Re-Drawing Earthquakes – UFS- Nov 5 2013 – A. ELIAS

Dr. Ata ELIAS, Geology department of AUB – ata.elias@aub.edu.lb

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.