Natural Hazards and Disasters: What to do before, during and after an earthquake

The recent earthquake in Tanzania has reminded us how important it is to prepare for an earthquake. The residents of Bukoba, the worst affected town, experienced an earthquake for the first time. This led to even more panic as the population were unaware of what to do during the earthquake and after.

It is essential to be prepared and know what actions to take as this will save your life. Below is a summary of what you and your family need to do.

Before an earthquake:

Create a family emergency plan – Sit down with your family and create your very own emergency plan. Think about the following:

· Plan a safe location where members of your family know to meet during a disaster.

· If you are required to evacuate, do you have a backup plan?

· Know how to shut of your utility supplies e.g. gas and electricity. Earthquake damage can sometimes lead to fires, therefore shutting of utility supplies can ensure your safety.

· Think about the ways you will get in touch if communication lines fail.

· Keep a list of essential phone numbers which you will require.

· Plan for the most vulnerable members of your family.

· If you have pets plan for their safety e.g. stock food, emergency shelter etc.

· ICE up your phone – ‘INCASE OF AN EMERGENCY’ Write the initials ICE before your next of keen, so emergency services personal knows who to contact on your mobile phone.

Create a disaster/earthquake kit – Prepare a kit containing the following:

· Essential documentary – insurance documents, house documents, passports etc.

· Medicines that may be required

· Spare phone charger

· First aid kit

· Glasses or contact lenses

· Essential keys e.g. care and house keys

· Spare clothes and footwear

· Washing and Sanitary supplies

· Cash, credits/debit cards and valuables

Stock up on emergency supplies – Have a spare supply of the following items stored in your house in case of an emergency:

· First aid kit

· Torch and batteries

· Spare phone charger

· Pet food

· Bottled water (2.5 litres per person per day to allow for drinking)

· Medication

· Long lasting tin food and tin opener

· Candles and matches

Secure your property – Debris following during an earthquake can injure people or even kill them, therefore it is essential to take steps to reduce your risk towards these hazard.

Secure items such as decorations, light fixtures and furniture which can fall and hurt someone, fall and block exists or fall and start a fire. You can anchor heavy items and furniture to the wall.

Earthquake drills - If possible have earthquake drills to practice what to do during an earthquake. You can organize these with communities, schools, your own family etc. Remember when an earthquake occurs you will only have a second to react and therefore earthquake drills are essential to be prepared and plan ahead.

You can participate in the ‘Great ShakeOut’ earthquake drill which occurs around the world each year. Follow the link below for more information: ShakeOut Earthquake Drills

During an earthquake:

The general advice around the world is to DROP to the ground - COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture - HOLD ON until the shaking stops.

· IF YOU LIVE IN UNENGINEERED CONSTRUCTION AND IF YOU ARE ON THE GROUND FLOOD OF AN UNREINFORCED ADOBE (MUD-BRICK) BUILDING WITH A HEAVY CEILLING YOU NEED TO EVACUATE TO AN OPEN SPACE. Many of the houses which collapsed during the earthquake in Bukoba, Tanzania, were of this type and therefore it is advisable to carefully evacuate if you live in one during an earthquake. Remember to stay away from other structures outside in order to protect yourself from falling debris.

· It is very important to remember NEVER to RUN OUT OF THE BUILDING during the earthquake unless there is an exception (adobe building with heavy ceiling). Running out of a building puts you at risk from getting injured or even killed by falling objects or debris. It is also very dangerous to move when the ground is shaking as you can fall and be injured by debris or glass. This is why it is advisable to stay inside under a sturdy table. Remember the greatest danger to you during an earthquake is from flying objects and falling debris.

Below is the detailed advice from Ready.gov on what to do during an earthquake:

If you are inside a building:

· Stay where you are until the shaking stops. Do not run outside. Do not get in a doorway as this does not provide protection from falling or flying objects, and you may not be able to remain standing.

· Drop down onto your hands and knees so the earthquake doesn’t knock you down. Drop to the ground Cover your head and neck with your arms to protect yourself from falling debris.

· If you are in danger from falling objects, and you can move safely, crawl for additional cover under a sturdy desk or table.

· If there is low furniture or an interior wall or corner nearby, and the path is clear, these may also provide some additional cover.

· Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as light fixtures or furniture.

· Hold on to any sturdy covering so you can move with it until the shaking stops. Stay where you are until the shaking stops.

· If there is not a table or desk near you, you can cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.

If getting safely to the floor to take cover won’t be possible:

· Identify an inside corner of the room away from windows and objects that could fall on you. The Earthquake Country Alliance advises getting as low as possible to the floor. People who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices should lock their wheels and remain seated until the shaking stops. Protect your head and neck with your arms, a pillow, a book, or whatever is available.

If you are in bed when you feel the shaking:

· If you are in bed: Stay, there and Cover your head and neck with a pillow. At night, hazards and debris are difficult to see and avoid; attempts to move in the dark result in more injuries than remaining in bed.

If you are outside when you feel the shaking:

· If you are outdoors when the shaking starts, move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires. Once in the open, “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” Stay there until the shaking stops. This might not be possible in a city, so you may need to duck inside a building to avoid falling debris.

If you are in a moving vehicle when you feel the shaking:

· If you are in a moving vehicle, stop as quickly and safely as possible and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires. Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that the earthquake may have damaged. DO NOT get out of your car during an earthquake a lie down next to it. Lying next to your car is very dangerous because the car can move and crush you, and other drivers may not see you on the ground!

After an earthquake:

· When the shaking stops, make sure the path is clear and safe to evacuate the building. Remember to take your pet with you and make sure they are secured! Go out in the open where there is no damage. Remember to stay away from damaged buildings as the structures around you can be weak and collapse, causing death or injury.

· ‘If you are trapped, do not move about or kick up dust.’ (Ready.gov)

· ‘If you have a mobile phone with you, use it to call or text for help.’ (Ready.gov)

· ‘Tap on a pipe or wall or use a whistle, if you have one, so that rescuers can locate you.’ (Ready.gov)

· Check your utility supply lines (e.g. gas, electricity, water) for any signs of damage. Damaged lines can cause fire therefore switch off them of if they are damaged.

· Tune in to the media to monitor news reports and emergency information and instructions from authorities.

· Do not cause panic by spreading rumors. Listen to official advice from emergency responders, authorities and scientists only.

· Remember aftershocks can occur over the following hours, days, weeks or even months, so be prepared to take the above steps again. Aftershocks will further weaken damaged buildings and structures therefore make sure you have your building inspected by a professional.

· Remember if you live in a tsunami prone zone, evacuate to higher ground immediately after the shaking has stopped following a large earthquake. Listen to warnings and alerts from officials for updates. DO NOT go to the beach to watch the tsunami, this can be a life threatening situation.

The video below is from FEMA. It summarises what to do before, during and after an earthquake.