Earthquake Safety Tips and Information

Is it just me or the world is experiencing more significant earthquakes lately? On January 9, Northern California was hit with a 6.5 magnitude. Then yesterday, a 5.2 was felt in Mindanao. A 7.0 flattened buildings and reportedly killed more than one hundred thousand in Haiti last January 12. The Red Cross estimated that 1 in 3 Haitians, or 3 million people were affected by the recent earthquake. CNN has news updates from the time the disaster struck up to the most recent events. Their time line might confuse people though cause they are still in year 2009. I took a screen shot: (I have no point. I just want to make a screen shot.)

These recent earthquakes are making me nervous. Did some research and stumbled into U.S. Geological Survey’s website. Check out their comprehensive earthquake information about the Philippines. And here are some earthquake safety tips taken from National Geographic:

Safety Tips

* Have an earthquake readiness plan.
* Consult a professional to learn how to make your home sturdier, such as bolting bookcases to wall studs, installing strong latches on cupboards, and strapping the water heater to wall studs.
* Locate a place in each room of the house that you can go to in case of an earthquake. It should be a spot where nothing is likely to fall on you.
* Keep a supply of canned food, an up-to-date first aid kit, 3 gallons (11.4 liters) of water per person, dust masks and goggles, and a working battery-operated radio and flashlights.
* Know how to turn off your gas and water mains.

If Shaking Begins

* Drop down; take cover under a desk or table and hold on.
* Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you’re sure it’s safe to exit.
* Stay away from bookcases or furniture that can fall on you.
* Stay away from windows. In a high-rise building, expect the fire alarms and sprinklers to go off during a quake.
* If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow.
* If you are outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Drop to the ground.
* If you are in a car, slow down and drive to a clear place. Stay in the car until the shaking stops.