What To Do During Earthquakes?

by FORTIS FOUNDATION Fortis Charitable Foundation

Imagine- one Sunday night you go to sleep without a worry in the world. You set the alarm at 6 am and pack your briefcase for the morning meeting. But you never get to turn the alarm off… The roof starts shaking in the middle of the night and in no time, you and your neighbors start running down the stairs!

What will you possibly do? In most cases, earthquakes don’t last long but are you prepared for a ‘what-if’ situation?

Be your answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’, the below information will surely prove useful for any ‘what-if’ earthquakes!

1. There is a famous disaster management quote for earthquakes- drop, take cover and hold on. This basically sketches out what you are supposed to do when your house starts shaking- find a table, hide under it and hold on till the tremors seize.

2. Always know your shortcuts! Make sure where the emergency exits in your building are and keep the passage clear.

3. Keep an emergency kit at hand. It is not very difficult to keep a small bag of medicines, bandages, and drinking water somewhere near the exit so that when you run, you run with help.

4. Finally, make an emergency plan with your family or roommates. This is crucial since getting separated from family and friends often happens during disaster relief operations, and if you don’t have a rendezvous point set beforehand things can get messy.

There are many organisations focused on disaster relief operations that make it a point to respond swiftly to all kinds of dire situations. But any disaster can interrupt essential aid like water, electricity, transportation, communication and most importantly, healthcare. In fact, doctors and nurses are not even allowed to practice at disaster scenes before rescue personnel can guarantee the stability of the location.

That is why we need to be prepared for all kinds of ‘what-if’ situations since our safety is our responsibility. So, the next time there is an earthquake, be ready and stay safe!