An earthquake is a natural phenomenon in which there are lots of ground shaking. This phenomenon causes a lot of casualties: damaged buildings, broken roads and bridges, and deaths. However, we can be prepared in order to lessen these casualties. Since earthquakes can happen anytime, we must be always ready.
DURING the Earthquake
Have you heard the term "Drop, Cover, and Hold"? This means that you should stop, drop, cover yourselves (it may be under a sturdy furniture such as table or by using your hands), and hold on until it the earthquake stops. This usually applies when you are inside the building. However, when you are outside the building, run to the open field and still apply the "Drop, Cover, and Hold", avoiding streetlights, buildings, and electrical wires. What if you are inside a car? All you need to do is to still go to an open field and stop. Never leave the car until the earthquake stops.
BEFORE the Earthquake
In addition, participate in earthquake drills in schools and in offices. In that way, you will know what to do and where to run when earthquake occurs.
AFTER the Earthquake
When the earthquake stops, be still on alert. Aftershocks could occur anytime and can cause additional damages, and it can put yourself in danger if you are not careful. If there is, apply the "Drop, Cover, and Hold".
If you are inside the building, find a safe path and carefully move outside the building. Help the people who are trapped and injured if you can. If not, ask for help. You can use your cellular phones to call for help. If you are trapped, you must provide a whistle and blow it, or grab something like a wood or a metal and hammer it in every corner around you in order for the rescuers to locate you.
Stay tuned for more updates regarding the aftershocks and earthquakes with your portable radio, TV, social media, calls and texts.
If you are inside the building, find a safe path and carefully move outside the building. Help the people who are trapped and injured if you can. If not, ask for help. You can use your cellular phones to call for help. If you are trapped, you must provide a whistle and blow it, or grab something like a wood or a metal and hammer it in every corner around you in order for the rescuers to locate you.
Stay tuned for more updates regarding the aftershocks and earthquakes with your portable radio, TV, social media, calls and texts.
Bibliography:
Earthquakes. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.ready.gov/earthquakes.
Haneberg, B. (2007) What can I do to prepare for an earthquake? Retrieved from http://
tremor.nmt.edu/faq/prepare.html
Earthquake Safety Tips. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/natural-
disasters/earthquake-safety-tips/
Alabama Emergency Management Agency (n.d.) What kind of damage can occur? Retrieved
from http://ema.alabama.gov/earthquakebook/Earthquake_6.htm
Being Prepared for an Earthquake. (2014). Retrieved from http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes/prepared.asp
Earthquakes. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.ready.gov/earthquakes.
Haneberg, B. (2007) What can I do to prepare for an earthquake? Retrieved from http://
tremor.nmt.edu/faq/prepare.html
Earthquake Safety Tips. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/natural-
disasters/earthquake-safety-tips/
Alabama Emergency Management Agency (n.d.) What kind of damage can occur? Retrieved
from http://ema.alabama.gov/earthquakebook/Earthquake_6.htm
Being Prepared for an Earthquake. (2014). Retrieved from http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes/prepared.asp
Earthquakes are so hard to predict. However, if everyone is always ready, there would be few casualties. So let us make a move and be always prepared.
-Tyl Joy S. Dejiga, Project Team
-Tyl Joy S. Dejiga, Project Team