Earthquake Safety Tips: Before During and After the Event

An earthquake happens when a sudden slip on a fault also known as a tectonic plate. When the stress on the edge overcomes the friction is called an earthquake. An earthquake releases energy in waves that travel through the earth's crust and cause the shaking that we feel is known as an earthquake.

When an Earthquake hits, a building can collapse and take lots of life inside the buildings. Earthquakes do not create damage, the collapse of buildings with people inside them creates damage. So, making an earthquake-proof building is a must.

What are the After-Effects of an Earthquake?

Ground shaking is a term used to describe the power created from the movement of the fault during an earthquake. The power of ground shaking increases as magnitude increases. The distance from the causative fault is long and the shaking felt less.

Landslides

A landslide is defined as the movement of a mass of rock plates known as tectonic plates. Landslides are a type of "mass movement" which creates the down-slope movement of soil and rock under the direct influence of gravity.

Tsunami

A tsunami is a series of large waves caused by a mass and sudden movement of the ocean, usually the result of an earthquake under or near the ocean side. This force creates waves. The waves get more powerful at the beginning, sometimes crossing the entire ocean area.

Liquefaction

Liquefaction occurs when the strength of soil is reduced by ground shaking or another rapid movement of tectonic plates. Liquefaction occurs in saturated soils where particles are filled with water. Liquefaction is also known as ‘Sinkholes’.

How to Make A Building Earthquake-Proof

To design an earthquake-proof building, engineers need to design a structure that can earthquake’s forces. Earthquakes release energy that pushes a building from one direction so the strategy is to have the building push the opposite way. Here are some of the techniques used to help buildings that can survive earthquakes.

Create a Flexible Foundation

When the building’s foundation “lifts” above the earth that reduces the ground force. Base separation involves constructing a building on top of flexible pads made of steel, rubber, and lead. The foundation absorbs the seismic waves and does not allow the vibration to affect the building. The foundations help the building to remain stable during the earthquake.

Design Earthquake-Resistant Buildings

The movement of the building when pushed in one direction. The building base must be strong enough to hold the building. Safety designers of buildings want the building to move equally so that the energy without placing too much force on one side or another.

Redundancy

Possibly one of the most important safety issues for safe building. Safety professionals advise equally distributing mass and strength throughout the structure so that waves aren't just hitting the base or foundation.

Check Out These General Survival Tips-

Drop and take cover under a table and hold on.
Stay inside the building until the shaking stops.
If you are sure it’s safe to exit then get out from there.
Stay away from the heavy furniture that can fall on you.
Stay away from windows.
If you are in bed just stay there, protect your head with a pillow.
If you are outdoors, find a safe place away from buildings, trees, and electrical towers.
If you are in a car then slow down the car and drive to a clear place. Stay in the car until the shaking stops.

Before an Earthquake:

Teach your family members about earthquake safety. You should make a plan along with your family what to do during an earthquake. Mark safe places in a room such as under a strong desk and mark the places to avoid such as near windows, large mirrors, hanging objects, heavy furniture, and fireplaces.
Stock up on emergency kits and dry foods. Battery-operated radio (with extra battery), flashlights (with extra battery), first aid kit, bottled water, two weeks of food and blankets, cooking fuel, tools needed to turn off your gas, water, and electric utilities.
Put the heavy objects on lower shelves and store breakable objects in cabinets with doors. Don’t hang heavy wall mates or pictures above where people frequently sit or sleep.
Put the heavy furniture as bookcases in the corner of a room.
Store flammable liquids away from the sources of fire such as water heaters, stoves, and furnaces.
Learn where the main switches are to stop water, gas, and electricity if needed. Know how to turn them off and the location of any needed tools.

After an Earthquake:

Help and ensure the safety of people around you.
Check for damage. If your building is damaged you should leave it until it has been inspected by a safety professional.
If you smell or hear a gas leak, get everyone outside and open windows and doors. If you can do it safely, turn off the gas line switch of your house. Do not use any electricity because a little spark could create a fire.
If the power is out, unplug the major electrical device to prevent possible damage when the power is turned back on. If you see sparks, faulty wires, or smell hot insulation, turn off electricity at the main fuse box or breaker. Turn off the electricity or you should call a professional to turn it off for you.