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Earthquake
 

What Is An Earthquake?

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the term earthquake is used to describe the shaking of the ground and the release of seismic energy due to a sudden slip of a fault or by volcanic activity.   Even though catastrophic earthquakes do not happen frequently, it is imperative that you are prepared. 

Before

 What can I do to prepare for an earthquake? 

  • Create an emergency plan. This includes establishing meeting points, should any family members become separated, evacuation routes, and collecting a disaster kit.  For more information on creating an emergency plan and a disaster kit, please visit www.Ready.gov. 
  • Register your trip with the nearest Embassy or Consulate. In the event of an emergency, American consular officers can assist you by warning you of possible crises, keeping you updated on events in the area, helping you contact friends and family in the US, and even making evacuation plans when necessary.  To register, visit https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ 
  • Sketch a floor plan of your home, identifying exits and safe and dangerous areas of each room. Mark safe spots (under doorways, in an inside corner of room, etc.) and dangerous spots (next to large windows, tall furniture, etc.) in each room. The best places to be during an earthquake are beneath supported archways, against inside walls and corners, or in doorways. Stay away from windows, hanging objects, mirrors, fireplaces, bookshelves, or tall unsecured furniture. Do not crawl under desks or beds as they could crush you if a heavy load falls on top of them. 
  • Learn how to shut off utilities – gas, water and electricity. 
  • Decide how to contact family members if they are away from home, keeping in mind that phone service may be unavailable. 
  • Participate in regular drills with all members of your household. 

During

What can I do to protect myself during an earthquake?

  • First and foremost, REMAIN CALM.
  • If you are indoors, stay there. Stand under a door frame, archway, or near an inside wall or corner. Remember to stay clear of windows, bookcases, china cabinets, mirrors, and fireplaces until the shaking stops. Do not hide underneath tables or beds. 
  • Cover your nose with a piece of cloth to filter as much dust as possible.
  • If you are in a high-rise apartment building, stay in the building on the same floor. Do not use the elevator. A power failure or elevator equipment failure could leave you trapped between floors. Be careful with stairs, they may be weakened. 
  • As a general rule, do not run out of a building. Falling debris around a building is a common hazard. It is better to seek safety where you are, wait until the earthquake is over, then, if evacuation is necessary, leave the building calmly. 
  • If you are using a gas stove, turn off the stove at the first sign of shaking and quickly move to a safe place. 
  • If you are outside, get into the open, away from buildings, trees, walls, or power lines. 
  • If you are in a crowded public building, do not rush to the doorways, since other people will have the same idea. 
  • If you are in your car, pull to the side of the road and stop. Do not park under overpasses (falling concrete) or power lines (electrical shock hazard) or near utility poles. Stay in your car until the earthquake is over. 
  • If you are inside a car and power lines have fallen on the vehicle, do not attempt to exit the vehicle. If you are outside a car and power lines have fallen on the vehicle, do not touch or attempt to enter the vehicle. 
  • If the earthquake has been severe, do not attempt to cross bridges or overpasses that may have been damaged. 

After

What can I do to protect myself and others in the aftermath of an earthquake? 

  • Remember three key things: CHECK, CALL, and TAKE.
    • CHECK for injuries. Give First Aid to those in need. Do not move seriously injured people unless they are in immediate danger of injury or death should they remain in their present location. 
    • CALL the Consulate if you are in need of immediate help. If you and other members of your household are fine, please refrain from calling the Consulate. If more phone lines are clear, contact between those needing emergency assistance and the Consulate will be much easier. 
    • TAKE any injured person to the nearest emergency center. Be prepared to wait long periods as the centers are expected to be quickly inundated beyond their capacity. Use your best judgment to treat cuts, sprains, etc. until emergency medical personnel have taken care of severe cases. 

 

  • Wear thick-soled shoes to protect against injury from fallen debris and broken glass. 
  • If possible, put out small fires that you can safely extinguish. Do not attempt to extinguish large fires and do not endanger yourself while trying to fight a fire. Instead, immediately leave the building. 
  • Check gas, water, electrical lines, and appliances for damage. 
  • Switch off electrical power if there is damage to your home’s electrical wiring. Do not touch downed wires or broken appliances. 
  • Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches and flammable liquids. 
  • Check to see that sewer lines are intact before using the toilet. Plug your bathtubs and sink drains to prevent sewage backup.   
  • Check closets and cupboards. Open doors cautiously. Beware of objects falling from the shelves. 
  • Turn on your battery-powered commercial radio (or car radio) for damage reports and information. 
  • If you find it necessary to evacuate your residence, be sure to take the following with you: 
    • Medicine and first aid kit 
    • Passports, other important documents, and cash 
    • Food, sleeping bags/blankets and extra clothing
    • Flashlight, radio and batteries 

Where can I find more information about earthquakes?