The earthquake survival guide

Earthquakes are of three types:
1. The first type is pancake, wherein the structure usually falls in a heap, and there is little chance of survival.
2. The other form is the V-shape, in which the structure caves in from the centre, leaving safe areas in the periphery.
3. The third type is the lean-to, in which a wall of the structure collapses into another wall leaving space in between.

Each family, irrespective of where they are placed, must be well-versed with a family disaster management plan. No one in India seems to follow this, but every family should design their own individual plan which must be rehearsed thoroughly by all the members of the family. This should entail the course each of them should take when an earthquake strikes, and must depend on the floor they stay on, how far it is from open ground or safe areas etc.

Societies and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) in every colony should also devise proper pairing and standing procedures, and should have a plan of action ready for when disaster strikes. People usually wait for us, or other authorities, but if a quake was to hit a city like Delhi, then even if we deploy all our teams, it will be barely enough to engage in only one locality.

In an earthquake, doors are the most unsafe places. One should find a space along the walls, on a concrete pillar. Bathrooms are considered safe too. If possible, immediately switch off electricity and gas connections.

In multi-storey buildings, people living above the second floor should make their way up to the terrace. Terraces are the only breathing space, without any construction. Societies in multi-storey buildings should have a proper evacuation and survival action plan involving terraces.

It is also advisable to not move for the first two minutes. One could also duck under a sturdy table, which is not placed in the centre of the house. Put a handkerchief on your nose; many people usually die due to the dust created by the rubble of falling buildings.

Tools that can be used by during an evacuation after an earthquake include a survival rope and a collapsible tunnel. The rope, although expensive, comes with harnesses to help up to four people escape from buildings. The collapsible tunnel is a tool that makes its way through debris and usually ensures no damage; it is particularly safe for children.

People on the first and second floor should make their way to an open place, like a park or the street. They must, however, ensure that there is no falling glass. If a person has made his or her way to the road, they must ensure that they are away from poles and standing in a corner of the street. People who are in a car must immediately pull over on to the side of the road. They, too, must see that they are not standing near poles.

Keep a kit handy. The kit should include dry food for three days, candles, torches and matchsticks. It should also have a radio and a spare set of batteries. The most important component is the first aid kit; at least one person in a family must know how to perform a CPR and to apply first aid. This helps in reducing injuries to a great extent, as 60-70 percent people die of heart attacks because they do not receive timely CPR.

Carry some money, too. People are too worried about their valuables and property. I saw a video where a person is asking his relative to come out quick with some jewellery, and right then the house collapses killing the relative. In a situation like this, forget valuables or property. Your life is more important. And, remember to be confident; the worst has passed and you have survived.