What do you do in case of an earthquake?

Question

As most of you have probably heard there was an earthquake here in Los Angeles yesterday. I live on the second floor of my apartment building and only God knows why I just sat there and didn't move. Yea Ive been through a few quakes in my 6 years of living in Los Angeles but yesterday was my biggest one yet (5.3). That wasn't the scary part though. It was the fact that after it happened I realized that I just sat there because I actually had no clue what to do. You can run and avoid, to a point hurricanes, tornadoes, and brush fires but what do you do when the gorund itself its rumbling beneath you?

Answer 1

The problem is that at first you do not know how big it will get, and by the time you do it is probably too late.

If the building is likely to come down, you would probably have enough shaking that things like the refrigerator or heavy desks and cabinets start to move around the floor, and it is difficult to stand up.  If it gets that bad, find the strongest part of the building.  In a multi-story, the best place is the stairwell, because it is a narrow space with lots of concrete support.  

Heck, you have the perfect example in the World Trade Center.  This was the extreme – 110 storeys coming down – you don’t get a bigger collapse than that.  Yet people survived in the stairwell.  

They say get under a doorway, or a sturdy table, but that is only a protection from stray things falling down (perhaps up to R6.5).  In a total collapse these are no good.  

If the building is going to fall, get to the sturdiest wall, and lie face down against it.  People have been dug out from complete collapses, where the fallen masonry has simply trapped them in a sort of triangular shaped space up against a main wall , the base of which is intact.  The space is often big enough to stop you being completely crushed, and has enough air space.  

But if there is just vibration or swaying, most modern buildings will take it.  It is extreme shaking that you get around R7.5 and above that can bring down even modern buildings – see newsreel of Kobe earthquake.

Answer 2

. If you are indoors, duck or drop down to the floor. Take cover under a sturdy desk, table or other furniture. Hold on to it and be prepared to move with it. Hold the position until the ground stops shaking and it is safe to move. Stay clear of windows, fireplaces, woodstoves, and heavy furniture or appliances that may fall over. Stay inside to avoid being injured by falling glass or building parts. If you are in a crowded area, take cover where you are. Stay calm and encourage others to do likewise.

2. If you are outside, get into the open, away from buildings and power lines.

3. If you are driving, stop if it is safe, but stay inside your car. Stay away from bridges, overpasses and tunnels. Move your car as far out of the normal traffic pattern as possible. If possible, avoid stopping under trees, light posts, power lines, or signs.

4. If you are in a mountainous area, or near unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for falling rock and other debris that could be loosened by the earthquake.

5. If you are at the beach, move quickly to higher ground or several hundred yards inland.

What to do after an earthquake  

1. Check for injuries. Do not move a seriously injured person unless they are in immediate danger of further injuries.

2. Safety check. Check for the following hazards:

Fire or fire hazards.

Gas leaks: Shut off the main gas valve only if a leak is suspected or identified by the odor of natural gas. Wait for the gas company to turn it back on once the damage is repaired.

Damaged electrical wiring: Shut off power at the control box.

Downed or damaged utility lines: Stay away from downed lines even if power appears to be off.

Fallen objects in closets and cupboards: Displaced objects may fall when you open the door.

Downed or damaged chimneys: Approach chimneys with caution. They may be weakened and could topple during an aftershock.

Check your telephone: Make sure each phone is on its receiver. Telephones that are off the hook tie up the telephone network unnecessarily.

3. Clean up. Clean up potentially harmful materials and/or medicines which may have spilled.

   4. Tsunami hazard. If you live along the coast, be alert for news of tsunami warnings issued by the Alaska Tsunami Warning Center. If you experience a strong earthquake, there may not be time to issue a warning. Move to higher ground as soon as you are able, and stay there until the authorities issue an "all clear."

5. Expect aftershocks. Most of these are smaller than the main earthquake. Some may be large enough to do additional damage to weakened structures.

Use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns. Do not use lighters, matches, candles, or lanterns until you are sure there are no gas leaks.

Use your telephone only in the event of life-threatening emergencies.

Turn on a battery-powered radio for information, damage reports, and for information on volunteering your assistance.

Keep streets clear for emergency vehicles. Cooperate with public safety officials.

Answer 3

The plan is to get under something sturdy or to get outside.  Fortunately all the quakes I have been through here in California have been so short in duration that by the time my brain tells me to move - it's already over.

Answer 4

not much you can do, quakes happen without warning.  when a quake starts, if you feel the need to (i won't for anything that doesn't feel like a 6.0 or higher) get under a table, desk or other sturdy object, hold a leg of the table to keep it over you and ride it out.  or you could try getting in a doorway, but those aren't built like they used to be.  if outside, ride it out away from anything that could fall on you.  most quakes won't last for more than 30 seconds tops. yesterdays is one of the longest i can remember, and i just rode it out at my desk at work.

Answer 5

weather?don't really know.