Earthquake Survival: Dos and Don'ts to Stay Safe

Earthquakes are a terrifying natural phenomenon, capable of causing widespread destruction in mere seconds. While predicting them remains a challenge, knowing how to react can significantly increase your chances of survival. This guide will equip you with essential knowledge, debunk common myths, and provide actionable steps to protect yourself and your loved ones during and after an earthquake.

Understanding Earthquakes

Technically, earthquakes are seismic activities resulting from a sudden release of energy in the Earth's lithosphere. This energy release generates seismic waves, causing the ground to shake. While volcanic activity, meteor impacts, and even human activities can trigger earthquakes, the majority stem from tectonic activity.

Tectonic Plates and Fault Lines

The Earth's structure comprises layers, including the inner core, outer core, mantle, and crust. The movement within these layers causes the major tectonic plates to interact, creating friction at their boundaries, known as fault lines. This friction leads to a build-up of elastic strain. When the friction can no longer withstand the strain, a sudden release of energy occurs, resulting in an earthquake.

Earthquake Frequency and Location

Estimates suggest that hundreds of thousands to millions of earthquakes occur annually. While most are minor, powerful earthquakes can cause significant ground shaking and displacement. Approximately 90% of the world's earthquakes occur along the Circum-Pacific Belt, also known as the Ring of Fire, encompassing regions like South East Asia, Japan, the west coast of the United States, and Chile.

The Real Danger of Earthquakes

It's not the ground shaking itself that poses the greatest threat. Instead, the danger lies in the rapid destruction of human infrastructure. Collapsing walls, buildings, and bridges can cause severe injuries or fatalities. Earthquakes can also trigger secondary hazards like landslides, avalanches, and tsunamis, exacerbating the devastation.

Preparing for an Earthquake: Your Best Defense

Being prepared is the most effective strategy for earthquake survival. If you live in an earthquake-prone area, consider the following:

Know Your Surroundings: Identify safe spots in your home and workplace, learn how to shut off utilities (electricity, gas, and water), and establish evacuation routes and meeting points.
Secure Your Home: Secure large furniture to walls, place heavy objects on lower shelves, and ensure your chimney and roof are in good condition.
Emergency Kit Essentials: Assemble a kit containing first-aid supplies, a flashlight, phone chargers, batteries, water, non-perishable food, and identification documents. Tailor the kit to include specific needs for family members with illnesses or pregnancies.
Participate in Simulations: If available, participate in local earthquake simulations to practice your response.

What to Do When an Earthquake Strikes

Your actions during an earthquake depend on your immediate surroundings. Here's a breakdown of different scenarios:

Outside in an Open Space

Simply sit down and wait for the shaking to subside. Most earthquakes last only 10 to 30 seconds.

Outside Near Structures

Move away from buildings, utility poles, overhead cables, and trees as quickly as possible. Falling objects are a major cause of injury. If you can't fully distance yourself, use anything available to shield your head and neck.

In a Moving Vehicle

Stop in a safe location away from structures and potential hazards. Stay inside the car, apply the handbrake, and turn on the radio for emergency broadcasts. After the shaking stops, be cautious of road hazards like cracks, sinkholes, and fallen debris.

Near a Beach or Shoreline

Immediately move inland (at least 3 kilometers) or to higher ground (30 meters above sea level) to avoid potential tsunamis. Warning signs include a sudden recession of the sea or a loud roaring noise from the ocean.

Inside a Building

Stay Where You Are: Experts advise against running outside or to different rooms during the shaking. The areas around exterior walls and doorways are often the most dangerous.
Take Cover: Move away from furniture and light fixtures that could fall. Seek shelter under a sturdy table, desk, or bed. Hold onto your cover and be prepared to move with it.
If No Cover is Available: Crouch near an interior wall with no windows, covering your head and neck with your hands.
Avoid Elevators: If you're in a high-rise building, do not use elevators.

Debunking Earthquake Myths

Several misconceptions surround earthquake safety. Here are two common ones to avoid:

Myth: Doorways are the Safest Place

This belief stems from older buildings where wooden door frames were often the strongest part of the structure. However, modern buildings are constructed differently, and doorways are no stronger than other areas. Standing in a doorway also exposes you to falling debris and shattering glass.

Myth: The Triangle of Life

This theory suggests positioning yourself next to large, bulky objects to create a triangular void in case of a building collapse. However, this advice only applies to rare, complete building collapses. In most earthquakes, falling objects are the primary danger, making the "drop, cover, and hold on" approach more effective.

Surviving After the Shaking Stops

Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and others for injuries, especially cuts from broken glass.
Exit Buildings Carefully: Once the shaking has stopped, exit buildings cautiously, watching for structural damage.
Listen for Emergency Broadcasts: Stay informed about the situation and follow instructions from emergency services.
Be Prepared for Aftershocks: Aftershocks can cause further damage and injury, so remain vigilant.

By understanding the science behind earthquakes, preparing in advance, and knowing how to react during and after the event, you can significantly improve your chances of survival and help others in need. Stay safe!