Earthquakes are probably the most panicking and deadly natural disaster. It is basically caused by a sudden fault or slip in the Earth. As per scientific knowledge, earthquakes happen with the sudden release of energy from tectonic plates. Be it any underlying cause, ensuring life safety with protective do’s and don’ts of earthquakes must be ensured.
So we have brought forward Earthquake Safety information and tips for 2024 as instructed by the globally renowned, International Association for Earthquake Engineering (IAEE). At an individual level, saving oneself and others in the best possible way, with the best possible measures should be the main purpose. So let us get into the details about Earthquake Safety Information 2024, and some crazy facts about them.
What are The Causes of Earthquake
The major cause of earthquakes is the Tectonic Plate Movement. These tectonic plates are moving continuously with three different patterns (convergent, divergent, and transform movement). Sometimes, due to various underlying causes, they experience a sudden shock or release of energy, which results in an earthquake. Besides, some of the other causes behind them are:
- Volcanic activity
- Underwater Tsunami
- Human Activities such as mining, or geothermal energy extraction
- Melting of heavy ice sheets or glaciers
How to Prepare for an Earthquake?
Given the technological advancements in 2024, it is now possible to predict earthquakes, even if not with 100% assurance, but at least we can get the idea and assess the risk. So given that, it is advised to make yourself mentally prepared for any case of an earthquake emergency.
So for that purpose, you should have a family emergency plan, coupled with emergency supplies(mentioned below). Besides, we have shortlisted earthquake safety information with some of the best measures to be taken before, during, and after the earthquake to save yourself and your loved ones in the best possible manner.
What to Do Before an Earthquake Strikes
- Stay informed with authentic news and updates
- Prepare emergency plan
- Make an emergency kit with all the emergency supplies
- Develop an evacuation plan
- Identify safe spots in your house or neighborhood
What to Do During an Earthquake?
- Stay wherever you are, Don’t run or panic.
- If indoors, try to stay in a safe place and away from windows, glass, or any other heavy objects.
- If outdoors, move to a safe shelter, or an open area.
- Drop to your knees and cover your head and neck
- Evacuate any congested building or area as soon as possible
- Do not use elevators, use stairs instead
What to Do After an Earthquake Strikes?
- Be attentive for aftershocks
- Check for injuries
- Offer help or emergency service to people around
- Check for any electrical damage or any other structural issue
- Keep yourself updated
What is the Safest Place To Be in an Earthquake?
Well, the safest place to be in an earthquake varies depending on whether you are indoors or outdoors. So for Earthquake safety information, here are the safest places for both situations:
Indoor Safe Places
- Against the interior wall
- Away from the glass
- Center of the building
- Under a heavy desk or table
Outdoor Safe Places
- Open area
- Away from power lines
- Away from buildings, overpasses, etc
3 Things That You Should DO NOT During an Earthquake
As per the Earthquake Safety Information 2024, here are the three things that you should NOT do during an earthquake:
- Do not stand in doorways
- Do not use elevators
- Do not run outside
What are 10 Ways to Survive in an Earthquake?
Earthquake safety information shows that surviving an earthquake is the most risky and unpredictable thing you’ll ever experience in your life. But if you follow some of the pre-planned emergency mechanisms, protective actions, or safety tips, you can have more chances of surviving an earthquake, so here are the 10 safety tips for earthquakes:
Stay Indoors
It is recommended to stay indoors, unless very important, and protect yourself with any shield or firm barrier
Drop, cover, and hold on
Drop your head to your knees, cover your head and neck with your neck, and wait until the earthquake stops
Follow an emergency plan
Following a pre-planned emergency plan with all the precautionary measures shall surely help you be more prepared than others and will increase your survival chances.
Prepare emergency kit
An emergency kit with all the emergency supplies such as food, water, shelter, flashlights, will help you get through the time easily.
Monitor news and alerts
Staying in touch with the authentic news and updating yourself with the latest alerts is the prerequisite of surviving an earthquake.
Find safe shelter
Finding a safe shelter, if outdoors, can help you survive the earthquake. It could be any open, away from congestion, large buildings, or potentially hazardous places.
Move very Cautiously
If you are stuck somewhere or are indoors and there are no protective barriers, it’s better to move out with utmost caution.
Evacuate congested places or building
Staying away from congested places, narrow streets, or buildings and moving to an open area will help your survival.
Be careful of potential hazards
Staying away from any potential hazards such as broken electrical lines, gas supplies, leakages, or water flows shall also help you survive the earthquake.
Stay calm
Last but not least, do not panic and keep yourself calm, because the calmest mind can think of the best solution.
What Emergency Supplies Do I Need For an Earthquake?
Well, as per the Earthquake Safety Information, the emergency Supplies that you MUST carry with you in case of earthquake are:
- First Aid Kit
- Water
- Food (Non-Perishable items)
- Cell Phone with battery backup
- Cash or other important documents
- Extra-clothing
- Flashlights
- Emergency Contact information
- Plastic Sheets
Incredible Facts About Earthquakes
Here are some of the incredible facts about the deadliest earthquakes across the world:
- The Ring of Fire, which is an area in the Pacific Ocean, is majorly responsible for 90% of earthquakes across the globe.
- Most earthquakes experience earthquake flashes, occurring before or after the earthquake, and remain mysterious as per scientific knowledge.
- Seismometers can detect even the smallest shakes and earthquakes from any part of the world.
- The Great Chilean Earthquake was the largest recorded earthquake of 9.5 magnitude in Chile in 1960.
- Animals such as dogs or elephants are believed to sense earthquakes even before they occur.
Conclusion | Earthquake Safety Information
Earthquakes being one of the most lethal natural disasters are hard to control. However, observing well-researched Earthquake Safety Information principles, and sustainable construction, aiming for earthquake-resistant houses, can ensure even more safety. And interestingly societies like Capital Smart City and Faisal Town Phase 2 have already prioritized earth-quake resistant building structures. Both of these renowned societies are proactive in taking possible measures to protect residents from any kind of seismic damage.
