Recommended and Avoidable Actions to Take During an Earthquake

The most powerful earthquake in Turkey since 1939 occurred on February 6 in the southeastern region, resulting in 29,605 deaths. Syria was also affected, with over 3,576 fatalities. The area is still at risk of aftershocks, which are weaker tremors following the main earthquake. To minimize the risk of harm or death and protect oneself after the shocks, experts suggest certain tactics. This article provides guidance on how to prepare for an earthquake.

While it is impossible to predict when or where an earthquake will occur, it’s important to prepare for one if you live in a high-risk area.

The ability to predict an earthquake accurately, including the time, location, and magnitude of the disaster, is not feasible, according to the US Geological Survey. Nevertheless, geologists continuously monitor seismic activity in various parts of the world, identifying areas that are more vulnerable than others. For example, over 80 percent of strong earthquakes occur along the Ring of Fire, the edges of the Pacific Ocean.

After the main earthquake, there may be a series of smaller earthquakes known as aftershocks, which could last for weeks or months. In Turkey, experts anticipate that the aftershocks will lessen in intensity over time. Conversely, sometimes a much stronger earthquake occurs right after a weak earthquake; the initial earthquake is called a foreshock, and the subsequent one is regarded as the primary earthquake.

By examining maps of seismic activity in your area, you can determine your level of risk. There are maps available for Turkey and Georgia, for example. If you reside in southern Central Turkey or near the impacted area, you should exercise caution because of the possibility of aftershocks in the coming days.

Get the mobile app and stay vigilant about the alert system.

In countries where earthquakes are common, governments often have notification services to alert people about potential disasters. For instance, the Home Front Command in Israel released a mobile app in 2021 that sends out alerts about earthquakes, tsunamis, and rocket strikes. While these notifications don’t predict earthquakes, they can still provide life-saving minutes or seconds in the event of an earthquake.

Check if your country has a similar government application and download it, making sure to enable notifications. Some regions may have built-in notification systems for Android and iOS devices, but they need to be turned on in the settings. Private developers also offer earthquake alert applications. In some countries, like Israel, street sirens are part of the notification system.

If you live in a high-risk earthquake area, make sure to prepare your home.

To prevent objects from moving and causing harm during an earthquake, it’s important to secure furniture and appliances, even the heaviest ones. Move them away from areas where someone might be sleeping and make sure to securely anchor items such as televisions, computers, water heaters, cabinets, and shelves. The Alliance of Countries for the Fight against Earthquakes provides detailed instructions on their website for securing each item.

For instance, during the 1994 Northridge earthquake, unsecured objects caused 55% of the victims’ injuries, including fatalities, whereas only 1% of the injuries were related to building collapses. Taking this precautionary measure can also protect your property, even during mild tremors.

Develop a disaster plan for every member of your family and collect essential supplies.

You can prepare for earthquakes by creating a clear disaster plan with each family member and practicing it regularly. Make sure to prepare carriers and food for your pets, and have a bag with essential items like passports, important documents, medication, cash, personal hygiene items, and a flashlight nearby. A whistle can also be added to the emergency kit in case of being trapped under rubble, and remember to signal with three consecutive knocks if a whistle is not available. Also, consider insuring your house and its contents and photographing them in advance to facilitate compensation.

Remain in place when the shaking begin.

Avoid leaving the building at any cost. While collapsed buildings might appear dangerous, the biggest threat during an earthquake is posed by falling or flying objects, so your priority should be to take cover from them. Only consider exiting the building if it can be done quickly and powerful tremors haven’t yet begun.

It’s important not to underestimate the danger of an earthquake, even if you’ve experienced one before and were unharmed. It’s recommended to follow all the guidelines, even during a minor tremor, to safeguard your health.

Here are the steps you should take to minimize the risk of injury or death using the “Drop. Cover. Hold on.” tactic, which experts consider to be the most effective action plan. Here’s what you need to do:

• Drop to the ground wherever you are, onto your hands and knees. This position will protect your vital organs from flying objects and help you maintain balance during shaking.
• If a sturdy table is available nearby, crawl under it and adopt the same position. Otherwise, try to crawl nearer to one of the interior walls that separate rooms within a building.
• Protect your head and neck with one hand by placing your palm on your neck and your elbow on the back of your head. Use your other hand to hold onto a sturdy shelter. If there is no available cover, use both hands to protect your head and neck. Hold this position until the shaking stops.

In case dropping to the floor is not possible, assume the same position while sitting on a chair or bed, and cover your head with your hands. This also applies to wheelchair users, who should make sure to lock the wheels.

When you are inside a building, avoid doorways (and never use the elevator).

If available, try to distance yourself from breakable items and unstable objects that could potentially cause harm if they fell. Consider holding an item like a book that can safeguard your head and face from glass fragments while in a crouched position. If you are in bed, it is suggested by professionals that you remain there and shield your head with a pillow.

Modern buildings’ doorways are not stronger than other parts of the building, despite common misconceptions. Moreover, they do not provide any protection against the most probable cause of injury, which is falling or flying objects. Additionally, it will be difficult for you to find a support point in a doorway.

If you find yourself trapped under debris, avoid attempting to free yourself as it could lead to additional rubble collapse. Keep calm and shield your nose, mouth, and eyes from dust. Try to signal rescuers by using a flashlight, a whistle, or knocking three times.

When you are outdoors, it is advised to distance yourself from structures, electrical cables, road signs, and automobiles.

Being near doorways and walls is more hazardous, as there is a higher probability of debris falling on you in these areas. Furthermore, windows, facades, and small architectural details often collapse first, causing injury.

Once you have identified a safe location, use the “Drop, Cover, Hold On” strategy outlined above.

Ensure that you bring the car to a halt, but only in a secure location.

When halting the car, steer clear of bridges, road signs, underpasses, and trees. Engage the parking brake and remain inside, even if it rocks a bit during the tremor – as it is still relatively secure.

Once the quake subsides, check that the roads are safe to travel as the earthquake can impair road surfaces and structures like bridges, poles, and signs. Furthermore, it can briefly raise water levels. In the event of a power line landing on your vehicle, remain inside and wait for a trained professional to remove the cable.

If you are located close to the shoreline, leave without delay as there is a risk of a tsunami.

Once the shaking subsides enough for you to stand, quickly move to higher ground or inland. You can also enter a tall building without serious damage (but at least on the third floor) or, in the worst case, climb a tall tree. Stay away from the coast until emergency services confirm that it is safe to return.

Subsequent to the earthquake, keep in mind the possibility of aftershocks and minimize phone usage.

Take into consideration that aftershocks may occur within minutes, days, or even weeks after the earthquake. It’s vital not to enter damaged buildings and to evacuate them, particularly if you hear unusual sounds as it could indicate structural damage. Inspect the gas, electric, and water lines for any noticeable harm. If there’s a fracture, turn off the gas, water, or electricity supply. Avoid using lighters, matches, and electrical devices until you are sure that there are no gas leaks. (the smell or damaged equipment could signify a leak).

Only use your phone to contact emergency services to avoid burdening the network and depriving other affected individuals of communication. Lend a hand to those in need if you can.