Earthquake Safety tips to face aftershocks of Nepal Earthquake

The most recent Nepal earthquake is still intimidating people by its aftershocks and experts have alerted people, specially north India (Bihar, UP, Delhi), to be prepared mentally and strategically for more shocks in coming months, possibly longer than an year. 

All of the readers would surely be much informed about the facts and reasons for these earthquakes because of different programs telecasted on various news channels these days. Intuitively, we know that aftershocks weakens the structures, visibly in terms of cracks. So more aftershocks increases the chances of collapsing buildings, which obviously will be largely destructive.  

Earthquakes are such an unpredictable cruel natural disaster that completely shatters human lives. In a moment, people are homeless and isolated from their family. There is no way to prevent natural quakes but we can minimize the losses. Here are some suggestions, you may find useful if you get into such unfortunate trouble:

During Earthquake                                        

• Most important things during earthquakes is to maintain calmness. Being cool headed may avoid panic because other person will also respond to the situation with patience. It will reduce chaos and people will get help and support immediately with each-other's cooperation, resulting in comparatively less casualty.  

If you are outside                                             

• Move to an open area and sit on the ground covering your head and face. Be careful that you are away from trees, electricity lines, poles or any building.

 If you are at home                                           

• In case. there is no open space available near your locality, stay at your home. Move away from windows, almirah, ceiling fan or any heavy thing that can fall.

• Sit along an interior corner or hide under a table in the limit of an imaginary triangle, called Triangle of Life (Doug Copp's article). Cover your head and face.

          

         Make Sure that table or bed under

         which you are taking shelter can

         sustain shaking or heavy weights.

         Otherwise, you may be trapped in

         the debris of your hide-out.

      
         Its material must be of strong wood
         or iron.



In case you are driving                                       

• If you are on the way in your vehicle, then immediately stop your car in open area, away from trees, buildings, power lines, over-bridge and stay in the car.

A Big NO During Earthquake                          

•  Use stairs instead of lifts.

•  Turn off gas valve and electrical appliances.

Aftershock Preparation                                   

• Be prepared with some materials like dry eatables, water, torch lights, first aid box, cash and cell phones. Avoid using candles and for communication purpose, instead of calling, use sms facilities as it takes less bandwidth.

Final Words                                                     

No one can predict earthquake timing and its intensity. In this tough time, when more aftershocks are expected, we need to join hands together for the sake of humanity. Be careful and help the community whole-heartedly if this calamity hits our surroundings.

If we all will try to stay calm at these trying times, then certainly panic will be less and more attention would be given to casualties.

 


Do best at your own level. Rest thing will be decided by destiny. God Bless!!

Cheers!