Earthquakes and earthquakes are among the most dangerous natural hazards due to their devastating effects on human life, personal property, or infrastructure. It is therefore essential to know what measures to take to protect yourself, both at home and abroad.
Because earthquakes happen without warning, it is important to take the necessary steps to be fully prepared and to know what to do.
In this guide, we give you tips on what to do in the event of an earthquake, what to do before an earthquake strikes, and what to do after it's over:
In this report, we rely on multiple sources, including: the Saudi General Directorate of Civil Defense, the UAE National Agency for Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the ECA Alliance. .
First, what precautions can you take before an earthquake strikes?
- Watch weather changes and listen to weather forecasts and official media.
- Make sure you have a fire extinguisher and first aid kit on hand.
- Create an emergency plan with your family. Each member has a role to play. Every family member should know where the house is safe. And don't forget to learn how to communicate after an earthquake, so charge your family's phones. .
- Make sure you have a battery-powered radio, battery-powered flashlight, and spare batteries at home.
- Learn how to use first aid and family members.
- Learn how to turn off gas, water and electricity.
- Plan where to meet family members after an earthquake.
- Do not leave heavy items on shelves as they may fall in an earthquake and endanger people in the house.
Second, what do you do during an earthquake?
- Try to stay calm and fight your fear so that you can make good decisions.
- If you are in an enclosed space, immediately move away from items that may cause vibration, such as mirrors, chandeliers, and shelves, before they fall on you.
- Get down on your hands and knees. This position prevents you from falling and allows you to move if necessary.
- Find a safe hiding place under a sturdy desk or table, or on an interior wall. Where there are no desks or tables, the face and head should be covered with the arms, and the person should bow towards the inner corners of the building.
- Stay away from outside windows and doors.
- If you are outside, try to walk carefully to the nearest safe place away from buildings, trees, light bulbs, power lines, or anything that might fall.
- Stay away from buildings because objects or the building itself may fall.
- Do not use matches, candles, or open flames during an earthquake.
If you are in a tall building:
- Hide under tables or chairs, away from windows and outside walls.
- Stay in the building and on the same floor.
- Don't be surprised when the lights go out and the fire alarm goes off.
- Never use the elevator.
- Don't smoke, don't use matches, and don't travel barefoot.
- Avoid using the phone unless absolutely necessary.
When you drive:
- Park your car on the sidewalk, away from buildings, trees, bridges, power lines, utility poles, and poles, and stay indoors until the earthquake stops.
- Be careful not to drive on damaged bridges until after the earthquake has passed.
third; What if I got trapped under rubble?
- Cover your mouth with your clothes, and if you have a tissue, use it.
- Do not light fire or matches.
- Do not move to avoid raising dust and interfering with breathing.
- Tap on a nearby pipe or wall to alert the rescue team, or use a whistle if available and consider yelling as a last resort, as yelling can cause people to release harmful amounts of dust that they breathe in.
Fourth, what will you do immediately after the earthquake?
- Stay away from power lines after an earthquake to avoid aftershocks.
- Stay away from power lines after an earthquake to avoid aftershocks.
- Examine yourself and others for injuries and try to provide first aid.
- Inspect the entire house and avoid starting fires or using electricity until you are sure there are no gas leaks.
- Avoid using matches to detect gas leaks.
- Hear the latest emergency instructions with the battery operated radio.
- Be careful not to drop things on your body when opening cupboards and cupboards.
- Do not use the phone except in emergencies.
- Move away from damaged buildings.
- Watch out for broken glass and debris. Wear high heels or sturdy shoes to avoid cutting your feet.
- Stay away from the beach as there can be tides sometimes after the ground stops shaking.
- Move away from the affected area.
- If you are at school or work, follow your emergency plan or your manager's instructions to prepare for aftershocks.
- Only use your car in an emergency so that emergency vehicles can clear the road.
Finally, we pray for God's protection for everyone as we publish this guide to raise awareness of good behavior during an earthquake. This comes in the wake of the recent earthquakes in Hatay and northern Syria, which caused severe damage and casualties.