Prevention manual: Earthquakes.


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The planet earth, our home, is formed in such a way that it surprises us and sometimes scares us, part of the surface is formed by tectonic plates, although to our eyes they seem static, they are in a slight and imperceptible movement, we perceive these movements when the plates collide with each other, releasing such a level of energy that makes them shudder, managing to shake everything kilometers from the point of collision.

Earthquake or seism?

That movement is what causes those hilarious cries, along with people running from one place to another saying "earthquake!", "an earthquake!". Generally, these movements do not cause any harm, when no human loss or significant structural damage occurs, they are called seisms. If the opposite occurs, it is termed an earthquake, but both terms are synonyms, they technically mean the same thing.

The great telluric movements recorded in human history, have caused physical destruction and numerous deaths of inhabitants, and after an event like these, there are cases of missing persons, either due to disorientation, the psychological impact received and failures in the media. Therefore, it is very important to be attentive and informed about the measures we can take when living an unpredictable event such as an earthquake.

How to know if I live in a risk zone?

There are governmental and non-governmental organizations that are in charge of informing the population about the risk of earthquakes, according to the area where they live; Countries such as Japan, Chile, the United States (western zone), Mexico, Indonesia, Russia and Peru are considered to be the most seismic zones; but additionally, coastal areas and mountainous areas (for example, the Andean mountain range) are considered risk areas.

In Venezuela, the Venezuelan Foundation for Seismic Research (Funvisis), attached to the Ministry of Popular Power for University Education, Science and Technology of Venezuela, is in charge of conducting studies of seismological events that occurred in the national territory and to give warning and prevention to society.

What to do during an earthquake?

  • Avoid falling into a panic attack, it is very easy to say, but we have to live the moment to know how we react to such a possible event, however, our life and others' (adults, children or pets) depends on us or could be at risk according to the way we react, being aware of it will help us focus and act according to logic.
  • Once aware of what is happening, we must locate ourselves in a safe place. Whether we are at work, at home or in a shopping center, we must have pre-established emergency routes or safe sites, it means, beforehand, an analysis of the place must be carried out, escape routes or emergencies must be determined and even practices or tests have to be carried out in case of emergency.
  • If we are in a place that has not been determined a safe route, or a refuge space, you should look for a large piece of furniture, chair or table, stand on the floor, put your knees together and hold your hands on your neck.
  • If possible, leave the place, while it is safe, when is it not safe? if the only escape route is an elevator or if there is a crowd of people running towards the exit route.
  • It is possible that the earthquake happens while we travel by car or bus, in that case the pilot must show insight to slow down gradually and park in a safe place, where it cannot cause any accidents.
  • Wait calmly for the seismic movement to end, that generally last just a few minutes, it allows you to find a safer place and be aware of possible replicas.
  • Very important: stay away from power lines.

How to prevent risks at home in the face of a possible earthquake?

  • Stay informed if you live or not in a risk zone or with a high probability of suffering an earthquake.
  • Check if your urbanization, building and workplace have an evacuation plan in case of emergency, read it, analyze it and discuss it with others so that, the ideas are clear.
  • Always keep the keys of the house at hand, for a possible emergency exit.
  • Keep an emergency kit prepared and kept up to date.
  • As companies conduct evacuation drills, propose practices or simulations in your home in case of emergency.
  • Check frequently all the facilities in your house, that there is nothing "loose", that can be loosened or dropped.
  • If there are children at home, it is important that they know the full name of their parents and other family members and even memorize phone numbers and addresses.

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What to do after an earthquake?

  • Strive to keep calm.
  • Find information about what happened, by social networks or radio.
  • Conduct a home evaluation, structurally, to determine if it is safe to return to the inmate.
  • Inspect for gas leaks, verify that they are properly closed.
  • If you need to transport any injured person, keep him/her in a safe position until you reach the nearest hospital or health center.
  • Remember that there are likely to be more replicas, so keep calm.

Contributions from our authors:

UserTitle
@oizaguirresMi experiencia en terremotos
@andremitLos diez terremotos más fuertes
@unisatPrevención ante un terremoto
@karolines¿Tenemos cultura antisísmica?
@benie111Earthquake And Steps To Take To Prevent Life

Special mention to the users who commented: @momogrow, @fun2learn and @fredkese.

Remember: Earthquakes are not predictable, but we can be prepared and not being victims because of ignorance in the subject.

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Thanks for the special mention to acknowledge my comment done over at whaleshares. Appreciate it!

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Thanks for the mention

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