Earthquakes are among the most devastating natural disasters. What makes it more annihilating is the fact that there is no precise way of predicting when an earthquake may happen. The most effective tactic to minimize the effects of earthquakes in human lives is to make adequate earthquake emergency preparations.
During an earthquake, you will feel the ground shaking or rolling. If the movement of the Earth’s crust is really violent, you may even hear the ground rumbling or roaring. These earthquake characteristics may cause you to panic and eventually jeopardize your chance of survival. While strong and devastating earthquakes rarely happen, even in places located in the Earth’s ring of fire, it is imperative that you have an emergency plan so that you and your family can stay safe. Here are a few pointers to remember to keep you prepared for an earthquake.
The key to being safe during an earthquake is having quick reaction. As soon as the ground shakes violently, you should know what to do as if by instincts. To be able to react quickly during earthquakes, you must regularly conduct earthquake drills. This will keep you on your feet when the real thing comes.
If you are living in a place that is frequented by earthquakes, you must plan your home in such a way that it will not become your deathbed. Use light materials for your home and provide ample exit ways to run to during emergencies. Collapsing home and building materials commonly cause injuries and deaths during earthquakes; and to avoid this, you must make sure that most of your home structure and appliances are not heavy enough to crush you.
Make sure also that your place has strong doorways or door frames. Statistically these places are the most likely places that can withstand earthquakes. Fasten tall and heavy fixtures to the wall. Ensure that your cabinets have latches so that whatever they contain will not fall out during an earthquake.
Everybody in your office or home should know your emergency plan for an earthquake. Make sure that everybody understands the procedures to perform whenever the big one happens. Coordination is an important survival aspect particularly after the earthquake.
Knowing where to run and hide for cover during an earthquake may save your life and limbs. Learn the safe spots of your home or office. Practice going to these safe spots so that you can immediately react by going into these places during an actual earthquake.
Also plan a meeting place for your coworkers or family where all of you can gather yourselves together after an earthquake.
In your office or within your family, assign tasks that everybody must perform during earthquakes. Earthquake preparation should never be a one-man job. Your fellow workers and family members should be made to understand of what to do, especially if you are not with them during an earthquake.
Finally, you must have a number of emergency kits ready in the office or at home. These kits must have the bare essentials that can help preserve life during emergencies. From drinking water, food, to first aid materials, your emergency kits will be your lifelines. Make sure that everybody knows where these emergency kits are kept.
William Hammons promotes emergency preparedness for all situation. You can find emergency preparedness food, gear, and other supplies by visiting his blog.