Earthquake Survival Guide: Drop, Cover, and Prepare for Safety

Earthquakes: Navigating the Unknown with Preparedness

When faced with an earthquake, preparation is the key to survival. Earthquakes can strike without warning and cause catastrophic damage. Whether you're indoors or outdoors, understanding how to protect yourself is essential.

Drop, Cover, and Hold On

1. Drop: The first action is immediate drop - lower your body onto your hands and knees. This position helps prevent you from being knocked down by falling objects while allowing flexibility for movement if necessary.

2. Cover: If possible, seek shelter under a sturdy table or desk as close to the ground as you can get. Cover your head and neck with your ar protect yourself from falling debris or broken glass. If there's no immediate shelter avlable, find a safe spot near an interior wall away from falling hazards such as furniture.

3. Hold On: Stay beneath the cover until the shaking subsides. Be prepared to move with your shelter if it shifts during the quake.

Inside Safety Measures

• Avoid Rushing Outdoors: Running outdoors increases your risk of injury due to falling debris or collapsing structures, especially in high-rise buildings.

• Move Carefully Away from Potential Hazards: Quickly step away from objects that could fall like glass, hanging items, bookcases, and cabinets with open doors.

• Use a Soft Shield: If there's no time for shelter, use avlable items like pillows or blankets to protect your head and neck as you drop onto the floor.

Outside Safety Protocols

If outside:

1. Stay Out: The greatest danger is falling debris close to buildings, so moving away from structures provides safety.

2. Seek an Open Space: Find a spacious area far from trees, poles, and buildings where you can lie flat on the ground until shaking ceases.

Preparedness for Special Cases

• Accessibility Needs: People with mobility imprments should familiarize themselves with escape routes and identify accessible shelters or safe zones.

• Emergency Communication: Ensure your smartphone is fully charged beforehand. Have a backup plan like battery-powered radios for emergency alerts during an earthquake.

In-Car Safety During Earthquakes

If in a moving vehicle:

1. Pull Over: Drive to the shoulder or curb, away from power lines and overpasses.

2. Stay Inside: The car acts as a protective barrier agnst falling debris - keep your seat belt fastened and try not to move too much.

Post-Earthquake Actions

• Follow Official Guidelines: Heed evacuation orders if advised by local authorities.

• Assess Your Environment: Check for structural damage, fallen electrical lines, gas leaks, or other hazards before entering buildings.

• Communicate with Family: Use your emergency communication plan to ensure everyone is accounted for and aware of any dangers.

Additional Resources

• American Red Cross Earthquake Safety: Provides comprehensive tips on how to prepare for an earthquake and what actions to take during one.

• FEMA's Earthquake Safety Checklist: Offers a step-by-step guide on earthquake safety preparedness, including checks for structural integrity post-earthquake.

• Ready.gov Earthquakes Page: Offers resources from the Federal Emergency Management Agency FEMA focused on preparation, response, and recovery.

Earthquakes are unpredictable natural disasters that can happen at any time. By adopting these guidelines, you're equipping yourself with knowledge to ensure your safety when seismic activity strikes. Preparation is key in a situation where every second counts.
This article is reproduced from: https://www.cdc.gov/earthquakes/safety/stay-safe-during-an-earthquake.html

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