Earthquake safety tips

Earthquake can strike suddenly with very little warning. One minute you may be enjoying the company of your friends and family and the next minute the floor beneath you begins to shake. You cannot stop nature, but you can learn how to react during an earthquake.  Here are some tips that may help you to ensure your safety & the safety of the people around you.. 

Safety before the Earthquake

• The building should be constructed by taking all earthquake safety measures.
• Building should not have any crack either in foundation or in structure, if any then it should be repaired with the consultation of civil engineer.
• Loose objects placed at a height or heavy objects should be affixed to the adjoining walls so that these objects may not harm the persons living in the rooms.
• Place heavy objects or articles on the lower shelves or on floors. 
• Heavy hanging objects such as head light should not be kept in bedroom, sleeping area and living area.
• Store all breakable objects, flammable products and pesticides in low closed cabinets with proper locks. 
• Make sure that all the family members know how to respond after earthquake and they should have emergency telephone number of police and fire fighting stations.
• All family members should have knowledge about the location of electric main switch and they should know how to turn off the electric main switch and gas connection to avoid any further damage at the time of earthquake.
• First aid kit, torch, flash light, some food and water, radio with battery should be set aside for the emergency and each family member should know about the storage so that these items would be helpful after the earthquake.

Safety during the Earthquake

• First of all, when earthquake occurs try to get out the house.
• Never use lift during the earthquake it may harm you.
• At the time of earthquake if someone is inside the building he should try to take shelter under heavy desk or table or stand under the door ways but away from glass windows, heavy objects such as loose cabinets, book shelves, Mirror and hanging heavy lights etc. 
• If you are in bedroom then take shelter under bed or table or keep pillows on   head and move away from electric circuits.
• If you are outside of your house at the time of earthquake, move away from electric poles, buildings, electric towers and trees.
• If you are in car then move the car away from building, trees, electric poles and bridges. Stop car in an open area and wait until the shaking is over. 
• One should remain calm during earthquake.