raising or lowering) of a section of the seabed. This leads to the formation of powerful waves moving towards the coast and settlements.
- If there is an earthquake with an epicenter in the ocean, the chances of a tsunami are very high.

Tips

If you are traveling in mountainous areas, just in case, read how to get out of a sinking or hanging over a cliff or sinking car.
If you are on the beach, look for a higher elevation.
If you are at the airport, run to the exit or to a safe place.
During an earthquake, there is no need to worry about cameras, phones, computers and other material things - life is the most precious thing.
Take care of the protection of children and babies. They are unlikely to understand what is happening. Find a solid cover and stay there until the earthquake stops.
If possible, take pets into the shelter.
Helping others in an emergency is fine, but take care of yourself first.
An earthquake of lesser force may be followed by an earthquake of greater force - be prepared for this.