Dos and Don’t during earthquake: Your complete guide

Indian subcontinent has a history of earthquakes because the intensity and high frequency of earthquakes is the Indian plate driving into Asia at a rate of approximately 47 mm/year. 

Here is all you need to know  during earthquakes to keep yourself safe. 

Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might occur. Minimise your movements to a few steps that reach a nearby safe place and stay indoors until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.

If indoors

* DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there is no a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.

* Protect yourself by staying under the lintel of an inner door, in the corner of a room, under a table or even under a bed.

* Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, (such as lighting fixtures or furniture).

* Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.

* Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, load bearing doorway.

* Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.

* Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.

If outdoors

* Do not move from where you are. However, move away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and utility wires.

* If you are in open space, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings; at exits; and alongside exterior walls. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.

If in a moving vehicle

* Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.

* Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

If trapped under debris

* Do not light a match.

* Do not move about or kick up dust.

* Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.

* Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.