Earthquake Safety Guide
π§ BEFORE an Earthquake
- π§― Secure heavy furniture & electronics.
- π¦ Prepare emergency kits (water, food, flashlight).
- π Identify safe zones under tables or corners.
- π± Save emergency contacts in phone.
- π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ Conduct family safety drills regularly.
β DURING an Earthquake
- π» Drop, Cover, and Hold On!
- πͺ Stay indoors; avoid windows and doors.
- π If outside, move to an open area away from buildings.
- π If in a car, stop safely and stay inside.
- π« Do not use elevators!
π¨ AFTER an Earthquake
- π©Ή Check yourself and others for injuries.
- π Watch for tsunami warnings (in coastal areas).
- π§― Shut off gas and electricity if you smell leaks.
- π» Listen to emergency broadcasts for updates.
- π¬ Use text/WhatsApp to communicate.
π Emergency Kit Essentials
- π₯« Non-perishable food (3-day supply)
- π§ Water (1 gallon per person per day)
- π¦ Flashlight with extra batteries
- π§° First aid kit with necessary meds
- π Important documents in waterproof bag
- π§₯ Warm clothes, blankets, sturdy shoes
- π± Power bank and emergency phone list
π« What NOT To Do During An Earthquake
- β Donβt run outside during shaking
- β Donβt stand under doorways
- β Donβt light candles or matches if you smell gas
- β Donβt use elevators
- β Donβt panic or scream β stay calm
π§ Post-Earthquake Mental Health Tips
- π¬ Talk about your experience with others
- π§ Practice deep breathing or short meditations
- π Write down your thoughts in a journal
- π Give yourself time to process emotions
- π Seek professional help if symptoms persist
π€ Myth vs Fact: Earthquake Safety
-
Myth: Earthquakes only happen in the morning.
Fact: Earthquakes can occur at any time of day or
night.
-
Myth: Doorways are safest.
Fact:
Tables or sturdy furniture offer better protection.
-
Myth: Animals can predict quakes.
Fact:
No scientific evidence supports this consistently.
-
Myth: Small tremors prevent big ones.
Fact:
Small quakes donβt reduce big quake risk.
π Step-by-Step Earthquake Evacuation Plan
- 1οΈβ£ Take cover and wait until shaking stops
- 2οΈβ£ Grab emergency kit if it's safe to do so
- 3οΈβ£ Exit building using stairs, not elevators
- 4οΈβ£ Head to a designated safe open area
- 5οΈβ£ Tune into emergency alerts and updates
π£ Survivor Story Spotlight
-
Rita, 2015 Nepal Quake: βPracticing our drill saved
my family. We huddled under a table and waited. That preparation
made all the difference.β
-
Ahmed, 2001 Bhuj Quake: βThe emergency kit we
packed six months earlier had food, water, and flashlight β it
helped us survive two days until help arrived.β
-
Meena, 2023 Turkey Quake: βI had never imagined
this happening. But watching safety videos gave me courage and I
could help my neighbors too.β
β
Self-Check: Are You Earthquake-Ready?
- I have a packed emergency kit
- I know the safe spots in my home
- I have secured heavy items at home
- Iβve practiced a safety drill with my family
- I saved emergency contact numbers