EARTHQUAKE
EARTHQUAKE
DURING
During an earthquake, it is important to remain calm and take action to protect yourself. Immediately drop
to the ground, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on until the shaking stops.
Things to do during earthquake
a. If you are in a high-rise building, drop, cover, and hold on, then move away from windows and
outside walls, and stay in the center of the room.
b. If you are outdoors, move away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Stay in the open until the
shaking stops and it is safe to move.
Things not to do during earthquake
a. Do not run outside or to other rooms during shaking: To stay away from this danger zone, stay
inside if you are inside and outside if you are outside. Also, shaking can be so strong that you will
not be able to move far without falling, and objects may fall or be thrown at you that you do not
expect.
b. Do not stand in the doorway: Doorways are no stronger than any other part of the house, and the
doorway does not protect you from the most likely source of injury-falling. You also not be able
to grace yourself in the door during strong shaking. You are safe under a table
c. Do not use your telephone, EXCEPT for medical or fire emergencies: You could tie up lines
needed for emergency response.
d. Do not use matches, lighters, camp stores or barbecues, electrical equipment, appliances UNTIL
you are sure there are no gas leaks. They may create a spark that could ignite leaking gas cause an
explosion and fire.
e. Do not expect firefighters, police or paramedics to help you. They may not be available.
AFTER
After an earthquake, it’s important to take appropriate actions to ensure your safety and well-being. Here
are some things to do after an earthquake.
a. Check yourself and others for injuries: Assess yourself and those around you for any injuries.
If anyone is injured, seek medical assistance immediately.
b. Listen to authorities: Stay tuned to the news and follow instructions from authorities on where
to go, what to do, and what not to do.
c. Check for hazards: Look around for any hazards, such as gas leaks, downed power lines, and
structural damage. If you suspect any danger, evacuate the area immediately.
d. Be prepared for aftershocks: Be prepared for aftershocks, which can occur for several days
after the initial earthquake. Be ready to take cover again if necessary.
e. Evacuate if necessary: If you are in a coastal area, move to higher ground in case of a tsunami.
If there is structural damage to the building, evacuate immediately.
Hazards after an earthquake can include a range of potential dangers and risks that can affect people,
infrastructure, and the environment. Some of the hazards that can occur after an earthquake include:
a. Aftershocks: After an earthquake, there is often a period of time where smaller earthquakes,
known as aftershocks, occur. These can cause further damage to buildings and infrastructure that
may already be weakened from the initial earthquake.
b. Liquefaction: Earthquakes can cause soil to lose its strength and stiffness, resulting in a
phenomenon known as liquefaction. This can cause the ground to behave like a liquid, leading to
landslides, rockfalls and damage to buildings.
c. Tsunamis: In coastal areas, earthquakes can trigger tsunamis, which are large ocean waves that
can cause damage to buildings and infrastructure.
d. Structural damage: Earthquakes can cause damage to buildings and infrastructure, spreading
rubble, glass and debris so it’s best to distance yourself from buildings after an earthquake.
e. Fire: Earthquakes can cause gas leaks, electrical fires, and other types of fires due to damage
caused by collapsing buildings.
f. Disease outbreak: Though uncommon, it is still possible after an earthquake, as the seismic
activity may be a risk of disease outbreak due to damage to the water and sanitation systems.