BNA Magazine

We’ve had a couple tremblers lately, just enough to get us thinking about it again: just what am I supposed to do for earthquake safety? For your safety and mine I’ve done some quick research for a brief review of “what to do.”

When you feel an earthquake, duck under a desk or sturdy table. It can provide some air space if the building collapses. Stay away from windows, bookcases, file cabinets, heavy mirrors, hanging plants, and other heavy objects that could fall. Watch out for falling plaster and ceiling tiles. Stay under cover until the shaking stops. Hold onto your cover. If it moves, move with it. Inner walls or door frames are the least likely to collapse and may also shield against falling objects. If other cover is not available, go to an inner corner or doorway, away from windows or glass panels. Grab something to shield you head and face from falling debris and broken glass. Here are some additional tips for specific locations:

•    High-Rise Buildings: Get under a desk and stay away from windows and outside walls. Stay in the building. The electricity may go out and the sprinkler system may come on.  DO NOT use the elevators.

•    Crowded Indoor Public Places: Do not rush for the doorways—others will have the same idea.  Move away from display shelves with objects that will fall.  Take cover and grab something to shield your head and face.

•    Outdoor Safety: If outdoors, move away from buildings and utility wires. The greatest danger from falling debris is just outside doorways and close to outer walls. Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.

•    Driving in a Car: If you are in a moving automobile, stop as quickly and safely as possible and move over to the shoulder or curb, away from utility poles, overhead wires, and under- or overpasses. Stay in the vehicle, set the parking brake, and turn on the radio for emergency broadcast information. A car may jiggle violently on its springs, but it is a good place to stay until the shaking stops. When you drive on, watch for hazards created by the earthquake, such as breaks in the pavement, downed utility poles and wires, fallen overpasses and bridges.

•    On a Sidewalk near Buildings: Duck into a doorway to protect yourself from falling bricks, glass, plaster, and other debris.

•    In a Wheelchair: Stay in your chair. Move to cover, if possible, lock your wheels, and protect your head with your arms.

•    In a Stadium or Theater, stay in your seat and protect your head with your arms. Do not try to leave until the shaking is over. Then leave in a calm, orderly manner. Avoid rushing toward exits.
A reminder for us all, next time it is best not to just sit there and look at each other—but follow these guidelines and move quickly according to these safer options.