essay about earthquake preparedness

Tourists pose in front of a collapsed building that serves as a memorial to the people who died in the 2008 earthquake that struck Wenchuan, Sichuan Province, China.

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What to do during an earthquake: Simple steps to stay protected

Temblors frequently strike around the world. These suggestions will help you prepare for the next quake that might rattle your town.

Earthquakes regularly rattle our planet, striking somewhere in the world every hour of every day . Such events are the result of the slow-motion march of tectonic plates that build stresses in Earth’s crust and upper mantle. Eventually the stress hits a breaking point and releases in a ground-shaking quake that can send blocks of the Earth careening out of place.

Most temblors are too small for humans to feel, but every so often a whopper will rock our planet. The majority of earthquakes occur near the boundaries of tectonic plates—like the mighty San Andreas fault that runs along the United State’s west coast—but scientists still can’t say precisely where and when the next big quake will strike. So if you’re in a region prone to shaking, it’s best to be prepared. Here are some tips to keep you safe.

Before the quake

One important way to prepare for a temblor is to try to make your home as safe as possible. For old homes, it’s a good idea to investigate whether it complies with local building codes and identify potential weaknesses. FEMA has some handy guides to help steer you through the fundamentals of earthquake-resistant design and construction.

The stuff inside your home is just as important as the walls themselves. Take a tour of each room to look for things that could fall or break if the ground starts to wobble. Sometimes this can be solved with a little reorganization, moving large or heavy objects to lower shelves. Other times fixing issues takes a bit more handiwork, such as bolting bookcases to wall studs, installing latches on cupboards, and securing any large appliances like water heaters.

While inspecting your home, make sure you know how to shut off your utilities. And while you’re at it, check out the connections of gas appliances; it’s best if these are flexible rather than rigid so they can bend with the rolling ground.

Assemble an earthquake emergency kit that includes food, water, and other supplies for at least 72 hours. When preparing your kit, consider each member of your family and their needs— and don’t forget your pets . The Department of Homeland Security has a detailed guide about putting together a kit for many different contingencies.

Italy Earthquake Aftermath

When the shaking starts

Protect yourself as quickly as possible. In many situations that means remembering three actions : drop, cover, and hold.

• Drop: Get down on your hands and knees to protect yourself from being knocked over. That also puts you in an ideal position to crawl for shelter.

• Cover: Place an arm and hand over your head and neck to shield them from debris. Head for any nearby tables to shelter under until the shaking stops. If a table isn’t in sight, sidle up to one of your home’s interior walls away from tall objects and furniture that might topple. A common misconception in seeking cover is that doorways offer the best protection during an earthquake. But according to the Earthquake Country Alliance , this is only true if you are in an “old, unreinforced adobe house.” In modern homes, the rest of the house is just as strong.

• Hold: Stay put until the shaking stops. If you’re under a shelter like a table, keep hold of it with one hand. If you’re out in the open, continue to shield your head and neck with your arms.

When the ground starts to shake remember three things: drop, cover, hold.

If you use a wheelchair or walker, or cannot drop to the ground, there are other versions of the above protocol to follow that will help keep you safe . For example, if you are in a wheelchair, lock the wheels and then lean over to protect your vital organs, covering your head and neck with your arms.

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When the ground starts to roll under your feet, resist the temptation to run outside. Instead, take cover in place. But if you are already outdoors, stay outside and move away from buildings and power lines. If you are driving, pull off the road. But do not stop under an overpass or other structure that could crash down.

Coastal quakes can be particularly dangerous since the shifting ground can disturb the water column and produce a tsunami . If you are on a coast when a strong earthquake strikes, get to higher ground as soon as you can.

While tsunami warning systems can help give some notice, it’s often too risky to wait for the alert to get to high ground. For one, the time between the siren and the wave crashing onshore may be small. And if the tsunami is local, it might evade warning system detection entirely. For example, a surprise tsunami devastated parts of Indonesia in 2018 , thanks in part to the particular geometry of the channel that funneled the water to land. What’s more, as was the case in Indonesia’s 2018 tsunami, cellphone towers toppled by the shaking can prevent transmission of potential alerts.

After the shaking subsides

Even after the ground grows still, the danger is not necessarily over. As the Earth settles from its trembling it can produce a series of smaller quakes known as aftershocks. On rare occasions, a second earthquake that’s even bigger than the first might follow. When that happens, the first quake is called a foreshock, and the second temblor is called a main shock. This was the case for the two large earthquakes—a magnitude 6.4 followed by a magnitude 7.1 event— that rocked California in the summer of 2019 .

Still, once the shaking subsides it’s time to start getting yourself and others ready for more. First, check for injuries. Sometimes people won’t initially feel pain because of the adrenaline that courses through the body during life-threatening events. Next, check the gas and electric lines, and turn them off if you can do so safely. And if you are inside a heavily damaged structure, get yourself and others out as soon as possible.

If you’re trapped, stay calm. Protect your mouth, nose, and eyes from the dust and call or text for help. Make noise by whistling or shouting to get responders’ attention. But if you are outside, keep an eye out for hazards like fallen electrical lines, ruptured gas pipes, or precarious structures.

Turn on the radio—perhaps one you stowed in your earthquake emergency kit—and listen for updates. Heed warnings and instructions from official organizations like the United States Geological Survey, and be careful about what you see shared on social media. Falsehoods spread like wildfire in emergency situations. To let your family and friends know all is well—or to check for the status of your own loved ones— head to the Red Cross’ website .

The unpredictability of earthquakes is frightening, but with a little preparation, you can be ready if a big one strikes.

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Earthquake Essay for Students and Children

500+ Words Essay on Earthquake

Simply speaking, Earthquake means the shaking of the Earth’s surface. It is a sudden trembling of the surface of the Earth. Earthquakes certainly are a terrible natural disaster. Furthermore, Earthquakes can cause huge damage to life and property. Some Earthquakes are weak in nature and probably go unnoticed. In contrast, some Earthquakes are major and violent. The major Earthquakes are almost always devastating in nature. Most noteworthy, the occurrence of an Earthquake is quite unpredictable. This is what makes them so dangerous.

Types of Earthquake

Tectonic Earthquake: The Earth’s crust comprises of the slab of rocks of uneven shapes. These slab of rocks are tectonic plates. Furthermore, there is energy stored here. This energy causes tectonic plates to push away from each other or towards each other. As time passes, the energy and movement build up pressure between two plates.

Therefore, this enormous pressure causes the fault line to form. Also, the center point of this disturbance is the focus of the Earthquake. Consequently, waves of energy travel from focus to the surface. This results in shaking of the surface.

Volcanic Earthquake: This Earthquake is related to volcanic activity. Above all, the magnitude of such Earthquakes is weak. These Earthquakes are of two types. The first type is Volcano-tectonic earthquake. Here tremors occur due to injection or withdrawal of Magma. In contrast, the second type is Long-period earthquake. Here Earthquake occurs due to the pressure changes among the Earth’s layers.

Collapse Earthquake: These Earthquakes occur in the caverns and mines. Furthermore, these Earthquakes are of weak magnitude. Undergrounds blasts are probably the cause of collapsing of mines. Above all, this collapsing of mines causes seismic waves. Consequently, these seismic waves cause an Earthquake.

Explosive Earthquake: These Earthquakes almost always occur due to the testing of nuclear weapons. When a nuclear weapon detonates, a big blast occurs. This results in the release of a huge amount of energy. This probably results in Earthquakes.

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Effects of Earthquakes

First of all, the shaking of the ground is the most notable effect of the Earthquake. Furthermore, ground rupture also occurs along with shaking. This results in severe damage to infrastructure facilities. The severity of the Earthquake depends upon the magnitude and distance from the epicenter. Also, the local geographical conditions play a role in determining the severity. Ground rupture refers to the visible breaking of the Earth’s surface.

Another significant effect of Earthquake is landslides. Landslides occur due to slope instability. This slope instability happens because of Earthquake.

Earthquakes can cause soil liquefaction. This happens when water-saturated granular material loses its strength. Therefore, it transforms from solid to a liquid. Consequently, rigid structures sink into the liquefied deposits.

Earthquakes can result in fires. This happens because Earthquake damages the electric power and gas lines. Above all, it becomes extremely difficult to stop a fire once it begins.

Earthquakes can also create the infamous Tsunamis. Tsunamis are long-wavelength sea waves. These sea waves are caused by the sudden or abrupt movement of large volumes of water. This is because of an Earthquake in the ocean. Above all, Tsunamis can travel at a speed of 600-800 kilometers per hour. These tsunamis can cause massive destruction when they hit the sea coast.

In conclusion, an Earthquake is a great and terrifying phenomenon of Earth. It shows the frailty of humans against nature. It is a tremendous occurrence that certainly shocks everyone. Above all, Earthquake lasts only for a few seconds but can cause unimaginable damage.

FAQs on Earthquake

Q1 Why does an explosive Earthquake occurs?

A1 An explosive Earthquake occurs due to the testing of nuclear weapons.

Q2 Why do landslides occur because of Earthquake?

A2 Landslides happen due to slope instability. Most noteworthy, this slope instability is caused by an Earthquake.

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How to prepare for an earthquake.

Earthquakes happen without warning. We don’t know when the next major earthquake will happen, but we can take action now to prepare to survive it and minimize impact. Preparedness starts with a plan. For cities and agencies, this means working with engineers to retrofit older structures and design new buildings, bridges, and highways to withstand an earthquake as best as possible. For individuals and families, this means putting together an earthquake preparedness plan and kit and knowing what to do before, during, and after an earthquake.

Before: Are You Ready for a Rumble?

Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently, and without warning. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and planning in advance can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake. Repairing and reinforcing building foundations, anchoring overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling, securing furniture and other objects to walls and floors, and following local seismic building standards will help reduce the impact of earthquakes.

Many injuries suffered during earthquakes result from items falling or shifting due to the shaking of the earth. Identifying potential hazards prior to an earthquake can protect you and your family. Do an inventory of your house and where you work . Anything that can move or fall during a quake should be placed in a closed cabinet or a secondary container. Anything that can’t be put elsewhere should be securely fastened down or, for objects such as bookcases, attached to the wall. Avoid hanging pictures or mirrors near beds or places where people sit.

After an earthquake, you might not have access to water, food, electricity, or other necessities for up to a week. Creating a disaster supply kit will help you get through the aftermath of an earthquake. Store enough water, food, and other basic items to meet your needs for at least 72 hours. Keep the kit in a place where you spend most of your time so that it will be easily accessible if an earthquake strikes.

It is also a good idea to develop an emergency communication plan . Do not rely on cell phones or other devices that require electricity. Develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster in case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the family contact. After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance than locally. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address and phone number of the contact person.

Six Ways to Plan Ahead

1. Check for Hazards in the Home

• Fasten shelves securely to walls.
• Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
• Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
• Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.
• Brace overhead light fixtures.
• Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.
• Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.
• Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.
• Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.

2. Identify Safe Places Indoors and Outdoors

• Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
• Against an inside wall.
• Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.
• In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.

3. Educate Yourself and Family Members

• Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on earthquakes. Also read the "How-To Series" for information on how to protect your property from earthquakes.
• Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
• Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and wate

4. Have Disaster Supplies on Hand

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• First aid kit and manual
• Emergency food and water
• Nonelectric can opener
• Essential medicines
• Cash and credit cards
• Sturdy shoes

5. Develop an Emergency Communication Plan

Make a plan for reuniting after the disaster in case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school).

• Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.

6. Help Your Community Get Ready

Publish a special section in your local newspaper with emergency information on earthquakes. Localize the information by printing the phone numbers of local emergency services offices, the American Red Cross, and hospitals.

Conduct a week-long series on locating hazards in the home.

Work with local emergency services and American Red Cross officials to prepare special reports for people with mobility impairments on what to do during an earthquake.

Provide tips on conducting earthquake drills in the home.

Interview representatives of the gas, electric, and water companies about shutting off utilities.

• Work together in your community to apply your knowledge to building codes, retrofitting programs, hazard hunts, and neighborhood and family emergency plans.

What to Do During an Earthquake

Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks, and a larger earthquake might occur. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place.

If you are indoors, you should drop, cover, and hold—drop to the ground, find cover under a table or other sturdy piece of furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table nearby, move to a corner or inside part of the building, away from glass, and stay on the floor with your arms covering your head.

Stay inside until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe. Once outside, move away from buildings to an open space.

What to Do After an Earthquake

After an earthquake, it is most important to get to a safe location. Take your disaster supplies kit with you. Check for injuries and hazards, then help others. Once you are safe, follow the emergency earthquake plan that you have prepared to communicate and reconnect with family members.

This post is part of Exploring Earthquakes , a rich collection of resources co-presented by the California Academy of Sciences and KQED. This material is also available as a free iBooks textbook and iTunes U course .

Don’t miss Earthquake , an interactive exhibit at the Academy exploring the seismic forces that impact us today and featuring the Shake House, an earthquake simulator.

More to explore

Get a new perspective on earthquakes with this rich collection of multimedia resources. You'll learn why earthquakes happen, how they've shaped the Bay Area, and what you can do to prepare for the next one.

Ideas for using videos, articles, and infographics about earthquakes in the classroom.

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What can I do to be prepared for an earthquake?

There are four basic steps you can take to be more prepared for an earthquake:

Step 1: Secure your space  by identifying hazards and securing moveable items.

Step 2: Plan to be safe  by creating a disaster plan and deciding how you will communicate in an emergency.

Step 3: Organize disaster supplies  in convenient locations.

Step 4: Minimize financial hardship  by organizing important documents, strengthening your property, and considering insurance.

These are recommended by the Earthquake Country Alliance , in which USGS is a partner.

Learn more: USGS Earthquake Hazards Program - Prepare

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DO NOT turn on the gas again if you turned it off; let the gas company do it DO NOT use matches, lighters, camp stoves or barbecues, electrical equipment, appliances UNTIL you are sure there are no gas leaks. They may create a spark that could ignite leaking gas and cause an explosion and fire DO NOT use your telephone, EXCEPT for a medical or fire emergency. You could tie up the lines needed for...

What emergency supplies do I need for an earthquake?

Fire extinguisher Adequate supplies of medications that you or family members are taking Crescent and pipe wrenches to turn off gas and water supplies First-aid kit and handbook Flashlights with extra bulbs and batteries Portable radio with extra batteries Water for each family member for at least two weeks (allow at least 1 gallon per person per day) and purification tablets or chlorine bleach to...

What do I do AFTER an earthquake?

WEAR STURDY SHOES to avoid injury from broken glass and debris. Expect aftershocks CHECK FOR INJURIES If a person is bleeding, put direct pressure on the wound, use clean gauze or cloth if available If a person is not breathing administer CPR DO NOT attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in further danger of injury COVER injured persons with blankets to keep warm SEEK medical...

What should I do DURING an earthquake?

If you are INDOORS -- STAY THERE! Get under a desk or table and hang on to it ( Drop, Cover, and Hold on! ) or move into a hallway or against an inside wall. STAY CLEAR of windows, fireplaces, and heavy furniture or appliances. GET OUT of the kitchen, which is a dangerous place (things can fall on you). DON'T run downstairs or rush outside while the building is shaking or while there is danger of...

What are the Great ShakeOut earthquake drills?

The Great ShakeOut earthquake drills are based on scenario earthquakes that could effect the area if they were to actually take place. Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills are an annual opportunity for people in homes, schools, and organizations to practice what to do during earthquakes, and to improve preparedness. These events are made possible through a collaboration between several agencies...

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The contents of your home may be damaged and can be dangerous: Shaking can make light fixtures fall, refrigerators and other large items move across the floor, and bookcases and television sets topple over. IDENTIFY: Look around your house for things that could fall or move. Ask yourself if your cupboard doors could fly open (allowing dishes to shatter on the floor). Is TV and stereo fastened down...

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The importance of earthquake preparedness, mitigation and resiliency

Several experts from the Nazarbayev University , Kazakhstan share their views here on the importance of earthquake preparedness, mitigation and resiliency

Throughout history, earthquakes have caused extensive damage in users areas with complex infrastructures and a high population density. Over the past century, millions of people have lost their lives due to earthquakes with many of those deaths occurring in the continental interiors.

Although regions and cities on continental interiors experience earthquakes less often than those along plate boundaries, this leads to a lack of effective action and preparation for earthquakes as the memory of such events fades over long periods of time. Earthquakes are particularly devastating in more built-up areas, such as large cities, as the destruction caused to buildings leads to higher injuries and fatalities as well as immense financial damage.

This is particularly true of Central Asia and the Tien Shan region; over the past century, the Central Asian cities of Ashgabat, Tashkent, Almaty and Dushanbe have experienced particularly devastating earthquakes. Despite relatively few destructive earthquakes in recent times, numerous faults in this region mean that hazard awareness remains high.

Due to the damage and fatalities earthquakes can cause in these highly-populated and built-up areas, the estimation of seismic activity in urban areas is important in all earthquake-prone regions, including Central Asia. Increased earthquake-induced damages in cities are often a result of local geological conditions and soil properties, as well as surface topography and the presence of lakes or other soft deposits. These geological properties combined with the high vulnerability of buildings can result in extreme disasters and high death tolls during earthquakes.

Seismic microzonation

Densely-populated cities can prepare for and mitigate the effects of earthquakes through seismic microzonation. This would involve seismologists dividing cities into specific microzones depending on-site effects and soil properties of each area. The objective of seismic microzonation is to provide estimates of the hazard for each microzone due to earthquakes shaking; for example, determining zones in large cities where buildings will suffer the most and least damage. This is necessary as an earthquake is felt differently throughout a city based on factors, such as distance from the epicentre and type of buildings and type of soil; damage will be more severe for buildings constructed on soft soil as it is less stable than those built on hard rock.

The idea behind microzonation is to develop building codes specific to different areas within a city so that new buildings can be constructed accordingly. The identification of the complex underground structures of the cities can be challenging, but it is necessary for assessing the risk of the effects of earthquakes. By analysing the characteristics of the ground conditions, we can better assess the specific effects earthquakes will have on a region and establish microzones.

In order to be able to predict the essential consequences of earthquakes, we need to develop a physically-based ground-motion prediction methodology incorporated with probabilistic seismic hazard analyses (PSHA). Compared to empirical ground-motion predictions, the simulation methodology is derived from physics and source, path and site effects through statistical approaches. This provides much more flexible and better-suited solutions, especially in complex city environments. Thus, it allows for rapid solutions that would be valid for many earthquake-affected areas, including Central Asia.

The Central Asian network of strong-motion services has continued to develop and grow with a number of programmes, including the Central Asian Seismic Network of CAIAG and the ACROSS Strong Motion Network, emerging over the past decade. Different countries, such as the U.S., Japan, China and some other countries located in seismic active zones, have cooperated on the registration of ground motion fluctuations, buildings and constructions during strong earthquakes.

However, a database of engineering- seismological records on strong ground-motions and new methods for processing and analysing data should be developed through international cooperation. This database would (1) support engineers and seismologists in evaluating the seismic risk of an area; (2) determine the parameters of strong earthquakes and; (3) develop methods for calculating seismic effects. This will increase the reliability of future buildings and structures and influence how buildings are adapted to mitigate the effects of earthquakes, ultimately reducing structural damage.

Finally, the seismic microzonation of densely-populated cities and physically-based ground-motion simulation incorporated with PSHA based on the extensive database compiled through international cooperation will be significantly useful for predicting and mitigating the effects of earthquakes in the future.

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What Should You Do Before, During, and After an Earthquake?

It is impossible to predict when and where an earthquake will strike. Nonetheless, you can take steps before, during, and after a quake to help yourself stay safe and recover quickly.

Before an earthquake

Make sure you and your household are earthquake-ready:

• Secure heavy furniture and appliances – More than half of the injuries associated with the 1994 Northridge earthquake were caused by toppling objects. One way to protect yourself is to look around your home or workplace and make sure heavy furniture, such as bookcases and beds, as well as appliances, such as water heaters and televisions, are safely secured to the wall using straps, closed hooks, or wall studs. Large, heavy, or unstable items should be placed on low shelves, close to the floor, and away from doors and escape routes.
• Identify safe spots – Know where you can take cover in every room, for example under a sturdy table or desk. Conduct regular drills on how to drop, cover, and hold on.
• Have a plan – Make sure everyone in your household knows how to access disaster supplies, and whom to call and where to meet if an earthquake strikes when you are apart.
• Gather supplies – Have ample water and an emergency kit ready in your home, as well as smaller go-bags in your car, workplace, and any other places you might be when an earthquake hits. Your emergency supplies should be tailored for your specific needs, but common items include water, a first-aid kit, sturdy shoes, a portable radio, snacks, and emergency cash. FEMA and The Earthquake Country Alliance provide detailed checklists of items to include in an emergency kit.

During an earthquake

The safest steps to take in the middle of an earthquake depend on where you are:

• Indoors – Get under a desk or table, cover your head and neck with one arm or hand, and use your other arm or hand to hang on (drop, cover, and hold on) . If no shelter is available, move into a hallway or against an inside wall. If you use a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking subsides. Stay away from windows, fireplaces, and heavy furniture or appliances, and do not use elevators. If you are in bed when an earthquake starts, do not get out of bed. Instead, lie face down to protect vital organs, and cover your head and neck with a pillow.
• Outdoors – Quickly find an open space away from buildings, power lines, and anything else that can topple on you. If you are driving, safely pull over and stop, and stay in your car until the shaking stops. Do not stop under bridges, overpasses, trees, or anything else that can strike your vehicle. If you are in a mountainous area, watch out for falling rocks and landslides, and if you are near the ocean during a severe earthquake, be mindful of tsunamis .

After an earthquake

After the shaking subsides, assess your wellbeing and that of those around you. Stay alert to new or continuing hazards.

• Conduct a safety check – Once you are in a safe place, check yourself and others for injuries, and call for help if needed. Look around to make sure you are not in danger from other hazards caused by the quake, such as gas leaks or fire. Wear boots or sturdy shoes to protect your feet from broken glass and debris.
• Get help, if needed – If you are trapped, cover your mouth, nose, and eyes against dust. Send a text and make noise to alert rescuers to your location.
• Be prepared for aftershocks – Aftershocks can be as strong as the original quake .
• Stay connected – If you have access to a battery-operated radio (perhaps in your car) or television, update yourself on the latest emergency information. Let friends and family know you are safe, but, if possible, minimize calls to help protect internet and telephone connectivity. You can also register on the American Red Cross " Safe and Well " website to let people know you are safe.

What not to do

• Avoid running to other rooms while the ground is still shaking.
• Do not seek shelter in doorways . They offer no protection against falling or flying objects.
• After a quake, do not use matches or lighters near stoves or barbecues until you are sure there are no gas leaks. If the gas is turned off, do not turn it back on by yourself; let the gas company do it.
• Do not call 911 unless you are experiencing a true emergency.

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Earthquakes happen all over the world. Here’s how to start preparing for one

LA Johnson/NPR

Updated April 11, 2024 at 6:05 PM ET

Unlike other natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes are nearly impossible to see coming, even for scientists . Early detection systems can only give seconds of warning .

Specific best practices for earthquake preparedness may differ somewhat based on your country and region, says Christine Goulet, director of the U.S. Geological Survey Earthquake Science Center.

She says how and where buildings are constructed, the population density and the nature of the shaking itself all influence how destructive individual earthquakes can be.

Additionally, "it's important to note that some areas have building types for which there is no real safe option ," says Mark Benthien , director for communication, education and outreach at the Southern California Earthquake Center.

For this story, we spoke with U.S.-based experts, but many of the tips are generally applicable.

Here are seven steps you can take to prepare yourself in advance, according to emergency and disaster preparedness experts. For more safety tips, head to Earthquake Country Alliance , a partnership of people, organizations and regional alliances that work to improve earthquake and tsunami preparedness.

Remember: Drop, cover and hold

Make sure you know what to do when an earthquake strikes. If you feel the ground start to shake: Drop, take cover under a stable piece of furniture, and hold on, says Crisanta Gonzalez, an emergency management coordinator for the City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department.

You're safest under something like a desk or table, with one arm holding onto a leg of the table and your other arm protecting your neck and head.

Whatever you do, do not stand in a door frame, says Gonzalez. "In modern homes, doorways are no stronger than any other part of the house" and will not protect you from injury, according to guidance from Earthquake Country Alliance .

Third grade students in Mrs. Jordan's class participate in the Great Shakeout annual earthquake drill at Pacific Elementary School in Manhattan Beach on Thursday, October 21, 2021.

MediaNews Group/Long Beach Press / MediaNews Group/Long Beach Press/Getty Images

Make a family plan

Next, make sure your household has a plan of action.

Let's say there's an earthquake in the middle of the night and your house is damaged. "Where are you going to go?" says Alyssa Provencio , a professor at the University of Central Oklahoma who teaches emergency and disaster management. "Do you have a friend or a family member who you can stay with?"

And what will you do if a quake strikes while you and your partner are at work, your kids are at school — and no one can get a hold of each other?

Create a meeting point, says Provencio — somewhere easy for everyone in your household to remember under stress, like the post office near your house.

You could also meet at home if that's a convenient location, says Benthien. Even "if [it's] damaged, you still could [meet] right in the front yard."

Whatever plan you decide on, don't rely on your phone as your main form of communication, says Provencio. "Technology fails all the time in disasters," she says. A major earthquake in California, for example, may damage cell towers and knock out communication services for days, according to a 2021 estimate from the United States Geological Survey.

Secure your furniture

Those hanging shelves above your bed could be a hazard during an earthquake. People often get injured from "flying or falling objects" like furniture or glass during earthquakes, says Benthien. So examine your home and ask yourself: What could be a potential hazard to your safety?

The experts we spoke to say to remove or secure heavy objects such as shelves, mirrors and picture frames above areas where you spend a lot of time, such as your bed or desk.

You should also bolt larger furniture like shelving units and TVs to the wall. These items often come with straps and anchors, but some people don't make the effort to install them "because they feel like it's an inconvenience," says Marcus Coleman , director of the Department of Homeland Security's Center for Faith-Based Neighborhood Partnerships.

Take that "additional 15 to 20 minutes" to secure your furniture to the wall, he adds — it's worth it.

Make digital copies of important documents

Important documents may get destroyed during an earthquake. They're also not something people remember to grab in a disaster, says Gonzalez. "People run out of their homes and don't bring their birth certificates or insurance papers."

Make digital copies of important documents like your ID, birth certificate and insurance information.

Scan or take photos of your important documents — such as your license, financial records, insurance policy information and even a list of medical prescriptions — and store them in the cloud, says Gonzalez. You can add them to your Google Drive or iCloud, for example.

This can help ensure your documents will be available even if your computer or hard drive is lost in a quake.

Stock up on water ...

Access to water during an earthquake isn't a guarantee. Utilities can get shut off for repair or to mitigate further damage after an earthquake, such as flooding from broken pipes or water mains, or fires from downed power lines, says Provencio. Even if you have water coming into your house, it might be unsafe to drink, says Gonzalez. The water could be contaminated due to a water line break.

With that in mind, stock up on water at home if you can. FEMA recommends storing at least one gallon of water per person for 72 hours. If you live alone, that means you need a total of three gallons stored in your home. That might not sound like much, but "if you start adding that up, particularly for four to six [family] members, that's many, many gallons of water," says Provencio.

It's not an alternative to storing consumable water, but a great additional tip: Gonzalez says to fill your bathtub and sinks with water immediately after the quake. She says you can use that water for washing, cooking and flushing the toilet — or you can boil it and use it as drinking water.

... and food

The same goes for food. FEMA recommends storing at least 72 hours' worth of food for everyone in your family.

Look for nonperishables like canned food or power bars, as well as vacuum-sealed meals like those sold for camping, says Provencio.

You want food that is easily transportable, like dehydrated fruit or granola bars, and you'll want to be cautious of expiration dates, she says. Go through your supplies every six months or so and remove expired items.

Start prepping your go bag

Pack a bag of necessities that you can grab on your way out of the house if you have to evacuate. Everyone at home should have one, and it should contain enough food, clothing and supplies to last about three days, according to guidance from the Earthquake Country Alliance .

Think of it as packing as "if you were to go camping," Benthien says — that is, without access to water or power, which might be unavailable in the aftermath of an earthquake. Provencio says a flashlight is good to have in case the power goes out, and heavy-duty gloves can help if you need to clear debris like glass.

Then think about specific things that you might need. For example, if you wear glasses, consider keeping an extra pair in your go bag. If you menstruate, pack pads or tampons. If you have a dog, pack some kibble.

But try to pack relatively lightly, says Provencio. "I've heard of people making these very elaborate go bags that have all the recommended items in them. But they can't carry it and it sort of doesn't do you any good."

These tips are just a starting point — for more information check out Earthquake Country Alliance 's seven steps to earthquake safety.

We'd love to hear from you. Leave us a voicemail at 202-216-9823, or email us at [email protected] .

Listen to Life Kit on Apple Podcasts and Spotify , or sign up for our newsletter .

Copyright 2024 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

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An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the earth caused by the shifting of underground rock. Deaths and injuries occur when people fall trying to walk or run during shaking or when they are hit by falling debris. Smaller earthquakes, called aftershocks, always follow the mainshock. Earthquakes can cause tsunamis, landslides, fires, and damage to utilities. Earthquakes can happen anywhere, and there is no way to predict them. But we can take action to prepare. Prepare now to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your home.

How to Teach Your Child About Earthquakes

You'll find downloadable digital resources, videos on earthquakes and more at redcross.org/youthprep .

What Should You Do Before an Earthquake?

Understand your risk.

Earthquakes can happen anywhere but are more common in certain areas. Find out if you live in an area prone to earthquakes.

Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On

During an earthquake, you should Drop, Cover, and Hold On to protect yourself from falling debris. Practice with your entire household so everyone knows what to do. Here is how to practice:

DROP where you are onto your hands and knees.

• This position protects you from being knocked down and allows you to crawl to a protected space.

COVER your head and neck with your arms.

• If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for protection.
• If you cannot find a protected space, crawl to an interior wall (away from windows).
• Stay on your knees and bend over to protect yourself from injury.

HOLD ON until the shaking stops.

• If you are under a table or desk, hold onto it as things will be moving. Use an arm to protect your head and neck.
• If you are not under a protected space: Protect your head and neck with both arms.

To Prevent Injuries, Secure Your Space

• Identify things that might fall during shaking. Imagine if the room were picked up, shaken up and down, and side to side. Which items could fall and injure you? Consider things such as televisions, shelves, mirrors, pictures, water heaters, refrigerators, and bookcases.
• Secure these items so they don't injure you during an earthquake. Straps, hooks, latches, and other safety devices are widely available.
• If you live in an area prone to earthquakes, get your building evaluated and consider structural improvements.
• Earthquakes are generally not covered by household or renters’ insurance. Earthquake insurance policies may be available. Check with insurance providers.

Plan to Stay Connected

• Have a backup battery or a way to charge your cell phone.
• Have a battery-powered radio so that you can stay informed.
• Create a personal support team of people you may assist and who can assist you.
• There is no way to predict an earthquake, but earthquake early-warning systems are in development. See if they are available in your area.

Learn Emergency Skills

• Learn  First Aid  and  CPR  to help others. People may be injured, and emergency services may not be available.
• Learn how to turn off the utilities in your home.
• Get a fire extinguisher and learn how to use it safely.
• Be ready to live without power, gas, and water.

Gather Emergency Supplies

• Go-Kit: at least 3 days of supplies that you can carry with you. Include batteries and chargers for your devices (cell phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.)
• Stay-at-Home Kit: at least 2 weeks of supplies. 
• Bed-Kit: a bag of supplies attached to your bed. Include items you will need if an earthquake happens while you are sleeping. Store sturdy shoes to protect your feet from glass, one of the most common earthquake injuries. Also include a flashlight, glasses, a dust mask, and a whistle.
• Have a 1-month supply of medication in a child-proof container, and other needed medical supplies or equipment. 
• Keep personal, financial, and medical records safe and easy to access (hard copies or securely backed up). Consider keeping a list of your medications and dosages on a small card to carry with you.

Download the Earthquake Safety Checklist

Red Cross checklists are available in multiple languages

• Earthquake Safety Checklist - English
• Earthquake Safety Checklist - Spanish
• Earthquake Safety Checklist - Burmese
• Earthquake Safety Checklist - Arabic
• Earthquake Safety Checklist - Chinese - Simplified
• Earthquake Safety Checklist - Chinese - Traditional
• Earthquake Safety Checklist - French
• Earthquake Safety Checklist - Hakha - Chin
• Earthquake Safety Checklist - Polish

Get Preparation Tips for the Whole Family

What Should You Do During an Earthquake?

When shaking starts, drop, cover, and hold on to protect yourself.

• If you are in bed, STAY there and COVER your head and neck with a pillow.
• If you are outdoors, drop, then crawl towards open space if you can. Stay away from buildings, power lines, and trees.
• If you are driving, stop and stay in your vehicle. Avoid stopping near buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires. Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid bridges or ramps.
• If you are in a wheelchair or use a walker, lock your wheels, and remain seated until the shaking stops. If you are unable to drop, brace yourself and protect your head and neck. Protect your head and neck with your arms, a pillow, a book, or whatever is available.

When an earthquake occurs, the Red Cross provides shelter, food and comfort. 

What Should You Do After an Earthquake?

• Wait a minute before getting up. Check for any immediate dangers around you and protect yourself.
• Anticipate broken glass and debris on the ground, so put on sturdy shoes as soon as possible.
• If it is safe, exit the building. Go outside to a clear area. Check to make sure nothing will fall on you, such as bricks from a building, power lines, and trees.
• If you do not have a safe area outside, it may be better to remain inside.
• If you are near the coast, a tsunami could follow the earthquake. As soon as the shaking stops, climb to safety. Walk quickly to higher ground or inland away from the coast. Don't wait for officials to issue a warning.
• Expect aftershocks. Drop, Cover, and Hold On whenever you feel shaking.
• Protect your mouth, nose, and eyes from airborne debris. You can use a cloth, clothing, or a dust mask to cover your mouth and nose. 
• Signal for help. Use a whistle or knock loudly on a solid piece of the building three times every few minutes. Rescue personnel listen for such sounds.
• Care for any injuries you may have and assist others.
• If your home has been damaged and is no longer safe, leave and go to a safer place. If you can, take your Go-Kit of supplies.
• Use flashlights, not candles, due to fire risk.
• Do not use matches, lighters, appliances, or light switches until you are sure there are no gas leaks. Sparks from electrical switches could ignite the gas, causing an explosion.

Stay Connected

• Listen to local radio, TV, or other news sources for emergency information.
• Let friends and family know you are safe when you can.

Take Care of Yourself

• It's normal to have a lot of bad feelings, stress, or anxiety.
• Eat healthy food and get enough sleep to help you deal with stress.
• You can contact the Disaster Distress Helpline for free if you need to talk to someone. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.

Check Your Home for Safety

• Follow guidance from local officials.
• Inspect the outside of your home for damage before re-entering. If safe to do so, check the inside of your home.
• Check for damage to gas, water, electrical, and sewage systems. If there is damage, turn the utility off.
• If you suspect a gas leak, leave your home, and call 911. Once you are in a safe place, report the issue to your utility company.
• If needed, have your home inspected by a professional for damage and safety issues.

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Earthquakes

Habitat ready: disaster preparedness for homeowners.

An earthquake is a sudden shaking of the ground caused by two chunks of earth’s crust sliding past one another. Although earthquakes are short-lived, usually not lasting more than a minute, they can leave behind incredible damage.

Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning, but identifying potential hazards and planning can reduce the threat of damage, injuries and loss of life.

Before an earthquake

• Review your family preparedness plan .
• Establish a family communications plan .
• Assemble an  earthquake kit .
• Store breakable items in low, closed cabinets, and fasten shelves securely to walls.
• Hang heavy items, such as pictures and mirrors, away from beds and couches.
• Secure and brace overhead light fixtures.
• Repair any deep cracks in walls, ceilings and foundations.
• Store pesticides and flammable products in closed cabinets and on bottom shelves.
• Repair defective electrical wiring, water or gas connections.
• Inspect your home’s foundation to determine if it is properly braced and bolted.
• If your home is missing a braced and bolted attachment to the foundation, consider putting seismic retrofits in place to further fortify the home from earthquake shocks.
• Confirm that your water heater is strapped. Install a gas seismic shut-off valve.
• Under sturdy furniture, such as a heavy table or desk.
• Against an inside wall or under a door frame.
• Away from glass or where heavy furniture could fall over.
• In the open, away from buildings, retaining walls, trees, overpasses, and power or telephone lines.

Additional considerations for COVID-19

• Unless you live in a mandatory evacuation zone, it is recommended that you make a plan to shelter-in-place in your home, if it is safe to do so.
• If you live in a mandatory evacuation zone, make a plan with friends or family to shelter with them where you will be safer and more comfortable.
• Only evacuate to shelters if you are unable to shelter at home or with family or friends. Note that your regular shelter may not be open this year. Check with local authorities for the latest information about public shelters.
• If you need to go to a disaster shelter, follow CDC recommendations for staying safe and healthy in a  public disaster shelter  during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During an earthquake

• Drop down onto your hands and knees.
• Take cover in a safe place and hold on.
• If you are in bed, stay there and cover your head and neck with a pillow.
• If you are in the kitchen, quickly try to turn off the stove, if possible.
• Stay away from pictures, windows, light fixtures or anything that could fall and break.
• Move into the open, away from buildings, street lights, poles and utility wires.
• Get down low and stay there until the shaking stops.
• Stop quickly, and stay in the vehicle.
• Move to a clear area away from buildings, trees, utility wires and overpasses.
• Once the shaking has stopped, proceed with caution, avoiding bridges or ramps that might have been damaged by the quake.
• If you are in a mountainous area, keep in mind the possibility of landslides and debris flows .
• Similarly, if you are on the coast, be aware that tsunamis are often associated with earthquakes .

After an earthquake

• Be prepared for aftershocks. Although smaller than the main shock, aftershocks can cause additional damage and bring weakened structures down. Aftershocks can occur in the first hours, days, weeks or even months after the quake.
• Listen to a radio or TV for updated information.
• When the shaking stops, look around. If there is a clear path out, leave the building and head for an open area.
• Avoid making phone calls except in serious emergencies.
• Help injured or trapped people. Do not move seriously injured people unless they are in immediate danger of death or further injury. Call for help.
• Stay out of damaged homes, and follow the directions of emergency officials.
• Check for damage to the walls, roof, foundation, electrical
• system and water lines.
• Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches or other flammable
• liquids immediately.
• Leave the house if you smell gas or chemical fumes.
• Notify your insurance company if your home is damaged.
• Do not return home until officials declare it is safe. If the house presents major structural damages or is partially destroyed, evacuate.

Additional considerations for COVID-19

• You should continue to use  preventive actions  like washing your hands and wearing a  face covering  during clean up or when returning home.
• It may take longer than usual to restore power and water if they are out. Take  steps to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning  if you use a generator.
• If you are injured or ill, contact your medical provider for treatment recommendations. Keep wounds clean to prevent infection. Remember, accessing medical care may be more difficult than usual during the pandemic.
• Dealing with disasters can cause stress and strong emotions, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is natural to feel anxiety, grief, and worry.  Coping with these feelings and getting help  when you need it will help you, your family and your community recover.
• People with preexisting mental health conditions should continue with their treatment and be aware of new or worsening symptoms. Additional information can be found at the  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration  page.
• When you check on neighbors and friends, be sure to follow  social distancing  recommendations (staying at least 6 feet, about two arms’ length, from others) and  other CDC recommendations  to protect yourself and others.
• If you are sick and need medical attention , contact your healthcare provider for further care instructions and shelter-in-place, if possible. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 and let the operator know if you have, or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a cloth face covering before help arrives. If staying at a shelter or public facility, alert shelter staff immediately so they can call a local hospital or clinic.

Additional resources

Emergency/preparedness information.

• American Red Cross: Earthquake safety
• Federal Emergency Management Agency
• Ready.gov: Earthquake safety
• CDC.gov: Earthquakes

Current earthquake information

• U.S. Geological Survey

Disasters can strike at any moment, with little notice. In order to protect your home and family, it is important to be prepared.

Landslides and debris flows

Landslides and debris flows are caused by a number of factors, such as earthquakes, heavy rain, volcanic eruptions and poor land management. Because landslides and debris flows occur quickly and with little notice, it is essential to be prepared.

A tsunami is a series of large ocean waves created by major earthquakes, underwater volcanic activity or landslides into the ocean. It may take a tsunami hours or mere minutes to reach shore, so it is important to be well-prepared and know how to respond quickly and effectively.

You can help a family rebuild after a disaster

Families who partner with us rebuild their homes alongside volunteers, pay an affordable mortgage and are grateful for your help.

A Safer Future: Reducing the Impacts of Natural Disasters (1991)

Chapter: 3. awareness and education, awareness and education.

T he key to reducing loss of life, personal injuries, and damage from natural disasters is widespread public awareness and education. People must be made aware of what natural hazards they are likely to face in their own communities. They should know in advance what specific preparations to make before an event, what to do during a hurricane, earthquake, flood, fire, or other likely event, and what actions to take in its aftermath.

Equally important, public officials and the media — television, radio, and newspapers — must be fully prepared to respond effectively, responsibly, and speedily to large-scale natural emergencies. They need to be aware, in advance, of procedures to follow in a crisis that threatens to paralyze the entire community they serve, and they need to know how to communicate accurate information to the public during a natural disaster.

Special efforts must also be made to reach and plan for the care of particularly vulnerable segments of the population — latch-key children, the elderly, individuals in health care and correctional facilities, people with disabilities, and those who do not speak English — with information about possible disasters and what to do in an emergency.

The Committee recommends that community-wide awareness and education programs about natural disasters be made a national priority.

To achieve this goal, the Committee proposes that information campaigns and educational efforts be developed and that their effectiveness be evaluated and, where possible, continually improved:

Home. Household survival plans should provide basic information on what hazardous events are most likely to occur in particular communities, what emergency equipment and supplies should be on hand, what precautions should be taken to limit damage, and what preparations should be made for escape and evacuation. Such information might best be conveyed graphically, both in print and on television. Dramatic, easily recognizable graphic symbols signifying each natural hazard should be created and widely publicized to identify impending emergencies and quickly alert the public to the degree of seriousness and the imminence of danger.

To stimulate public awareness, brochures, posters, games, calendars, museum exhibits, public service announcements (for print, radio, and television), and even entertainment programming should be used. Materials produced by the American Red Cross, FEMA, the National Weather Service (NWS), the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), and other government agencies as well as insurance companies and other private sector entities are already available for such campaigns. (See Figure 2 .) Organizations in the private sector, including the Advertising Council, public utilities, public relations firms, advertising agencies, and voluntary organizations, should be enlisted to create, produce, and disseminate new information materials.

The community. Community-wide planning and education should be encouraged. Schools, government organizations, community and church groups, business and neighborhood organizations, hospital and medical groups, and the news media should all be involved. Checklists, information handouts, and training videos should be created and widely distributed to convey such information as the location of nearby emergency resources and appropriate use of the 911 system both during and after a disaster. Regional and community demonstration programs, disaster day exercises, volunteer courses, and conferences should be undertaken and evaluated for their effectiveness.

Figure 2. WILDLAND HOME FIRE RISK METER Practical, easy-to-use materials can give people the information they need to protect their homes and possibly save their lives. By turning a series of dials, rural residents can determine their homes ' risks from wildfire. The reverse side of the meter provides information on reducing those risks. (Source. U.S. Forest Service.)

School. Educational materials about preparedness, warnings, and self-protection should be distributed to schools for use in kindergarten through the 12th grade. Teachers should be given training on integrating the materials into the regular curricula so that all children receive the information they need to protect themselves from disasters. Similar training initiatives should be directed to teachers at day-care centers and preschools as well as to caretakers of the elderly. These steps will also raise the level of awareness and preparedness at home.

The warkplace. Awareness and education for disaster mitigation and preparedness should be encouraged in the workplace. Labor unions, industry management, government employers, and business groups should work with disaster specialists and community agencies to produce and acquire the necessary training and information materials. Existing work safety and security programs should be expanded to include disaster preparedness measures and emergency response procedures. Workplace safety drills and disaster exercises are essential to ensure that procedures are followed in an emergency. Prime movers of this effort should include insurance companies, labor unions, Chambers of Commerce, public utilities, and Industrial Crisis Conference participants.

Colleges and universities. Community colleges as well as other colleges and universities should be encouraged to include disaster management training in their curricula. Materials on mitigation and preparedness should be made part of geoscience, meteorology, forestry, health, engineering, architecture, education, planning, public administration, and business school programs. Preparation of books, articles, and teaching aids, and research by faculty and students should be encouraged and supported.

Public officials and the press. Special attention should be given to raising the level of knowledge and expertise of public officials and the press, both of whom have central responsibilities for dealing with natural disasters. There is a need to develop procedures, protocols, and priorities for disseminating information to the public. Contingency plans should be put in place so that vital emergency services and key elements of the press are prepared to function even when electricity, transportation, telephone transmission, and other communications and production capabilities are severely disrupted. Community emergency procedures, warning signals, disaster resources, and relief facilities and responsibilities should be spelled out in advance and reviewed and tested periodically by public officials and the press.

Journalism schools and press think tanks such as the Gannett Center for Media Studies and the Annenberg Center for Communications, as well as professional organizations such as Sigma Delta Chi and the Radio-Television News Directors Association, should be encouraged to investigate the specific challenges of providing information and news coverage in time of disaster.

Professionals. Disaster education is essential in the training of the government and private sector professionals, emergency management personnel, and emergency service providers who have the major responsibility for mitigation and emergency response. Professional continuing education programs on mitigating the effects of natural disasters should be made widely available through colleges, universities, and professional associations. Development of advanced materials for use in curricula, workshops, conferences, and similar activities should be encouraged. Continuing education requirements should be built into the certification, licensing, and evaluation of professionals in the field. Courses in hazard-resistant land-use, design, and structural techniques should be included in engineering, architecture, and construction curricula. Special attention should be given to planning for reconstruction and other elements of community recovery. Schools of medicine, nursing, and public health should offer courses on disaster preparedness and response as they relate to individual and community health.

The spectacular damage caused to the highway and bridge systems of the San Francisco Bay area during the Loma Prieta earthquake is being studied for applications to updating building and safety codes.

Initial priorities for U.S. participation in the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction, declared by the United Nations, are contained in this volume. It focuses on seven issues: hazard and risk assessment; awareness and education; mitigation; preparedness for emergency response; recovery and reconstruction; prediction and warning; learning from disasters; and U.S. participation internationally.

The committee presents its philosophy of calls for broad public and private participation to reduce the toll of disasters.

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Earthquake Disasters: Medical Response and Healthcare Challenges Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

What an Earthquake Disaster Is

The top injuries to expect in an earthquake disaster, the necessary medical equipment and supplies in an earthquake disaster, the roles of healthcare professionals in an earthquake disaster, how medical personnel can work together to provide care.

In general terms, a disaster is any event that has the aptitude to impede the conventional functioning of society. This is relative to economic, political, social, and socio-economic activities. An earthquake refers to the destructive trembling of the ground for a prolonged or short-lived period. Therefore, an earthquake disaster infers abrupt and immense shaking of the ground for a duration and magnitude that can infringe the day-to-day activities. An earthquake mishap can raze buildings and infrastructure and consequently result in injuries and fatalities. An earthquake disaster might also result in auxiliary crises such as explosions and diseases stemming from radiation.

As credited above, an earthquake disaster causes the tumbling of buildings and various infrastructures such as bridges. Therefore, injuries in an earthquake catastrophe significantly emanate from the collapsing buildings and structures. People trapped in such situations can easily be hit by chunks of falling walls and heavy objects as they drop due to the violent shaking (Renfrow, 2019). In addition, the injuries would ensue from being pierced or cut by sharp metal and flying glass. The subsequent effects would range from internal bleeding to bone fractures to extreme blood loss (Renfrow, 2019). In cases where people are trapped in submerged debris, one might suffer from unconsciousness because of the deprivation of oxygen (Renfrow, 2019). Furthermore, an individual is also susceptible to a shock because of the whole traumatizing experience.

The ripple effects of the injuries that would be sustained in such a crisis are internal bleeding, bone fractures, and blood loss. The hospital herein needs to have sophisticated imagery devices that can detect internal bleeding and bone fractures (Renfrow, 2019). Internal bleeding and bone fractures can be deadly, especially if they occur within the brain and the skull. The hospital also needs to have a reliable blood bank that can serve hundreds of people. Furthermore, the blood bank needs to have a sufficient amount of blood for the blood groups that are rare (Renfrow, 2019). Medicines such as painkillers and antibacterial need to be available for the treatment of deep and open wounds (Renfrow, 2019). In terms of supplies, the hospital needs to have a reliable supply of clean water and healthy food.

The first role of healthcare professionals in triage and interventions during an earthquake disaster is to perform a patient assessment. Healthcare professionals need to assess cases of bone fractures, internal bleeding, and blood loss to facilitate rapid and effective treatment (Ebrahimi et al., 2016). Secondly, triage and healthcare professionals have a role in sorting the patients and families when necessary (Ebrahimi et al., 2016). This is key in being able to attend to both the severely injured and the less injured effectively and inform the related family members about their status. The last role of healthcare personnel in triage and intervention is to reassess the waiting patients (Ebrahimi et al., 2016). Patients might suffer from secondary complications while waiting hence the need for reassessment.

In an emergency, especially one in which there are many casualties and patients, confusion and the feeling of being overwhelmed are imminent. Therefore, for medical personnel to be able to go through this, efficient and effective communication is paramount (Ebrahimi et al., 2016). Information between the reception, triage professionals, and surgeons needs to be transparent and precise. This is important in avoiding misdiagnosis of patients and wastage of time before offering treatment. Lastly, the medical personnel can work together by embracing teamwork (Ebrahimi et al., 2016). When a member of the medical care feels overwhelmed by responsibilities, they might not perform as expected. Team members would therefore need to work together and make sure none of the personnel is overwhelmed by duties.

Ebrahimi, M., Mirhaghi, A., Mazlom, R., Heydari, A., Nassehi, A., & Jafari, M. (2016). The role descriptions of triage nurse in emergency department: A Delphi study. Scientifica , 2016 , 1-6. Web.

Renfrow, J. (2019). Hospitals implement quake-ready technology, teams in seismically active areas . Fierce Healthcare. Web.

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IvyPanda. (2022, October 20). Earthquake Disasters: Medical Response and Healthcare Challenges. https://ivypanda.com/essays/earthquake-disaster-preparedness-in-healthcare/

"Earthquake Disasters: Medical Response and Healthcare Challenges." IvyPanda , 20 Oct. 2022, ivypanda.com/essays/earthquake-disaster-preparedness-in-healthcare/.

IvyPanda . (2022) 'Earthquake Disasters: Medical Response and Healthcare Challenges'. 20 October.

IvyPanda . 2022. "Earthquake Disasters: Medical Response and Healthcare Challenges." October 20, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/earthquake-disaster-preparedness-in-healthcare/.

1. IvyPanda . "Earthquake Disasters: Medical Response and Healthcare Challenges." October 20, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/earthquake-disaster-preparedness-in-healthcare/.

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