How to Protect Yourself In An Earthquake

In any emergency on should always be prepared. It’s very important that you understand how to protect yourself as well as your loved ones.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Flashlight
• Candles
• Emergency bag
• Batteries
• Shoes
• radio
• Money
• ID
• Food and Water
• Extra medicine

1. Remain calm. Though this may be a scary situation especially for children, it is very important that you remain calm.
2. Drop, Cover, Hold. Find a safe place in your house. Protect your head and neck by assuming the earthquake position. Begin by dropping down to the floor with you knees on the floor and your head tucked down toward the floor. If possible take cover under a sturdy desk or table. Place one hand on the leg of the table and the other hand on the back of your neck. Another area you can consider is next to a solid sofa or arm chair.
3. If you have children or pets do everything to get them under the table.
4. Make sure you avoid unstable items in and around buildings. Unfortunately, most injuries and deaths that occur in an earthquake are caused by falling objects or collapsing structures. Stay clear of fireplaces, windows, wood stoves, heavy furniture and appliances the may fall over. Stay indoors to avoid being injured by falling debris.
5. Fires have been known to cause havoc after an earthquake. It’s very important that you know the location of the switch off gas supply in your building as well as the emergency exits.
6. Prepare an emergency bag with a radio, flashlight (Self cranked if possible) , spare batteries, candles, money, food, water, shoes (to prevent you from stepping on glass) and ID. If you are on medication, make sure you keep an extra supply of your prescription handy.
7. If you are driving, stop and stay in your car. Avoid bridges, overpasses and tunnels. In addition, try to avoid stopping under trees, power lines, signs and light posts.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you have a first aid kit complete with scissors, tweezers, band-aids, rubbing alcohol, and gauze
• Make sure you have sufficient amount of water and food for 3-7 days.
• Avoid using your phone to keep lines open for emergency.
• keep pets in carriers, and maybe suggest to that children to help take care of pets. I added responsibility may keep down children's stress and fears.
• Sometimes there are aftershocks following an earthquake. Take the same actions during this time
• If you smell gas, hear hissing, get out of the area immediately.