Earthquakes

[AZ Prepper]

Facts about Earthquakes

1. Earthquakes are classified as great, major, moderate, or small, based on the intensity that they are registered on the “Richter Scale”.

2. Earthquake classifications based on the Richter scale are shown in magnitudes below.
Classifications - Richter Scale
small 5.0 - 5.9
moderate 6.0 - 6.9
major 7.0 - 7.9
great 8.0 - 8.93. After earthquakes more injuries and deaths are caused by panic, falling objects, landslides, fires, or floods than by the actual earthquake.

4. Earthquakes usually have aftershocks, or small tremors, which are often just as dangerous as the initial earthquake.

5. Earthquakes usually rarely last more than a few seconds.

6. Earthquakes can cause tidal waves in coastal areas.


What to do to PREPARE FOR an Earthquake

1. Follow procedures for “General Emergency and Disaster Preparations”.


What to do DURING an Earthquake

1. Remain calm! Think through the consequences of all your actions.

2. Stop, drop, cover, and hold on to something sturdy, where you are.

3. If you are indoors. . .
a. stay indoors.

b. take cover under a heavy desk, table, bench, archway, alongside a sturdy wall or in a narrow hallway.

c. stay away from and out of windows and all other forms of glass, elevators, stairwells, and doorways with doors, (doors can swing closed, causing injuries).
4. If you are outdoors. . .
a. stay outdoors.

b. move away from buildings, roofs with clay tiles, antennas, or satellite dishes, large trees, signs, power lines, and any other utility wires or buildings on stilts.
5. If you are in a crowded place. . .
a. stay away from overhead walkways and do not rush for a doorway.

b. take cover and move away from display shelves holding objects that can fall.
6. If you are in a high-rise building. . .
a. get under a sturdy desk or table away from windows and outside walls.

b. stay in the building on the same floor. An evacuation may not be necessary.

c. be aware that the electricity may go out and that the sprinkler systems and fire alarms may go on.
7. If you are in a moving vehicle. . .
a. stop as quickly and safely as possible, and stay in your vehicle.

b. try not to stop near power-lines, bridges, tall fences, or gas stations.

c. watch for road and bridge damage before proceeding.
8. Hold on to small children and pets. They scare easily and may try to run into dangerous areas or situations.

9. Do not use any open flame during or immediately after an earthquake in case there is a gas leak.


What to do AFTER an Earthquake

1. Prepare for aftershocks.

2. Follow procedures for “General Post Emergency and Disaster Response”




This information was taken by permission from the author of, "Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response" by Kenneth Moravec. This booklet (very highly recommended) can be purchased for a very low cost by contacting the author at: Kenneth Moravec - MoravecKennethB@aol.com - (801) 492-9029

[AZ Prepper]

What To Do Before An Earthquake
http://www.kentuckypreppersnetwork.com/2010/01/what-to-do-before-earthquake.html


Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake. Repairing deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations, anchoring overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling, and following local seismic building standards, will help reduce the impact of earthquakes.
Six Ways to Plan Ahead

1. Check for Hazards in the Home
* Fasten shelves securely to walls.
* Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
* Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
* Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.
* Brace overhead light fixtures.
* Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.
* Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.
* Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.
* Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.
2. Identify Safe Places Indoors and Outdoors
* Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
* Against an inside wall.
* Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.
* In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.
3. Educate Yourself and Family Members
* Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on earthquakes. Also read the "How-To Series" for information on how to protect your property from earthquakes.
* Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
* Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.
4. Have Disaster Supplies on Hand
* Flashlight and extra batteries.
* Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
* First aid kit and manual.
* Emergency food and water.
* Nonelectric can opener.
* Essential medicines.
* Cash and credit cards.
* Sturdy shoes.
5. Develop an Emergency Communication Plan
* In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.
* Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
6. Help Your Community Get Ready
* Publish a special section in your local newspaper with emergency information on earthquakes. Localize the information by printing the phone numbers of local emergency services offices, the American Red Cross, and hospitals.
* Conduct a week-long series on locating hazards in the home.
* Work with local emergency services and American Red Cross officials to prepare special reports for people with mobility impairments on what to do during an earthquake.
* Provide tips on conducting earthquake drills in the home.
* Interview representatives of the gas, electric, and water companies about shutting off utilities.
* Work together in your community to apply your knowledge to building codes, retrofitting programs, hazard hunts, and neighborhood and family emergency plans.

[UrbanFool]

The best place to be in an earthquake is beside a large uncrushable object like the refrigerator or a couch. They've found more survivors in pockets next to large furniture objects than anywhere else. (I can't speak for Haiti, but I was born and raised in CA.)

[Imamom]

The best place to be in an earthquake is beside a large uncrushable object like the refrigerator or a couch. They've found more survivors in pockets next to large furniture objects than anywhere else. (I can't speak for Haiti, but I was born and raised in CA.)

Until that heavy refrigerator falls onto you and crushes you.........

[UrbanFool]

Until that heavy refrigerator falls onto you and crushes you.........

That would be a REALLY serious earthquake. I can't even imagine the refrigerator falling over. I wonder what the odds of that would be?