WHAT IS AN EARTHQUAKE

An earthquake is a violent shaking of the earth's crust due to breaking and shifting of rocks, beneath the earth's surface.

DO'S AND DON'TS FOR INDIVIDUAL'S/FAMILIES

WHAT CAN YOU DO BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE:-

• Follow earthquake resistant building codes for new construction and retrofitting of existing buildings, which are not earthquake resistant.
• Secure almirahs, TVs, washing machines, etc with anchors/walls.
• Do not stock glass or crystal-ware on higher shelves-, shake will topple them and break into numerous pieces.
• Anchor overhead lighting fixtures appropriately to check their fall due to vibration and shocks.
• Provide strong support to gas and power appliances.
• Prepare life saving kits which include torch, candle, matchbox, blanket, readymade food items, water bottle, medical kits and radio with additional batteries. Note pad and Pen.
• Family members should know location of electric switches, so that at the time of disaster they can be switched off.

WHAT CAN YOU DO DURING AN EARTHQUAKE:-

Remain calm, think patiently before moving, provide reassurance to others and think about the consequences of any action you may take.

• Take protection under table or other sturdy furniture.
• You could kneel, sit or stay close to the floor, an interior wall or corner.
• Move away from glass window, bookcase and unsecured heavy object.
• Switch off all gas, refrigerator, heater, geyser, air conditioner and other electricity appliances etc.

IF YOU ARE IN A HOUSE:-

• Don't use lift for getting down from multistoried buildings.
• Be prepared to move with your family.

IF YOU ARE IN A SHOP. SCHOOL OFFICE OR THEATRE

• Don't run for an exit. Stampede could prove fatal.
• Take cover under a desk/table.
• Move to corner or middle of side walls.
• Move away from window glass, display cases or other obvious hazards.
• If you must leave the building, choose your exit as other obvious hazards.
• Don't be near electric points and cables. Keep away from weak portion for example partition walls, false ceiling of building.

IF YOU ARE IN HIGH RISE BUILDING;-

• Take protection under desk or table.
• Don't rush for exits.
• Stay in the building until shaking stops and until directed to evacuate. Don't use elevator. Use stairs for coming down, after the shaking stops.

IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE:-

• Avoid high buildings, walls, power lines and other objects that could fall and create block.
• Don't run through streets. If possible, move to an open area away from all hazards including trees.

IF YOU ARE IN VEHICLE:-

• Stay in a safe and open place.
• Remain inside vehicle.
• Close windows, doors and vents.

WHAT CAN YOU DO AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE: -

Check for injuries to your family members and other around you. Do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury/succumbing.

IF YOU ARE INSIDE A BUILDING

• Use the telephone or mobile to inform in crisp language, if you are stranded. Do not clutter telephone lines. Leave them free for use by emergency managers.
• Remain in a safe potion until shaking stops.
• Check electricity and water services and turn off; if necessary.
• Listen to your radio and watch TV for information and advice.
• Be calm and encourage family members to be patient.
• Be ready to experience aftershocks to earthquake.

TRY TO GET OUT OF DILAPIDATED BUILDING AFTER THE SHAKING STOPS

• If injured, get treatment at the earliest.
• Turn off the gas connection.
• Do not smoke and do not light matches .or use a cigarette lighter.
• Do not turn on switches. There may be leaks or short circuits.
• Use a torch at night and in dark places.
• If there is a fire, try to put it out. If you cannot, call the fire brigade/services.
• If people are seriously injured, do not move them unless they are in danger of succumbing to injuries.
• Immediately clean up any inflammable products that may have spilled, for example alcohol, paint etc.
• If you know that people have been buried, tell the rescue teams. Do not rush and do not worsen the situation of injured persons or your own situation by taking impulsive decisions.
• Avoid places where there are loose electric wires and do not touch an metal objects in contact with them.
• Do not drink water from open container without having examined it and filtered it through
• filter or an ordinary clean cloth.
• Eat something, you will feel better and more capable of helping others.
• If your home is badly damaged you will have to leave it. Collect emergency kit, consisting
• of water, ready to eat food , first aid kit, torch transistor with spare battery and special medicines or persons with heart complaints, diabities etc.
• Do not walk around the streets to see what has happened. Keep clear of the streets to enable rescue vehicles to pass.
• Move to your duty place as given out in community disaster envisaged and practiced during mock drills.