California Earthquake: Find What to Do During Such Calamity

California Earthquake: Find What to Do During Such Calamity 

California earthquake with 7.0 magnitude has shaken the northern part of the state in the early hours of Friday morning. The epicenter of the tremors was just 10 kilometers deep near Petrolia and the vibration was felt across a wide area of the region including big cities like Sacramento and San Francisco. 

Panic engulfed as people braced themselves for potential aftershocks, moreover, the department issued a tsunami warning before cancelling it afterwards. Fortunately, barring some minor damages, there have been no reports of fatalities yet.  

This incident has once again highlighted the importance of preparedness to combat such natural disasters. It is equally important to analyze the situation and understand what should be done to minimize the effects during and after an earthquake. 

Here are some crucial guidelines and measures you can follow to ensure the safety of yourself and your family; 

Essential Steps You Should Take During and After Earthquakes 

Once research proved that still a large section of society is unaware of the basic earthquake preparedness measures that include; 

• Drop, Cover, and Hold On: As soon as you feel tremors, drop down onto your hands and knees to save yourself from any immediate casualty. 

If you are near any sturdy furniture like a dining table, hide your head and neck with your arms, take shelter under it, and hold there for a while. This similar technique saved hundreds of lives during the 1994 Los Angeles earthquake.   

• Stay Indoor if Possible: If you are inside any building, don’t run outside. Just move away from windows, glass doors, and cupboards that might come over you. If you are sitting in a multiplex, stay calm and sit there. The 2010 earthquake in Haiti became more devastated due to people running for exits. 

• If Outside, Find an Open Area: If you are outside, don’t go near buildings, light towers, or electricity wires. Stay in an open space until the tremors cease. 

This approach saved thousands of people during the Japan earthquake of 2011 because they quickly reached open fields far from shaking buildings. 

• In a Vehicle? Stay Inside: If you are in a vehicle during an earthquake, stop after ensuring your car is at the side of the road but avoid parking near big buildings.  

The decision to remain in cars saved people during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. 

• Avoid Doorways: Some people believe it is good to stand in a doorway during an earthquake, however, contrary to this belief, it is not the best way to dodge the effects of tremors. 

Instead, you can hide under the table to protect yourself from any potential danger. 

• Be Prepared for Aftershocks: You should be ready for aftershocks that can occur in a range of minutes or even hours after the first quake. It is better to be attentive and prepared to hide, hold, and evacuate if seems necessary. 

The Christchurch earthquake in 2011 caused more injuries due to aftershocks than the main quake. 

• Check for Hazards: Being a responsible citizen, you should check people around you and deliver them first aid if they attain injuries. However, you should not move critically injured persons before ensuring smooth passage. Instead, call the authorities for help. 

• Turn Off Utilities if Not in Use: Sometimes, these quakes cause damage to domestic gas pipelines. That’s why it is important to turn them off and prevent fire or explosions if you are not using them.  

• Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated about government and authorities’ instructions regarding the earthquake. Keep a battery-operated radio to get information about evacuations, relief camps, and other critical updates. 

• Communicate Your Status: If you are away from your family during this disaster, communicate with them. As soon as possible via text messages or social sites because phone lines are generally overloaded during these times. 

Moreover, establishing an out-of-area contact can also assist you in reconnecting quickly with your family. 

In Conclusion: California Earthquake is a Reminder…! 

The California earthquake once again reminds us that though these kinds of events are unpredictable. We can reduce their impacts with proper measures and guidance. 

Following these crucial steps can save many lives, minimize the impact of the disaster, and ease the situation for authorities during evacuation. Remember it’s good to be informed rather than being naive.