Preparation beforehand can reduce the shock of an earthquake. Make some proper emergency reserves and tell your family what to do during and after a disaster.
When a disaster strikes, you will most likely not get any help for 72 hours. So learn how to survive at least those 72 hours.
The movement of the ground in an earthquake does not usually cause direct casualties. Most casualties are caused by the collapse of buildings and secondary hazards.
Daily Preparation from the Ground Up
Supplies Stockpile
Prepare for emergencies by having emergency items on hand.
1. Water
At least 3.8 liters of water per person per day should be stocked for 72 hours at a time. In general, an active normal person needs to consume 1.9 liters per day just for drinking water. In order to ensure adequate amounts, the following factors should be taken into account:
(1) Individual needs vary according to age, physical condition, activity level, diet, climate, etc.
(2) Children, lactating women, and the sick require greater amounts of water;
(3) High temperatures can multiply water needs;
(4) Medical emergencies can require more water.
It is recommended that you purchase some bottled water. Be aware of the shelf life.
If you are going to fill your own containers with water, you should purchase the kind of water containers that don't leak and are designed to store food from a store specializing in military or camping supplies. Before filling the water, wash the container with dishwashing detergent and water, and rinse it with water to avoid detergent residue. The water in the container must be changed regularly. In addition to water, you will need some tablets for purification, such as Halazone and Globaline, but be sure to look at the label on the bottle before using these tablets. Talk to a professional or healthcare professional about the use of the above medications!
2. Food
Prepare enough food in listening packets or dehydrated food, powdered milk, and juice in listening packets for 72 hours. Dry cereal, fruit and unsalted dried fruit are good sources of nutrition.
Please note the following:
(1) Don't choose foods that make you thirsty. Choose unsalted crackers, whole grain cereals and canned foods rich in fluid.
(2) Stock up only on foods that don't require refrigeration, cooking, or special handling; there are plenty of similar foods to choose from.
(3) Don't forget to include food for babies and people with special dietary needs. You should also have some kitchen utensils and cookware on hand, especially a manual can opener.
3. Emergency lights and spare batteries
Keep an emergency light by your bed, at work, and in your car. Don't use matches or candles after an earthquake unless you can be sure there is no gas leak.
4. Portable radio, etc.
Most telephones will be out of commission or used only for emergencies, so a radio will be your best source of information. If possible, you should also have a battery-powered walkie-talkie.
5. First aid kit and manual
Prepare a first aid kit at home and in your car, as well as a copy of the Standardized First Aid and Personal Safety Manual or similar manual produced by the Red Cross in your country. Have your family take some basic first aid and artificial respiration courses.
6. Fire extinguishers
Have fire extinguishers in your home and in your car. Some extinguishers are designed to work only with certain types of fires - electric fires, grease fires, or gas fires, etc. ABC (All Purpose Dry Powder) extinguishers are safe to use with any type of fire. Your local fire department can teach you how to use a fire extinguisher properly.
7. Special Supplies
Prepare necessary special supplies such as medicines, spare glasses, contact lens care solution, hearing aid batteries, baby items (baby food, diapers, bottles and pacifiers), hygiene items (small wipes and hand towels), and other items needed by your family.
8. Important documents and cash
Make sure you have enough cash available if ATMs, banks and credit card systems are down. Also, keep copies of credit references, ID cards and some important documents such as bank books, insurance policies and financial records.
9. Tools
In addition to having a pair of pipe wrenches and an adjustable wrench (for shutting off air valves and water pipes), you'll want to have a lighter, a box of matches in a waterproof case, and a whistle for calling for help.
10. Clothing
If you are in an area where the weather is cold, it is important to think about keeping warm. You may not be able to get warm after an earthquake, think about warm clothes and sleeping supplies. Make sure everyone has a full change of clothes and shoes; this includes a jacket or tunic, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes, hat, gloves and scarf, and a sleeping bag or warm blanket (one per person).
11. Pet Supplies
Find a safe location for your pet, pack the essentials, make sure your pet has accurate identification and an up-to-date veterinary registration, and have a crate and a leash ready.
Earthquake Preparedness
When an earthquake occurs, you should reduce the risk of disaster by turning off the utilities in your home. It's usually important to teach family members who can take responsibility how to turn off gas and electric valves as well as water valves. If you need more information about utilities, check with your local electricity, water and gas supply authorities.
Always make sure that you:
(1) cut fuses or trips;
(2) turn off gas valves;
(3) turn off tap water valves.
Hazard screening
You can look for potential hazards in an earthquake by doing an "earthquake hazard screening" in your home. All you need to do is go through your rooms, visualize what would happen in an earthquake, and use your common sense to make predictions and identify potential hazards.
Some possible hazards are:
(1) tall, heavy furniture that could collapse in an earthquake, such as bookshelves, cabinets, or custom-made modular cabinets that should be secured;
(2) water heaters that could detach from the pipes and shatter;
(3) items that could move, rip out gas lines or wires;
(4) hanging water heater that could detach from a pipe and shatter; and
(5) water heaters that could be damaged in an earthquake.
(4) Heavy potted plants hanging high above the ground that could become unhooked and fall;
(5) Heavy picture frames or mirrors hanging above the bed that could fall during an earthquake;
(6) Cabinets or other cabinets that could come loose and open when the cabinet pins are shaken violently;
(7) Fragile or heavy items placed on open storage shelves that could fall and break;
(8) Water heaters that could be damaged by the earthquake.
(8) Stone chimneys may collapse on unsupported roofs;
(9) Flammable liquids, such as paints and cleaners, should be stored in the garage or in an outdoor storage room (not indoors).
Please try to eliminate these hazards one by one by properly placing all kinds of heavy objects and relocating improperly placed heavy objects.
Earthquake drills
It is important to know where to go when you realize your house is shaking. If you prepare and drill before an earthquake occurs, you and your family will be able to react promptly and correctly at the first sign of tremors. Earthquake drills allow each family member to know how to respond to an earthquake.
Each family member should know where the safe and hazardous locations are in each room:
(1) Safe locations: The best safe spots are under or next to sturdy furniture, such as under desks or other hard tables; areas under supported arcades and immediately adjacent to interior load-bearing walls are also safer;
(2) Hazardous locations: windows, hanging objects, mirrors, fireplaces, and higher unsecured furniture sides.
It is especially important for children to reinforce this knowledge by experiencing first-hand how to settle in safe places.
Conduct emergency drills in the days or weeks following these drills to reinforce knowledge.
Prepare yourself physically and mentally to cope with post-earthquake disaster situations.
Escape from earthquakes and respond calmly
How to get through an earthquake safely
While the earthquake is still going on, limit your movement to within a few steps of a safe place somewhere around you, and leave the room after the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe.
1. If you are indoors
Crouch down, take cover, and hold on - use the space under a writing desk, table, or bench, or press your body against an interior load-bearing wall for cover, and then grab a stationary object with both hands. If there is no writing desk or table nearby, protect your head and face with your arms and crouch in the corner of the room.
Stay away from glassware, building facades, windows and doors, and other objects that could fall, such as light fixtures and furniture.
If you are in bed when the earthquake strikes, stay there and don't move. Grab a pillow to protect your head. If there are heavy light fixtures above you that could fall, move to the nearest safe place.
Don't leave the room until the shaking stops and you're sure it's safe to be outside. Most injuries and deaths in earthquakes are caused by falling objects hitting people as they enter and exit buildings.
Be aware that power may be lost and fire alarms as well as automatic sprinklers may activate.
Do not use an elevator to escape.
2. If you are outside
Stay where you are.
Stay away from built-up areas, large trees, streetlights, and power lines and cables.
3. If you are in a moving vehicle
Pull over as soon as you are sure it is safe to do so and stay inside.
Don't park under buildings, next to large trees, overpasses, or under power lines and cables.
Don't try to cross bridges that have been damaged.
Move forward carefully after the earthquake stops and watch for damage to roads and bridges.
4. If you are trapped under rubble
Do not light a match.
Do not move around to avoid raising dust.
Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or cloth.
Tap on pipes or walls so rescuers can spot you. Use a whistle if possible. Opt for shouting when nothing else works - as shouting can cause one to inhale large quantities of harmful dust and deplete physical energy.
What to do after an earthquake
1. Check for injuries
If someone stops breathing, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; if there is a bleeding trauma, immediately apply direct pressure to the injury to stop the bleeding; don't move a seriously injured person unless there is an imminent danger of the injury expanding; and wrap the injured person in a blanket to maintain body temperature.
Bring a radio powered by dry batteries with you to get the latest rescue news and news reports.
People living near the sea should be alert to the possibility of a tsunami. A tsunami is a wave triggered by an earthquake. If a tsunami warning has been issued by the local government, realize that dangerous waves are approaching, at which point you should evacuate to high ground inland as soon as possible.
Do not use the telephone unless seriously injured.
Always wear shoes when falling debris and glass are nearby.
2. Check for Hidden Hazards
Extinguish the fire if possible. If the fire can no longer be extinguished, leave the home quickly, notify the fire department if possible, and alert neighbors.
Check the house with a dry-battery powered flashlight. Turn on the flashlight before you enter the house because if there is a gas leak in the house, turning on the flashlight could cause a spark. Check gas lines, electrical wiring and plumbing, and check for damage to appliances. If you smell gas or see a ruptured pipe, turn off the main valve on the gas line coming into the house from outside. Don't close the electric switch again until the power authority comes to your house to do a safety check.
Keep in mind that after the gas gate is closed, it must be reopened by a professional. Do not light a match to find a gas leak.
Note: If you suspect a gas line leak, do not toggle the power switch or use electrical appliances, as the resulting sparks can ignite the leaking gas.
If the home's electrical wiring is damaged, cut the power. If the situation is unsafe, leave the house and seek help.
Do not touch downed wires or damaged appliances.
Check buildings for cracks and damage, especially around chimneys with brick walls. If the building shows signs of collapse, evacuate quickly. Do not use the fireplace unless you are sure the chimney is not damaged and there are no cracks.
Remove spilled medicines, bleach, gasoline and other flammable and explosive liquids.
Check plumbing and sewer lines to make sure they are intact before using the toilet.
Cork tub and sink drains to prevent sewage from backing up.
Check water and food supplies. If the water supply is cut off, use water from the water heater or melt edible ice cubes to save the day. Throw away any food that may be spoiled or contaminated.
Check closets and pantries and be careful when opening doors. Avoid items that may fall from shelves.
In an emergency, use charcoal and gas grills only outdoors if you need to cook.
Do not drive unless you are in a critical situation. Do not travel through the affected area to see what's going on, as this will only hinder rescue operations. Keep streets clear for rescue vehicles. Beware of aftershocks. Aftershocks, although generally weaker than the main shock, are enough to cause further damage and make buildings more vulnerable. Stay away from damaged areas unless your assistance is requested by the police, fire department or rescue organizations.
Appendix Important Phone Numbers and Contact Addresses
You and your family may be separated during an earthquake, so please write down important information in the space below so that you can contact each other if you are separated. Remember, please do not make phone calls for 24 hours after a major earthquake if it is not an emergency.
Work address:
Phone/mobile phone:
Work address:
Phone/mobile phone:
School address:
Phone/mobile phone:
School takes measures: Keep students at school Evacuate students
School address:
Phone/mobile phone: <
School Measures: Keeping Students in School Evacuating Students
Name and phone/cell phone number of an out-of-town family member or friend:
Where emergency supplies are stored: