Historical October 1990 earthquake supplement. Original predictions, insurance prices and safety guidance are reproduced as period reporting, not current forecasts or instructions.
The most frightening thing about an earthquake is not knowing what to do.
The next frightening thing is to believe there is nothing you can do.
It is normal and natural to ‘be afraid of earthquakes.
However, fears and anxieties can be lessened by planning and practicing what to do BEFORE an earthquake occurs. You and your household CAN learn to react correctly and automatically when the first jolt or shaking is felt. Family Earthquake Drill Where will you go for protection when your house starts to shake and you’re in the living room, the bedroom, the bath, or the kitchen? What if you’re in one part of the house and other family members are in another?
During a violent earthquake, you won’t have time or steady legs to reach them. Will they know what to do to protect themselves? Will you?
Because earthquakes occur without warning, it’s important that you and your family learn to take appropriate actions at the first sign of ground shaking. You won’t have time to think; you’ll only have time to REACT.
In a major earthquake, you may experience a shaking that starts out to be gentle and within a second or two grows violent and knocks you off your feet. You may be jarred first by a violent jolt— similar to a sonic boom. Or. you may hear a low (and perhaps very loud) rumbling noise.
A second or two later you’ll feel the shaking: and, as in the first example, you’ll find it very difficult (if not impossible) to move from one room to another. You and your family may have only one or two seconds to take safe shelter INSIDE your home. Earthquake Drills will help you and your household plan and remember where to seek shelter and how to protect yourselves. 1. Identify safe spots in each room. (Do this at work, too.) The first step is to acquaint each family member with safe places in each room of your home. • Under a sturdy table. desk. kitchen counter, or wood-framed doorway. • Against an inside corner or wall. Take extra care in covering your head with your arms or with whatever is handy (e.g.. pillow, sofa cushion). FAMILY CHECK LIST 1. Identify safe spots in each room 2. Beware of danger zones. 3. Practice quake-safe actions 4. Discuss what to expect following a quake Practice by physically placing yourselves in these locations.
This is very important for children. Acting out what they have been taught will help them remember what to do in case you are not beside them at the critical time. 2. Beware of danger zones. Next, identify danger zones in each room.
During an earthquake, stay clear of: • Windows that may shatter. • Heating units, stove, fireplace, and areas where bricks from the chimney may fall. • Bookcases, cabinets and furnishings that may topple. 3. Practice quake-safe actions. Hold surprise earthquake drills in the days that follow your first practice. Call out “Earthquake” from wherever you may be in the house.
Each family member should respond immediately by moving to the nearest safe place.
Once a month (for a few months, at least) let a child call a surprise earthquake drill. Test each other. Let everyone evaluate what others did. 4. Discuss what to expect following a damaging earthquake. • Be prepared to take care of injuries. Emergency personnel may not be able to respond to individual calls for help for several hours or even days. • Be prepared to check for gas leaks and other problems. • Be prepared for aftershocks that may be nearly as strong as the first quake. Do no remain in or near a building that may be further damaged by aftershocks. • Be prepared to deal with the emotional needs of family members. • Remember to stay close enough to touch and comfort each other. • Remember to talk about what happened and be sure to encourage children to talk about how they felt—how afraid and how brave they were.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, October 1990.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1990_10.pdf, printed page(s) 6; PDF page(s) 5.
