Re-Drawing Earthquakes – UFS- Nov 5 2013 – A. ELIAS
Dr. Ata ELIAS, Geology department of AUB – [email protected]
Re-Drawing Earthquakes – UFS- Nov 5 2013 – A. ELIAS
How to be prepared to resist an earthquake.
Different things should (not) be done:
- Before the earthquake - During an earthquake - After an earthquake
Re-Drawing Earthquakes – UFS- Nov 5 2013 – A. ELIAS
Before the earthquake: Hazards inside your building
Suspended ceilings.
Pendant light fixtures.
Large windows not protected against shattering.
Tall bookcases or cabinets not bolted with walls.
Stairwells.
Storage areas for cleaning, painting etc.
Re-Drawing Earthquakes – UFS- Nov 5 2013 – A. ELIAS
Before the earthquake: Hazards outside the building
Power lines.
Trees.
Covered walkways.
Area near chain link fence.
Hazardous materials storage areas
Re-Drawing Earthquakes – UFS- Nov 5 2013 – A. ELIAS
Planning: Work out the safest areas at your home or workplace in an
earthquake.
Identify emergency exits and keep them clear of any obstacles.
Plan together how you will meet up again, if you are all separated.
List emergency phone numbers for police, fire, ambulance,
electricity, water, and of a relative or close friend.
Regularly check the safety of your stove.
Get a fire extinguisher of appropriate type and capacity.
Prepare your Earthquake Survival Kit.
Re-Drawing Earthquakes – UFS- Nov 5 2013 – A. ELIAS
Earthquake Survival Kit Flashlight.
Battery operated radio.
Water.
Rope.
Blanket.
Candles.
Matches.
Tissue paper.
Tools like wrench.
Pliers.
Hammer.
Re-Drawing Earthquakes – UFS- Nov 5 2013 – A. ELIAS
During the earthquake: Do’s: If INDOORS, stay there. You will be clear of falling debris outside.
Keep clear of windows, chimneys, overhead fittings, and all glass.
Shelter under (and hold onto) a strong doorframe, bed, table, or
bench.
� In HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS, stay clear of windows and outer
walls. Get under a desk near a pillar or solid internal wall (not a
partition).
� If OUTSIDE, keep well clear of walls and buildings, overhead
structures, bridges, power lines, and trees, etc.
� If in a VEHICLE, stop in a wide open area and stay in it until the
shaking stops. Listen to your radio for advice.
� Above all, keep calm and ride out the shaking.
Re-Drawing Earthquakes – UFS- Nov 5 2013 – A. ELIAS
During the earthquake: Don’ts: Don’t panic.
The motion itself is harmless unless it shakes something on top
of you.
The earth will not yawn open, gulp you down and slam shut.
Don’t use elevators/lifts to escape from the building.
In CROWDED AREAS or SHOPS, don’t rush for the doors. Stay inside but move clear of overhead fittings or shelves.
Don’t run through or near buildings. The greatest danger from
falling debris is just outside doorways and close to outer walls.
Re-Drawing Earthquakes – UFS- Nov 5 2013 – A. ELIAS
During an earthquake: don’ts
o Don’t use candles, matches, or other open flames.
o Don’t touch any exposed wiring – it may be live.
o Don’t move the seriously injured unless they are in immediate danger.
o Don’t use your telephone except to report an emergency.
o Don’t turn power, water, or gas back on, even if apparently undamaged.
Re-Drawing Earthquakes – UFS- Nov 5 2013 – A. ELIAS
During an earthquake: Don’ts…..
o Don’t go sight-seeing or enter any damaged buildings.
o Don’t drive unless it is essential – keep the roads free for emergency use.
o Don’t listen to unsubstantiated rumors that may circulate – await instructions from the warden system or over the radio.
o Don’t waste water or food, as supplies may be interrupted.
Re-Drawing Earthquakes – UFS- Nov 5 2013 – A. ELIAS
After the earthquake: Do’s First douse all fires – if a fire starts, put it out immediately.
Calmly leave the building – WALK , do not run.
The building will be littered with dangerous objects – be
careful.
Turn off electricity, gas, oil, and water supplies at the mains.
Check for split inflammable liquids, etc., that could cause a fire.
Stay calm and help others if you can – check them for injuries
and apply First Aid. Call an ambulance if it is serious.
Re-Drawing Earthquakes – UFS- Nov 5 2013 – A. ELIAS
After the earthquake: Do’s…..
• Take orders from a senior person or give them yourself – ensure that people are responsible for fire-fighting, rescue,
First Aid and evacuation.
• If you live on the coast and the sea withdraws suddenly, immediately move inland to higher ground – a tsunami may
be approaching.
• If you smell gas open all windows and doors, report the leakage and do not re-enter the building until you know that
it is safe to do so.
• Carefully check your utilities (water, sewerage, and electrical mains) for cracks/breaks, but do not turn them
on until verified by a technician.
Re-Drawing Earthquakes – UFS- Nov 5 2013 – A. ELIAS
After the earthquake: Do’s….
• Be prepared for aftershocks – stay out of badly damaged buildings.
• If you have to camp outside, choose a wide open space.
• Conserve your supplies – use water from heater tanks, toilet cisterns and ice cubes, use easily spoiled food first
and salvage what you can.
• Listen to your (battery operated) radio and heed all warnings or advice from the authorities on damage,
service disruptions, and evacuation.
• Check for cracks or damage in your roof, walls, etc.