23

Jan
2016

Are You Ready - The Importance of Earthquake Preparedness

January 23rd, 2016 | by Vancouver Fire | in Safety Plans and Training |    0   

Earthquakes are no laughing matter. Many innocent lives have been taken due to these natural atrocities, and the damage that has been done to land and property has cost millions.

Earthquakes can occur anywhere in the world but are more likely to occur along the edges of the oceanic and continental plates. It’s important to educate yourself on earthquake preparedness, especially if you live in areas with active fault lines, where earthquakes are a risk. You will want to know what to do if you ever find yourself experiencing an earthquake. They can be very scary, because they happen suddenly, and without any warning.

If you live in an earthquake-prone area, you will want to have done some earthquake-proofing in your home. When earthquakes occur, books, valuables, and breakable items fly off of shelves. Permanently attach items, such as heavy decorative items that remain in place, to shelves so that they can't be shaken off.

When an earthquake occurs, make sure that you have an emergency plan in place for your family and that everyone knows what to do. During an earthquake, do not run outside or near any doorways, stay where you are and drop low to the ground. This is important because if you don’t get down low then the earthquake will knock you down. Cover your head and neck with your arms and hands. Try to stay away from windows, anything breakable or anything that could fall on top of you. Find something sturdy to hold onto until the shaking subsides.

If you are outside when the earthquake strikes then run inside of a building if possible and follow the steps above or run into an open field away from building structures that could collapse on to you.

Once the earthquake has stopped, carefully get up and look for a safe route away from the debris. Aftershocks are possible so stay alert and remain calm. Once the coast is clear, use your phone to call or text for help.