A earthquake can be very frightening. There are some things you can do that will help you and your loved one get through an emergency. Red Cross offers many resources that can help you manage emotions such as fear, anxiety, anger and other negative feelings. Information from the Public Health Agency of Canada can be used to manage stress, panic and depression.
What to do after an earthquake
Depending on your location, you might be able to stay indoors or move outside during an earthquake. If you are outside, find a nearby safe place to lie down and cover your head and neck with your hands or a blanket. If you're indoors, crawl under a solid table or piece furniture strong enough to support your weight.
What to Do in an Earthquake
Listen to the radio if you are at home and follow the instructions. In an earthquake, be careful when you are near windows or stairways.
All gas, water and electricity must be turned off. A flashlight, or another type of portable lighting, can be used to provide power if you are unable to turn on the mains. Store emergency supplies in a safe place.
Make sure you have an emergency kit
Consider putting together an emergency kit for large families. This will allow you to be prepared in the event of a power outage or if you are unable to use your phone. You can have bottled water, canned food, flashlights and batteries.
Keep an updated list of emergency contacts and program them into your phone. You should always have several chargers for your cell phone and subscribed to text alert services offered by the state and local governments.
You can take a class in first aid from a safety and health organization like the Red Cross, American Heart Association or National Safety Council. You will learn how to respond to an earthquake, and you will have the ability to administer medical care.
What to do during an Earthquake
If there is no safe place to shelter in, lie down and cover your head and neck with a blanket or pillow. To cover yourself, find something sturdy such as a table or desk. You can crawl under the sturdy item and grab it with both of your hands.
Make sure you practice these actions until they become automatic. If you are injured, seek medical assistance immediately and call for help.
What to do after a Aftershock
Although aftershocks are not as violent as the main earthquake, they can still cause serious damage. These can occur minutes, days or weeks after the main earthquake has passed.
They may also trigger landslides, flooding and tsunamis that wash over coastlines. If you live near the coast, it is a good idea to move inland and/or to higher ground until authorities give their approval.
Avoid heavy items in your home, especially bookshelves. They could fall on people and cause them to be crushed in an earthquake. Before you go back inside, be sure to check for structural damage.
FAQ
What is your most valuable survival tool in case you get lost?
The compass shows us the direction north. It also shows us how far we have traveled from our starting point. The compass might not always be able to show you the right direction if you are traveling in a place with mountains. But if you're on a flat plain, the compass will usually give you what you need to know.
You could also use a rock or a tree as a reference point if you don't own a compass. Although you would still need to locate a landmark to guide yourself, at least you would know where north is.
How do I pick the right knife?
It's not easy to pick the right knife. There are so numerous brands out there that claim they are the best.
Which one is the best? How do you decide between them?
You must first consider the tasks that you intend to do with your knife.
Do you plan to cut wood, skin or chop animals, or slice bread?
Is the knife meant for hunting or fishing? Are you going to use it for camping cooking?
Do you intend to use it for opening bottles and cans? Do you intend to open packages and boxes?
Do you need your knife to be strong enough for heavy loads?
You might want to clean it after each use. How often are you going to wash it?
Is it necessary to keep its edge over time?
What should you do immediately in a crisis situation?
Assessing the situation is the first thing you should do in an emergency. You need to know what is happening around you, where you are and how you got there.
You should also know what to expect from your surroundings. For example, if you're in the middle of nowhere, you may not be able to use any form of communication.
If you don't know anything at all, then you need to start by learning as much as you can as fast as possible.
If you are in immediate danger, it's best to try and get help immediately. You might be able to wait until you are safe to collect information and find out the facts.
Statistics
- We know you're not always going to be 100% prepared for the situations that befall you, but you can still try and do your best to mitigate the worst circumstances by preparing for a number of contingencies. (hiconsumption.com)
- In November of 1755, an earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 6.0 and a maximum intensity of VIII occurred about 50 miles northeast of Boston, Massachusetts. (usgs.gov)
- The downside to this type of shelter is that it does not generally offer 360 degrees of protection and unless you are diligent in your build or have some kind of tarp or trash bags, it will likely not be very resistant to water. (hiconsumption.com)
- so you can be 100 percent hands-free, and there's less chance you'll put your torch down and lose it. (nymag.com)
External Links
How To
How to Build a Lean-To Shelter
Lean-tos are small structures found throughout the United States. They are typically made of wood, metal poles covered with tarps. The walls, floor, and ceiling are usually built first, then the roof is added.
Lean-tos are temporary shelters that are built to the side of buildings when the weather isn't allowing for permanent shelter. It may also be referred to as a "lean-to shed," "lean-to cabin," or "lean-to house."
There are many types and styles of lean-tos.
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A simple wooden frame with a tarpaulin cover. This type of leaning-to is very common in rural locations.
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A lean-to tent consisting of a framework of poles supporting a tarpaulin.
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A lean-to cabin, also known as a "cabin-on-frame," consists of a platform supported by posts and beams.
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A lean to shed, also known as "shelter–on-a-pole” or "paddock shed", is a structure of poles and supports that has a cover.
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A lean to garage is also called "garage-onstilts" or "overhang". It consists of a steel framework that rests on concrete stilts.
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A leaning-to studio (also known as "studio–on-a–frame” or "studio–on-a–post”) is a structure that includes two horizontal members (posts), one perpendicular and one vertical member (beam).
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A lean-to greenhouse, also called a "greenhouse-on-a-post," consists of three parallel horizontal members (posts), one perpendicular member (beam), and a canopy.