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Natural disasters: what to do if your family is caught in a major earthquake

Natural disasters, like earthquakes happen at unexpected times, resulting in property damage, as well as loss of life. Even if you don’t live in an area normally prone to earthquakes, you may still be at risk. Take a moment to familiarize how to keep yourself, along with your family, better protected if a major earthquake strikes.

Natural disasters: what to do if your family is caught in a major earthquake

Handling natural disasters with your family: earthquakes

Follow experts’ advice

Listening to experts! Yes, people, listen to experts with masters in safety before an earthquake strikes. It’s one of the best ways to prepare yourself, as well as your family. These experts always share everything you need to know. They even give helpful advice on how to remember useful information. You’ll learn the importance of staying away from bridges during earthquakes, because they could collapse, along with other tips to save your life. You’ll also learn about supplies you should stock. Experts in earthquake preparedness are known to give seminars. Many are reachable for additional information.

Drop and crawl to a safe space

The first thing to do when you feel the ground shaking: drop to the ground on your hands, and knees. According to the Earthquake Country Alliance, this will help prevent you from getting knocked over, as well as allow you to crawl to shelter. Being in a crawl position will help you protect many of your vital organs from damage.

If a stable desk, or table, is nearby, seek shelter under it until the shaking has stopped. Crawling to an interior wall space away from windows is your next best option if no other shelter is available. Hold your head, and your neck, with both hands if no safe space is nearby.

Refrain from running outside

The first thing you might think to do if an earthquake strikes, and you’re indoors, is fleeing the building. Do NOT do this. It’s actually dangerous. Exterior portions of the building may fall to the ground, and land on you, if you run outdoors. Furthermore, you increase your chances of electrocuting yourself with downed power lines outside your building.

Many of today’s buildings include interiors designed to withstand heavy earthquake damage. Try seeking shelter inside your building until the shaking has completely stopped.

Move to higher ground

If you’re near the ocean, you should move to higher ground as soon as it’s reasonably safe to do so. Remaining at sea level puts you at risk for tsunamis. Earthquakes can trigger tsunamis, and the massive waves can wash far ashore inland. There might be a warning siren at the beach alerting people of an approaching tsunami, but this is not always the case. Get to higher ground!

If you’re still near the ocean shortly after an earthquake, you may notice the tide becomes exceedingly low. If this happens, it’s a telltale sign a tsunami is about to strike. If a hill, or another type of elevated landscape, isn’t accessible from your location, try moving to the roof of a tall building if an impending tsunami is heading your way.

You, along with your family, will increase your chances of surviving a major earthquake following the right advice. Learning the best survival tips in advance helps you stay calmer, and collected throughout the ordeal.

Author bio: Hannah Whittenly is a freelance writer and mother of two from Sacramento, CA. She enjoys kayaking and reading books by the lake.

By | 2017-10-05T16:03:19-04:00 September 20, 2017|Family|Comments Off on Natural disasters: what to do if your family is caught in a major earthquake