1)Before Eathquake:-
Check security of the building:- such as repairing deep plaster cracks in the ceiling, anchoring overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling and other such checkings.
Other measures such as…
a) Put shelves or showcases towards the wall.
b) Place large & heavy objects on lower portion of showcases or shelves.
c) Put breakable items such as glass items,pictures,mirrors in low closed cabinets.
d) Brace overhead light fixtures.
e) Most importantly check & if required repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections to avoid fire risk.
f) Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall stud and bolting it to the floor.
g) Repair any crack in wall ,ceilings or foundation.Get experts advice if required.
h) Store flammable products in close cabinates.
i) Identify safe places in each room.like under sturdy furniture such as heavy desk or table. that place must be away from
where glass could shatter like windows,mirror,pictuers or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall
over.
j) Locket safe places outdoor,away from buildings,trees,electric or telephone lines,flyovers or bridges.
k) Keep following articles ready near hand…
i) Flash lights and extra batteries
ii) Portable battery operated radio and its batteries.
iii) First aid kit and medicines.
iv) Emergency food and water.
v) Cash and credit cards.
l) Most importantly make sure that old people in the house reside in such a way that they can be easily rush out first from
the house.
2)During the earthquake
This stage is the most important one.
Precutions:-
If possible , try to run out side towards the safer grounds.
If…
You are indoors…
a) Take cover under heavy furnitur or against an inside wall and hold
on.
b) The most dangerous thing to do is leave the covered place and run
outside a falling building because objects can fall on
you.So hold on to your safer place.and bether until ground stops shaking and
it is safe to go outside.Remember aftershock might come.If many
people are in room,try to give courage to them and make them calm specially
the children.
You are outdoors…
a) Move into the open away from buildings,street lights and other utility
wires.Save your head.
b) Stay ther till shaking stops.
You are in vehicle…
a) Step down quickly or stay in the vehicle.
b) If you are driving move towards clear area like away from buildings,trees,flyovers,bridges
and utilty wires.
c)Once shaking stops,proceed with caution.Avoid Bridges or ramps that
might have been damaged by quake.
Always remember there can be Aftershocks.
3)After the earthquake
a) help injured or trapped people.
b) Give first aid where appropriate.Do not move seroiusly injured persons
unless they are in immediate dangerof further injuries.
c) Call for help.
d) listen to the battery operated radio or television for the latest
information..
e) Stay out of the damaged building.Return home only when the authorities
say it is safe.
f) Use the telephones only for emergency call.
g) Check for gas leakage.leave the area if you smell gas.Turn off the
gas main valve,if you can.
h) Look for electrical System damage.If you see sparks or broken or frayed
wires, or if you smell hot insulation,turn off the electricity
at the main fuse box or circuit breaker.
i) Put on heavy shoes so that you don't get hurt by broken glasses.
j) Don't eat the food prepared before the earthquake because there might
be any small pieces of broken glass in it.