Emergency tips to survive an earthquake

Recently the country has been experiencing a series of earth tremors annually and though earth tremors are a milder version of earthquakes, these tremors could be a warning of something else to come.

It’s important to know, what to do in case things escalate. Staying safe during an earthquake involves a combination of preparedness, quick thinking, and decisive action.

Here are some emergency tips to help you stay safe during an earthquake:

1. Drop, cover, and hold on:

· Drop to the ground: Get down to your hands and knees to prevent being knocked over.

· Cover your head and neck:

Take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, such as a table or desk, to protect yourself from falling objects.

· Hold on: Hold on to your shelter to maintain protection during the shaking.

2. Stay indoors:

•   Move away from windows, glass, and anything that could shatter.
• If you are in bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow.

3. If you're outside:

· Move to an open area away from buildings, streetlights, utility wires, and trees.

· Drop to the ground and cover your head.

4. If you're driving:

· Pull over to a safe location away from overpasses, bridges, and buildings

· Stay inside the vehicle with your seatbelt on until the shaking stops.

5. If you're in a crowded area:

· Drop to the ground and take cover to protect yourself from being knocked over.

· Move away from glass, buildings, streetlights, and other potential hazards.

6. Have an emergency kit:

· Keep a well-stocked emergency kit in a readily accessible location. Include water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, first aid supplies, and important documents.

7. Know your safe zones:

· Identify safe spots in each room of your home, such as under sturdy furniture, and practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On regularly.

8. Secure heavy furniture and objects:

· Bolt heavy furniture to the wall to prevent tipping during an earthquake.

· Secure large or heavy objects on shelves.

9. Be cautious of aftershocks:

· Aftershocks can occur in the hours, days, or even weeks after the initial quake. Be prepared for additional shaking.

10. Stay informed:

· Listen to emergency broadcasts on a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio for updates and information.

11. Have an evacuation plan:

· Know the evacuation routes and have a plan in place for where to meet family members.

12. Practice earthquake drills:

· Regularly practice earthquake drills with your family or coworkers, so everyone knows what to do in the event of an earthquake.

Staying calm is crucial during an earthquake. Follow these tips to increase your chances of staying safe and minimizing injuries.

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