Disaster Preparation for Earthquakes

Earthquake Planning

Seismic activity can have some beautiful results, as anybody who enjoys skiing snowy mountains or sunbathing on an island beach will be glad to tell you. But with such beauty comes a high risk. An increase in migration towards regions of known seismic hazard is expected to result in a higher annual earthquake fatality rate over the next 30 years. Experts speculate that the rise in deaths will be attributed to a few catastrophic quakes hitting near cities with future populations of several million people. Given the forecasts for increased seismic activity in the future, responsible planning now is essential.

Earthquakes occur without warning at any time of day or night, often lasting no more than 30 seconds but triggering a wide array of effects including falling debris, ground rupture, fires, landslides and avalanches. Though most earthquake-related damage occurs in high-risk regions like California, Japan and Mexico City, minor earthquakes occur on a worldwide basis at a rate of 8,000 per day. There's no way to prevent an earthquake, but you can reduce the likelihood of injuries and damage by securing your home and workplace before the quake hits.

Key tips for protecting your workplace from earthquake-related damage:

• Install a generator for emergency power and test it regularly
• Anchor file cabinets, propane tanks, and any other large equipment
• Install latches on drawers and doors
• Mount hanging mirrors and pictures securely
• Restrain desktop computers and appliances
• Use flexible connections on gas and water lines

Keep an earthquake preparation kit readily stocked with:

• 3-day supply of nonperishable food and water (don't forget the can opener)
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• A first aid kit with essential medications
• Cash and credit cards
• Sturdy shoes

What to do when an earthquake hits:

• Indoors: move away from appliances, shelves, windows, or anything that could fall or crumble. If you can, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture and hold on. Otherwise, crouch in a corner or under a stable doorway and shield your head and face with your arms.
• Outdoors: Move away from trees, signs, buildings, electrical poles and wires. Drop to the ground and cover your head.
• Sidewalk near a building: Duck into a doorway to avoid being struck by falling bricks, glass, plaster and buildings.
• In a car: Pull over to the side of the road and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near overpasses and buildings or under trees or power lines.
• Public place: Do not rush for the exits. Panic is a chain reaction and running towards exits creates dangerous mob situations that cause injury or death. Calmly move away from display shelves containing objects that could fall.
• Trapped under debris: Avoid thrashing about and keep your mouth and nose covered. Moving or shouting may cause you to inhale a dangerous amount of dust. Tap on an object or whistle to alert rescuers to your presence.

Izmit Earthquake, 1999, Photo courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey

Links:

The U.S. Geological Survey Earthquake Hazards Program is a primary source for information about recent and historical earthquakes, hazards from earthquakes, and general seismology from the U.S. Geological Survey.

FEMA's earthquake page includes information on what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

The HowStuffWorks earthquake page has detailed information about what causes earthquakes and why they occur.

The CDC's earthquake page

Ready.gov's earthquake page

Association of Bay Area Governments Earthquake and Hazards Program

The Great California ShakeOut site features an online game that tests your knowledge of how to earthquake-proof your home as well as details about California-based earthquake drills.

The Red Cross's earthquake page

The Live Science earthquake page includes many recent stories and news features about earthquakes.

The TLC's earthquake page has information about the history of earthquakes, earthquake-resistant building technology, cities at risk, and a gallery of photos from past earthquakes.

The IRIS Seismic Monitor provides a map of recent earthquakes, displayed by magnitude

The Center for Earthquake Research and Information

The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network provides a comprehensive list of links related to seismic data and research.

The Earthquakes Canada page provides information about Canadian earthquakes from the Canadian Hazard Information Service of Natural Resources Canada.

Faultline: Seismic Science at the Epicenter includes information about earthquakes with emphasis on California from the Exploratorium in San Francisco.