Chapter 15– Earthquakes

 

Every state in the United States is at risk for earthquakes. Earthquakes occur suddenly throughout the year, and there’s no way to predict when the ground underneath us will shift. It’s a smart idea to secure mirrors, bookshelves, and tall furniture to the wall to secure them in the event of an earthquake. The less that’s falling around you, the safer you’ll be.

 

So what should you do to protect yourself during an earthquake? The best thing to do is to drop down and cover your head and neck with your arms. If you have enough time to move without risking any injury, quickly get under a sturdy table. Make sure that you are as far away from windows and unsteady objects as possible, which could break or fall in your direction.

 

The most important thing you can do is stay exactly where you are during the earthquake until shaking stops and you’re safe to move around. The same goes for when you’re in a car or outside during an earthquake. Be aware of your surroundings and position yourself away from falling debris.

 

Experiencing an earthquake can be a very scary experience. Stay in control and do not panic. Just because the shaking has stopped doesn’t mean that the event is over. Aftershocks can occur shortly after a strong quake, and continue to do damage to the environment.

 

After the quake you should move to a safe location, check for personal injuries, and figure out if there is major environmental damage such as a gas leak, electrical damage, or water line damage. If you live near water, you should also walk to higher ground since there is a high tsunami risk. If you are stuck under debris, don’t try and shout for help. Instead, tap on a wall so that people can hear you, or whistle to notify others of your position.

 

You can absolutely make it through a major earthquake. A little preparedness goes a long way, so do what you can to earthquake-proof your home.