Earthquake Preparation Safety Tips
From your local bastard who lives in a state that has had over 30 3.0-7.0 earthquakes in the past 72 hours
1 - Have an evacuation route and emergency meet-up plan in place
Know how to safely get out of whatever building you may be in during a quake once the shaking dies down. Multiple routes are best in case of fire, collapse, or bottleneck effects in high occupancy scenarios
Also have spots to meet up with friends or family if you are together during a quake and get separated, or your usual residency is no longer a useable spot
2 - Have an emergency bag ready and accessible
It can be a backpack, a duffle bag, a large purse, or several grocery bags. It should include basic necessities, such as the list below or this more-advanced checklist
Non-wired radio transmitter for important safety updates incase of loss of phone or internet
First Aid supplies such as band-aids, gauze, burn cream, bandage wrappings (ACE bandage for example), disinfectants, etc.
light supplies such as candles, flashlights, batteries, and/or matches/lighters
An extra change of clothing including at least one t-shirt shirt, one pair of long pants, an extra pair of socks, an extra change of underwear, a hat, a sturdy jacket or hoodie, a long-sleeved shirt, and an extra pair of boots or tennis shoes
masks (to filter any particles from the air)
3 - Learn your residences controls
Learn how to turn off water, gas, and power lines, as well as fuse boxes! In emergency situations, lines can go down or pipes can rupture and increase the chance of disasters like fires and building loss. Turning off the water and gas lines, as well as the fuses or shutting power off at the source is a really good way to prevent disaster.
1 - Do NOT go in doorways or try to move too much.
Find cover under a solid surface like a good table, or in the middle of a room if no surface is available. If possible, drop to your knees and lie with your forehead to the ground and your hands covering your head. Protect your vital points.
if you are in a wheelchair, make sure you are out of range from as many projectiles as possible. Lock your wheels, cover your head and lean forward as much as possible, and press your back against the chair as much as you can to stay seated
If using a walker, lock it in place and curl in if you can to protect your vitals. cover your head. If your walker has a removable cushion, you can use it as extra cover for your head and neck as well.
If you find yourself unable to drop to the ground, simply focus on protecting your vital organs and your skull, so curl inwards (shoulders towards knees, hands covering your head, as close to the ground as possible) and make sure you are away from any potentially falling items or furniture
STAY AWAY FROM WALLS, WINDOWS, DOORWAYS OR ARCHES, AND ANY FURNITURE OR ITEMS
2 - If you are in or on a Vehicle, such as a bike, car, motorcycle, or bus
Move SLOWLY away from any trees, bridges, power lines, overpasses, etc. If in a covered vehicle, stay inside. Get away from windows as much as possible, cover your head just in case, and wait. If on an uncovered vehicle, get off, get low to the ground NOT UNDER THE VEHICLE and cover your head as above.
Avoid buildings. They can fall on a dime, even if the shake doesn't appear to be that high of a magnitude.
1 - Get outside. If already outside, avoid buildings.
Unless you are 100% sure your building has super-thick earthquake 9.0 magnitude withstanding structure, get out and make your way to any pre-designated points or towards your nearest support (a neighbor, a friend, a fire hydrant even)
Stay away from the interior of buildings until you are sure no gas, power, or water lines are compromised, or until the lines have been secured by professionals or turned off.
1 - Communicate your wellbeing
Yes, just as important. If trapped, make noise (avoid hitting the area around you as much as possible in case of further risk). An emergency whistle is great, calling or texting if you can. Avoid shouting if possible to make sure you don't inhale harmful particulates
If others around you need help, determine if a service such as 999 or 991 needs to be called, something like a bandaid or burn cream is needed, etc. even if someone only fell, they should still consider being checked out or at least be under observation incase of head injury or adrenaline making them not realize how injured they are.
Helpful Providing Aid Link
Care for different emergency/injury link
(CPR below because of image description limits)
Check to see if the person is conscious or unconscious. If the person doesn't respond and you are alone, call 911 and begin chest compressions. If two people are available one can call 911 and the other can begin CPR.
Compressions - Begin compressions.
position the person on their back whilst supporting their head, neck, and back
place the heel of one hand over the persons breastbone. Place the other hand on top of the first one. Keep your elbows straight.
Using your upper body push straight down, compressing the chest about 2 inches. Push hard at a rate of 100 compressions per minute, or time with a steady, slightly swift 1-2 rhythm.
Airway - Clear the airway
If trained for CPR, after 30 compress-open the person's airway your by placing your palm on the person's Forehead and gently tilt the head back. With the other hand gently lift the chin forward to open the airway. Check for normal breathing, chest motion, and listen for normal breath sounds.
Breathing - Breathe for the person
Pinch the nostrils and cover the person's mouth with yours. Give the first rescue breath and watch to see if the chest rises. If it does rise
give the second breath. If the chest doesn't rise, repeat the head and chin tilt and give the second breath.
Resume chest compressions. Continue CPR until there are signs of life (active breathing, response, etc.) or emergency service arrives. Stay with person until they are in the hands of medical professionals
- Assume Down power lines are active and dangerous. If you see any, call emergency services immediately
- If you have any fire sprinklers installed in your home, only disable if you are entirely positive there is no fire risk, and you know where you can find extinguishers or turn them on again
Thats all I have for now. Stay Safs, be prepared! Extra Resources below
Seismic Safety Commission