Do not drink from the bottle if the seal is broken or twisted. 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. The recent (and almost back-to-back) series of deadly earthquakes in Japan and Ecuador have brought the importance of earthquake preparedness back into mainstream thought once again. Unfortunately, most people aren't in an open meadow when earthquakes hit. House damage in central Oklahoma from the magnitude 5.6 earthquake on Nov. 6, 2011. Discuss earthquake insurance with your insurance broker. Make sure everyone in the house knows what to do during an earthquake. Prepare yourself … Shout only as a last resort. Use child-proof or safety latches on cupboards to stop contents from spilling out. Stay away from buildings (stuff might fall off the building or the building could fall on you). Total fault slip measured near this location was 40-46 cm. To accomplish this goal, products and services provided by the National Geospatial Program (NGP)... Natural hazards threaten the safety and economic wellbeing of communities. What should I NOT do during an earthquake? 1.2, December 2018): U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2017–5013–A–H, 126 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20175013v1. Bicycles crushed by falling unreinforced brick facade, Pacific Garden Mall. Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing. DO NOT expect firefighters, police or paramedics to help you. What to do Before an Earthquake A well-designed earthquake plan is essential for effective preparedness. The HayWired scenario is a hypothetical earthquake sequence that is being used to better understand hazards for the San Francisco Bay region during and after an earthquake of magnitude 7 on the Hayward Fault. The 7.8-magnitude Ecuadorean earthquake and the Japanese quake … Scientists are not able to predict where and when the next earthquake will be, which means you won’t receive a warning before an earthquake hits or have any time to plan what to do to be safe. If you live or work in the region, you need to know why you should be concerned with earthquakes, what you can expect during and after a quake, and what... PAGER (Prompt Assessment of Global Earthquakes for Response) is an automated alarm system being developed to rapidly and accurately assess the severity of damage caused by an earthquake and to provide emergency relief organizations, government agencies, and the media with an estimate of the societal impact from the potential catastrophe. 6. Before an earthquake Movement of the ground seldom is the actual cause of death or injury. From this came our belief that a doorway is … Develop a family earthquake plan. To create an effective plan, you should consider the questions below: Based on observations of an earthquake in Turkey, the idea doesn't apply to buildings constructed within the United States. The primary goal of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Natural Hazards Response is to ensure that the disaster response community has access to timely, accurate, and relevant geospatial products, imagery, and services during and after an emergency event. After an earthquake, the disaster may continue. Earthquake Updates in the Philippines CHECK FOOD AND WATER SUPPLIES--Do not eat or drink anything from open containers near shattered glass. Know the evacuation routes not only from your home but from your work, children’s schools, neighborhoods and … Whether you are in your home, a school classroom, a high-rise or other type of building, it is important to know how to protect yourself during an earthquake. Clearly label the on-off positions for the water, electricity and gas. What to do before an earthquake? Discuss earthquake insurance with your insurance broker. What To Do Before, During, and After an Earthquake Recent earthquakes remind us that we live on a restless planet. Be UPDATES. 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. Step 2: Plan to be safe by creating a disaster plan and deciding how you will communicate in an emergency. Don’t Freak Out--ShakeOut! What to Do Before an Earthquake. Most injured persons in earthquakes move more than five feet during the shaking. Staying Safe After an Earthquake. If your home is equipped with natural gas: tie or tape the appropriate wrench on or near the pipe, to turn off the gas, if necessary. This handbook provides information to residents of the Central United States about the threat of earthquakes in that area, particularly along the New Madrid seismic zone, and explains how to prepare for, survive, and recover from such events. These hazards include sudden-onset hazards, such as earthquakes, and slowly emerging, chronic hazards, such as those associated with climate change. Ensure you do the following if you are trapped under debris during or after an earthquake: Do not light a match. This is the initial publication of the results of a cooperative project to examine the implications of a major earthquake in southern California. Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Damaged unreinforced masonry building on Main St. in Napa Downtown. 6 things NOT to do after an earthquake in Japan. If the gas is turned off, it must be turned on again by a qualified tradesperson. Do not move around or kick up dust. Pavement buckling and tented sidewalk resulting from ~14 cm of compression on Sandybrook Ln., north end of main rupture. Check your coverage - it could affect your financial ability to recover losses after an earthquake. In the United States, 1 in 4 people live with the risk of earthquakes. Teach everybody in the family (if they are old enough) how to turn off the water and electricity. Los Angeles will have the nation's toughest earthquake safety rules, ESC Seminar: HayWired Scenario Progress Discussion. Earthquake? What emergency supplies do I need for an earthquake? Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake. Before an earthquake. They may not be available. If you do nothing else: If away from home, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so. Earthquakes? Closed curtains and blinds will help stop broken window glass from falling on beds. You could tie up the lines needed for emergency response. Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Congressional Briefing -- Citizen Science and Earthquakes: Reducing the Risk Through the Power of People. What not to do in an earthquake There's a lot of misinformation out there, and it's understandable to be confused. 2004 Deadliest in Nearly 500 Years for Earthquakes, "The Next Big Earthquake" — Still Helpful and Still Available; From USGS, Damage in central Oklahoma from a magnitude 5.6 earthquake in 2011, 2014 South Napa CA M6 Earthquake - August 24, 1906 San Francisco Earthquake - Damage with Family in Foreground, 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. How do I identify it? Before an earthquake, families should learn what to do during an earthquake, which is “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” • DROP to the ground quickly. Don't shut off the gas unless there is a leak or a fire. Get under a desk or table and hang on to it ( Drop, Cover, and Hold on! ) As soon as the shaking stops, take the fastest and safest way out. Robin Lewis. The USGS Earthquake Hazards Program - investing in a safer future; 2003; FS; 017-03; Filson, John R.; McCarthy, Jill; Ellsworth, William L.; Zoback, Mary Lou; Stauffer, Peter H.; Hendley, James W., II, Progress toward a safer future since the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake; 1999; FS; 151-99; Page, Robert A.; Stauffer, Peter H.; Hendley, James W., II. "Stay in bed," said Sam Johnson, preparedness specialist with the American Red Cross of Alaska. Many of these conditions can be prevented by taking a … So there only one thing left in our hand is that we should be prepared to escape the earthquake by itself. What are the Great ShakeOut earthquake drills? Check off the items that you have completed in this list. What to do AFTER an earthquake? 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. Check your coverage - it could affect your financial ability to recover losses after an earthquake. If power is off, plan meals to use up foods that will spoil quickly or frozen foods (food in the freezer should be good for at least a couple of days) … Monitor the situation from the radio. Here are 9 … ... Make sure that the bottled water you drink is properly sealed before you use it. Secure top-heavy furniture and shelving units to prevent tipping. Johnson said Alaskans should generally follow a simple mantra when an earthquake hits: " … Nine Things NOT to Do. Broken gas lines and fire don't mix. You may have several options. EVACUATE. These few seconds could provide you with the chance to move to a safer location. Tips. There are no open areas in downtown San Francisco far enough from glass or other falling debris to be considered safe refuge sites. Earthquakes can be deadly - especially to those who don't know how to behave when the shaking starts. GET OUT of the kitchen, which is a dangerous place (things can fall on you). If you are INDOORS -- STAY THERE! Consult a professional to find out additional ways you can protect your home, such as bolting the house to its foundation and other structural mitigation techniques. If you are in a high-rise building during an earthquake, do not use an elevator to try to escape. United States Geological Survey (USGS) Natural Hazards Response; 2012; FS; 2012-3061; Lamb, Rynn; Jones, Brenda K. Understanding risk and resilience to natural hazards; 2011; FS; 2011-3008; Wood, Nathan. Composite photo of 1906 damaged buildings and modern family in foreground, Example of a home emergency first aid kit. 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. Most earthquake-related injuries and deaths are caused by falling or flying objects (such as TVs, lamps, glass, or bookcases), or by being knocked to the ground. Now that you know what to do, make sure you also know what not to do: Do not run outside Do: Shelter in place using Drop, Cover and Hold On; Do not … Putting down roots in earthquake country-Your handbook for earthquakes in the Central United States; 2011; GIP; 119; Contributors: Dart, Richard; McCarthy, Jill; McCallister, Natasha; Williams, Robert A. Step 3: Organize disaster supplies in convenient locations. Earthquake Preparation: What to Do Before, During and After a Quake ... do not run outside during the earthquake. Whether you make your own kit or buy a professional kit, an earthquake survival kit will bring security during that time. While the 4.3 magnitude earthquake centred about 20 kilometres north of Victoria did not cause much damage, it was a stark reminder that if the big one hits everyone needs to be prepared. But there are many important things we can do before, during, and after an earthquake to protect ourselves, our homes, and our families. As people return to their work and homes, it’s always good to brush up on some basic dos and don’ts for during and after an earthquake. or move into a hallway or against an inside wall. Fire is a real danger during the aftermath of an earthquake, when firefighters will likely be overwhelmed with other calls. PAGER - Rapid Assessment and Notification of an Earthquake's Impact; 2005; FS; 2005-3026; Earle, Paul S.; Wald, David J.; Lastowka, Lynda A. is the most widely distributed publication ever prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey. Nine years after it’s publication, it is still available from the USGS, and still helpful as a preparedness guide for Bay Area residents. During the aftermath of an earthquake, you could be stuck in one place without food or power for days. That’s over 225 earthquakes a year! Affix mirrors, paintings and other hanging objects securely, so they won't fall off hooks. Move only a few steps to a nearby safe place. Go through your home, imagining what could happen to each part of it, if shaken by a violent earthquake. Boiling is the way to kill disease-causing viruses, parasites, and bacteria that may be in water. There are many things you can do to help yourself in the event of an earthquake. Injuries can be avoided if you drop to the ground before the earthquake drops you. Check yourself and others for injuries. The "Triangle of Life" is a misguided idea about the best location a person should try to occupy during an earthquake. Generally, an earthquake is divided into three stages: before, during, and after. Failure of unreinforced brick masonry caused collapse of the upper floor in downtown Los Gatos. Put out small fires using extinguisher. Credit: Brian Sherrod, USGS. Instead, lie face down to protect vital organs, and cover your head and neck with a pillow. WEAR STURDY SHOES to avoid injury from broken glass and debris. What is the "Triangle of Life" and is it legitimate? Before. The 2014 Working Group on California Earthquake Probabilities calculated that there is a 33-percent likelihood of a large (magnitude 6.7 or... With innovations, fresh data, and lessons learned from recent earthquakes, scientists have developed a new earthquake forecast model for California, a region under constant threat from potentially damaging events. Identify safe places in each room of your home. Don't use matches, candles, or any flame. Photo taken on main rupture strand near Buhman Rd. Left-stepping en echelon fractures characteristic of right-lateral fault displacement at the ground surface. With a press run of more than three million copies, "The Next Big Earthquake In The Bay Area May Come Sooner Than You Think-- Are You Prepared?" What can I do to be prepared for an earthquake? An earthquake shook buildings in the Indian capital of New Delhi on Monday, witnesses said. Although you’re not aware of them all, WA experienced 2,252 earthquakes between 2005 and 2015. Keep heavy items on lower shelves. This handbook provides information about the threat posed by earthquakes in the San Francisco Bay region and explains how you can prepare for, survive, and recover from these inevitable events. Don't shut off the gas unless there is a leak or a fire. Boston was heavily damaged. Most casualties result from partial building collapses, falling objects and debris, like toppling chimneys, falling bricks, ceiling plaster, and light fixtures. Despite advances in science and technology, we are not able to pre-detect the earthquakes. Keep flammable items and household chemicals away from heat and where they are less likely to spill. Don't hang heavy pictures and other items over beds. This includes making up a family meeting place in the event the family is separated from each other, and listing phone numbers of emergency contacts to call in case something were to happen. The magnitude of the quake or its epicentre was not immediately known. Why should people in the eastern United States be concerned about earthquakes? Do not try to run out of the structure during strong shaking. Stay on your floor, and take cover under a large piece of furniture. The study comprised eight counties: Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), 2004 was the deadliest year for earthquakes since the Renaissance Age, making it the second most fatal in recorded history, with more than 275,950 deaths reported from the magnitude 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that hit the Indian Ocean on Dec. 26.Â. A complete discussion and understanding of proper actions during and after an earthquake will help people remember what to do when an emergency occurs. Before an Earthquake It … What can I expect in my house when an earthquake occurs? Know/have an evacuation plan once an earthquake hits, including where to go, what to do, and what to bring in a go-bag Secure any objects within your home or office that might fall during an earthquake Locate beds and chairs away from chimneys and windows. If you are downtown, it is safer to remain inside a building after an earthquake unless there is a fire or gas leak. Doorways do not protect you from the most likely source of injury − falling or flying objects. A loud rumbling may be heard several seconds before the earthquake. If you're in a car, stop the car and stay inside the car until the earthquake stops. In a new video interview, USGS earthquake scientist Dr. Lucy Jones explains that millions of Southern Californians will be preparing as if they do know, thanks to the Great Southern California ShakeOut. What if you knew that a magnitude 7.8 earthquake would happen in less than three weeks? Research conducted by USGS geophysicist Elizabeth Cochran and her university-based colleagues suggests that this earthquake was induced by injection into deep disposal wells in the Wilzetta North field. Do not cross bridges, overpass or flyovers. Use a whistle if one is available. Your earthquake safety plan will provide for you and your loved ones during the shaking and what happens after an earthquake. If the gas is turned off, it must be turned on again by a qualified tradesperson. Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure. The U.S. Geological Survey and its partners are designing innovative tools to better detect earthquakes and share critical information. The involvement of citizens is key, as decisions made before and immediately after an earthquake can save lives and protect property. What to do during an earthquake Drop, cover, and hold on! Tie the water heater to studs along with other heavy appliances (stove, washer, dryer), especially those that could break gas or water lines if they shift or topple. Man standing in front of collapsed home in Pengzhou. Field, E.H., and 2014 Working Group on California Earthquake Probabilities, 2015, UCERF3: A new earthquake forecast for California’s complex fault system: U.S. Geological Survey 2015–3009, 6 p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/fs20153009. STAY CLEAR of windows, fireplaces, and heavy furniture or appliances. The ShakeOut Scenario; 2008; OFR; 2008-1150; Jones, Lucile M.; Bernknopf, Richard; Cox, Dale; Goltz, James; Hudnut, Kenneth; Mileti, Dennis; Perry, Suzanne; Ponti, Daniel; Porter, Keith; Reichle, Michael; Seligson, Hope; Shoaf, Kimberley; Treiman, Jerry; Wein, Anne, Putting down roots in earthquake country : your handbook for the San Francisco Bay region; 2005; GIP; 15; Geological Survey (U.S.). Do you know what to do the moment the ground starts shaking? Check yourself for injuries and get first aid, if necessary, before helping injured or trapped persons. Drop, Cover, and Hold On! What can be done? At least 709 deaths resulted from earthquake activity worldwide in 2007, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and confirmed by the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities/Special Needs. Put anti-skid pads under TVs, computers and other small appliances, or secure them with Velcro or other such product. If you are in bed when an earthquake starts, do not get out of bed. Although the world sees about 15 earthquakes a year above a magnitude of 7, it’s certainly unusual to see them happen so close to each other. Know what to do in each stage. What to do before an earthquake Safety during an earthquake and aftershocks is all about what you do to prepare your family and property before the earthquake. Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. ShakeOut GIF showing step seven "reconnect and restore" of the seven steps to earthquake safety. What to do ahead of the earthquake First of all, register at your embassy. USGS Natural Hazards Programs: Lessons Learned for Reducing Risk; 1995; FS; 061-95; Hays, Walter W. Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), Mapping, Remote Sensing, and Geospatial Data. 1) Severe earthquakes have occurred in the eastern U.S.: In November of 1755, an earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 6.0 and a maximum intensity of VIII occurred about 50 miles northeast of Boston, Massachusetts. Expect AFTERSHOCKS. If the phone doesn't work send someone for help. DO NOT stand in a doorway: An enduring earthquake image of California is a collapsed adobe home with the door frame as the only standing part. With the help of the seismograph, we can only measure the magnitude of an earthquake. DON'T run downstairs or rush outside while... 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