mediScon will offer some helpful information in
Protecting Yourself During an Earthquake
Protecting Yourself After an Earthquake
and
People with Disabilities
Children's Needs

Indoor safety:
There are actions you can take, even while an earthquake is happening, that will reduce your chances of being hurt. Lights may be out, and hallways, stairs, and room exits may be blocked by fallen furniture, ceiling tiles, and other debris. Planning for these situations will help you to take action quickly.

- If an earthquake strikes, you may be able to take cover under a heavy desk or table. It can provide you with air space if the building collapses. If you get under a table and it moves, try to move with it.

- Inner walls or door frames are the least likely to collapse and may also shield against falling objects. If other cover is not available, go to an inner corner or doorway, away from windows or glass panels.

- Stay away from glass and hanging objects, and bookcases, china cabinets, or other large furniture that could fall. Watch for falling objects, such as bricks from fireplaces and chimneys, light fixtures, wall hangings, high shelves, and cabinets with doors that could swing open.

- Grab something to shield your head and face from falling debris and broken glass.

- If the lights go out, use a battery-operated flashlight. Don't use candles, matches, or lighters during or after the earthquake. If there is a gas leak, an explosion could result.

- If you are in the kitchen, quickly turn off the stove and take cover at the first sign of shaking.


High-Rise Buildings
Get under a desk and stay away from windows and outside walls. Stay in the building. The electricity may go out, and the sprinkler systems may come on. DO NOT use the elevators.


Crowded indoor public places
If you are in a crowded public place, do not rush for the doorways. Others will have the same idea. Move away from display shelves containing objects that may fall. If you can, take cover and grab something to shield your head and face from falling debris and glass.


Outdoor safety
If outdoors, move away from buildings and utility wires. The greatest danger from falling debris is just outside doorways and close to outer walls. Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.


Automobiles
If you are in a moving automobile, stop as quickly and safely as possible and move over to the shoulder or curb, away from utility poles, overhead wires, and under- or overpasses. Stay in the vehicle, set the parking brake, and turn on the radio for emergency broadcast information. A car may jiggle violently on its springs, but it is a good place to stay until the shaking stops. If you are in a life-threatening situation, you may be able to reach someone with either a cellular or an emergency roadside assistance phone.When you drive on, watch for hazards created by the earthquake, such as breaks in the pavement, downed utility poles and wires, a fallen overpasses and bridges.

Be prepared for additional earth movements called "aftershocks." Although most of these are smaller than the main earthquake, some may be large enough to cause additional damage or bring down weakened structures.

Because other aftereffects can include fires, chemical spills, landslides, dam breaks, and tidal waves, be sure to monitor your battery-operated radio or TV for additional emergency information.


Injuries
Check for injuries. Do not attempt to move injured or unconscious people unless they are in immediate danger from live electrical wires, flooding, or other hazards. Internal injuries may not be evident, but may be serious or life-threatening. If someone has stopped breathing, call for medical or first aid assistance immediately and begin CPR if you are trained to do so. Stop a bleeding injury by applying direct pressure to the wound. If you are trapped, try to attract attention to your location.


Checking utilities
An earthquake may break gas, electrical, and water lines.

IF YOU SMELL GAS:
(1) open windows;
(2) shut off the main gas valve if possible;
(3) do not turn any electrical appliances or lights on or off;
(4) go outside;
(5) report the leak to authorities; and
(6) do not reenter the building until a utility official says it is safe to do so.

If electric wiring is shorting out, shut off the electric current at the main box.

If water pipes are damaged, shut off the supply at the main valve.


Other precautions:

- Have chimneys inspected for cracks and damage. Do not use the fireplace if the chimney has any damage.

- Check to see if sewage lines are intact before using bathrooms or plumbing.

- Do not touch downed powerlines or objects in contact with downed lines. Report electrical hazards to the authorities.

- Immediately clean up spilled medicines, drugs, flammable liquids, and other potentially hazardous materials.

- Stay off all telephones except to report an emergency. Replace telephone receivers that may have been knocked off by the earthquake.

- Stay away from damaged areas. Your presence could hamper relief efforts, and you could endanger yourself.

- Cooperate fully with public safety officials. Respond to requests for volunteer assistance from police, fire fighters, emergency management officials, and relief organizations, but do not go into damaged areas unless assistance has been requested.


Evacuating your room

If you must evacuate your room:

- Post a message, indicating where you have gone.

- Take vital documents (wills, insurance policies, etc.), emergency supplies, and extra medications with you.

- Confine pets to the safest location possible and make sure they have plenty of food and water. Pets will not be allowed in designated public shelters.

Before an Earthquake/Volcanic Eruption

- Write down any specific needs, limitations, and capabilities that you have, and any medications you take. Make a copy of the list and put it in your purse or wallet.

- Find someone (a spouse, roommate, friend, neighbor, relative, or co-worker) to help you in case of an emergency. Give them the list. You may wish to provide a spare key to your home, or let them know where they can find one in an emergency.


During an Earthquake

- If you are confined to a wheelchair, try to get under a doorway or into an inside corner, lock the wheels, and cover your head with your arms. Remove any items that are not securely attached to the wheelchair.

- If you are able, seek shelter under a sturdy table or desk. Stay away from outer walls, windows, fireplaces, and hanging objects.

- If unable to move from a bed or chair, protect yourself from falling objects by covering up with blankets and pillows.

- If you are outside, go to an open area away from trees, telephone poles, and buildings, and stay there.


After an Earthquake

- If you are trapped, try to attract attention to your location.

- Turn on your battery-operated TV or radio to receive emergency information and instructions.

- If you can, help others in need.

Fear is a normal reaction to danger. A child may be afraid of recurrence, injury, or death after an earthquake. They may fear being separated from their family or being left alone. Children may even interpret disasters as punishment for real or imagined misdeeds. Children will be less likely to experience prolonged fear or anxiety if they know what to expect before, during, and after an earthquake. Talking to children openly will also help them overcome fears.


Here are some suggestions:

- Explain that an earthquake is a natural event and not anyone's fault.

- Talk about your own experiences with natural disasters, or read aloud books about earthquakes.

- Encourage your child to express feelings of fear. Listen carefully and show understanding.

- Your child may need both verbal and physical reassurance that everything will be all right. Tell your child that the situation is not permanent.

- Include your child in clean-up activities. It is comforting to the child to watch the household begin to return to normal and to have a job to do.


NOTE:
Symptoms of anxiety may not appear for weeks or even months after an earthquake, and can affect people of any age. If anxiety disrupts daily activities for any member of your family, seek professional assistance through a school counselor, community religious organization, your physician, or a licensed professional listed under "mental health services" in the yellow pages of your telephone directory.