Prepare Yourself For Earthquakes!

Islamabad was hit with earthquake of 6.2 magnitude which makes me wonder what would be the better approach in this condition. An earthquake does not usually cause death or injury by itself. People are hurt by falling plaster and collapsing walls or falling of heavy objects. Collapsing buildings and vibrations can cause short circuits and electric fires. Lighted gas or stoves may also cause fires and all this leads to panic and confusion. However, with some precautions it is possible to avoid such confusion.

It’s the time that we must learn about earthquakes, its causes and effects. We must discuss about earthquakes with our friends and family, with a cool mind and various precautionary measures to be taken like keeping a torch and a portable transistor radio. Arrange your home in such a way that it is possible to move more easily, keeping corridors clear of furniture and toys. Attach shelves, gas cylinders, vases and flowerpots to the walls of your home. Place heavy or bulky objects on the floor or on the lowest shelves. Teach all members of your family how to turn off electricity ,gas and water supply.

What to DO During Earthquake?

1.      Almost everyone who simply 'ducks and covers' when buildings collapse ARE CRUSHED TO DEATH. People who get under objects, like desks or cars, are crushed. Hold on to it and be prepared to move with it. Hold the position until the ground stops shaking and it is safe to move. Stay clear of windows, fireplaces, woodstoves, and heavy furniture or appliances that may fall over. Stay inside to avoid being injured by falling glass or building parts. If you are in a crowded area, take cover. Stay calm and encourage others to do likewise. Leave the building as soon as the shaking stops, but use caution and common sense to protect yourself from rubble that could continue to fall with the aftershocks. Do not use an elevator, and if you hear people trapped inside, notify emergency personnel. Take the nearest stairway to exit the building, but hold on to the railing securely, as aftershocks probably will occur. Though the aftershocks won't be as harsh as the first quake, they can cause further destruction of the building and injuries. Do not return to the building until the proper authorities tell you it is safe.

2.      If you are outside, get into the open, away from buildings and power lines. Walk towards an open place, in a calm and composed manner. Do not run and do not wander round the streets. Keep away from buildings, especially old, tall or detached buildings, electricity wires, slopes and walls, which are liable to collapse.

3.      If you are driving, stop if it is safe, but stay inside your car. Stay away from bridges, flyovers and tunnels. Move your car away from the normal traffic pattern, as far as possible and park it on the roadside. Avoid stopping under trees, light posts or power lines.

4.      If you are in a hilly area, or near unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for falling rocks and other debris, which could be loosened by the earthquake.

5.      Keep the mobile in pocket. In any case of emergency, you must have a contacting source. Use battery source wisely.

Expect aftershocks. Turn off the water, gas and electricity in your homes and offices. Do not smoke and do not light matches or use a cigarette lighter. Do not turn on electric switches. There may be gas leaks or short-circuits. Use a torch. If there is a fire, try to put it out. If you cannot, call the fire brigade on phone number 101 or 2452222.

If people are seriously injured, do not move them unless they are in danger. If you know that people have been buried under the rubble, then inform the rescue teams. Do not rush and worsen the situation of injured persons or your own. Avoid places where there are loose electric wires and do not touch any metal object in contact with them. Eat something. You will feel better and more capable of helping others. If your home is badly damaged you must t leave it immediately. Collect water containers, food, other necessary items and special medicines for people with heart complaints, diabetes, asthma, etc. Do not re-enter badly damaged buildings or venture near damaged structures. Do not walk around the streets to see what has happened. Keep clear of the streets to enable rescue vehicles to pass

We have to accept that we are living in an earthquake prone area, when and where an earthquake will strike and what will be its magnitude, is up to the ‘Almighty’. Despite these precautions, future earthquakes may still cause damage to buildings, displace items within buildings, and disrupt basic utilities that we take for granted. We cannot stop an earthquake but we can definitely prepare ourselves, so as to minimize the damages, if any, due to the earthquake. By identifying hazards, we can set priorities for using our resources most effectively to reduce damage. This way we can drastically reduce the loss of life and property. The choice is ours.