What to Do During an Earthquake

This is the video of the recent earthquake in Cebu City, Philippines which recorded a magnitude of 6.9 and also felt in Negros Oriental, Iloilo City and Dumaguete City and other parts of central Philippines.  This triggered the authorities to raise a tsunami alert.

Acknowledgment and thanks to the uploader of this video from YouTube

The Philippines lies in the Pacific Ocean's "Ring of Fire," where earthquakes and volcanoes are common.  It means most of our citizens had an earthquake experience.  I myself had a grim experience of an earthquake.

In as much as the authorities continue to remind people on what to do during an earthquake with emphasis on “Don’t Panic”, people continue to panic during tremors.  I thought that reading repeatedly the guidelines on what to do during an earthquake will lessen our tendency to panic. Here’s one set of guidelines that I got from ready.gov website.  A video on earthquake drill can also be found at the bottom.

What to Do During an Earthquake

Drop, cover and Hold On. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place and if you are indoors, stay there until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.

If Indoors

• DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
• Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
• Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
• Do not use a doorway except if you know it is a strongly supported, load-bearing doorway and it is close to you. Many inside doorways are lightly constructed and do not offer protection..
• Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Do not exit a building during the shaking. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
• DO NOT use the elevators.
• Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.

If Outdoors

• Stay there.
• Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
• Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.

If in a Moving Vehicle

• Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
• Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

If Trapped Under Debris

• Do not light a match.
• Do not move about or kick up dust.
• Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
• Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust

Remember, DON’T PANIC!

Acknowledgment and thanks to “TheEarthquakeChannel” for uploading this video to YouTube