What To Do And What To Avoid During An Earthquake
What To Do And What To Avoid During An Earthquake
Earthquakes strike without warning, making it essential to know how to stay safe during tremors. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) emphasizes some vital do’s and don’ts that can save lives when the ground starts shaking.
Do’s During an Earthquake:
* Stay calm and do not panic. A composed mind helps you make better decisions in critical moments.
* If indoors, immediately DROP under a sturdy table, COVER your head with one hand, and HOLD the table until the tremors stop. This reduces the risk of falling objects causing injuries.
* As soon as the tremors stop, calmly exit the building. Always use stairs instead of lifts to avoid getting stuck or trapped.
* When outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings, trees, walls, and electric poles which might collapse.
* If you are inside a vehicle, pull over to an open place and remain inside until the shaking stops. Avoid stopping on or under bridges.
Don’ts During an Earthquake:
* Do not rush or push others while trying to exit a building.
* Avoid using elevators as power outages or structural damage could trap you.
* When outdoors, never stand close to buildings or tall structures that may crumble.
* If trapped under rubble, do not light a matchstick. Instead, cover your mouth with a cloth to prevent dust inhalation and tap on a pipe or wall to alert rescuers. Shouting should be your last resort to conserve energy.
Following these simple steps can significantly reduce injuries and increase your chances of survival during and after an earthquake.
