Sunday 21 July 2013

5 Essential Tips to Earthquake Safety

The rule of thumb for earthquake protection is simple: "Duck and Cover". In wake of the recent earthquakes, has compiled a list of the top 5 essential tips to remember if you witness an earthquake.

1. DROP & COVER
During an earthquake, the one most important thing to remember is the "DROP and COVER RULE". Simply fall flat on the floor if you're out in the open. If you're indoors, it is extremely important that you maintain your calm and try to take cover under a heavy object like study tables.

2. Stay away from Buildings
If you are outdoors, stay as far away from buildings as possible. Take special precaution of being far away from glass buildings.
3. Stay away from things that can Fall
Stay away from pretty much anything that you feel could 'possibly' fall.

4. Surviving Crowded Areas
If you find yourself in a crowded area, stay calm. Do not attempt to sprint to the nearest exit. More often than not, a greater percentage of lives are lost due to panic situations during an earthquake leading to stampedes. All you need to remember is to take cover under something sturdy.

5. Aftershocks
Beware of aftershocks once the initial earthquake has ended. Aftershocks are follow-up earthquakes. They are smaller than the first one, but, are still, very dangerous.

For those with anxiety problems, here are a few tips that may come in handy. Dealing with difficult people, especially at your work place may prove to be essential in case of a crisis situation.

For people living in apartments (most of the people in cities are doing that), people in ground floors and top floors, get to the middle floors or get out if possible. Staying in middle and ground floors is dangerous for buildings up to 6-7 floors. Also, those who are in single or double storey buildings or skyscrapers, need not panic; earthquake does not affect you to that extent. (Contributed by, MensXP Reader, Krishna Chaitanya)

No comments:

Post a Comment