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Earthquake:<br />
Effects of earthquake<br />
The earthquake can make the buildings and bridges to fall, disrupt electricity, gas,<br />
and phone service. It can even further cause landslides, flash floods, avalanches, fires and<br />
destructive ocean waves, also known as tsunamis. The buildings with unstable<br />
foundations, old watercourses and other unsound structures are greatly at risk. Although,<br />
there is no guarantee of safety at the time of earthquake, one can identify the potential risk<br />
before time. Planning before hand can not only save your life but also of the people<br />
around you. If you face earthquake wisely and know what to do before, during and after<br />
earthquake, you can significantly reduce injuries and damage of property.<br />
Before the Earthquake<br />
• Look for hazards in your home<br />
• Tie the shelves firmly to the walls.<br />
• Support the overhead light fittings.<br />
• Repair the faulty electrical wiring and leaky gas links.<br />
• Refurbish the deep cracks in ceilings or floor.<br />
• Make family emergency plan and educate yourself and your family members about the<br />
disaster by contacting the local emergency management authorities.<br />
• Have disaster supplies at hand, such as, flashlight, batteries, portable radio, First aid<br />
kit, emergency food, water, non-electric can opener, medicines, cash, credit cards,<br />
shoes etc.<br />
• Develop your emergency communication plan and practice it with your family.<br />
• Make your out-of-state friend or relative your "family contact" in case of emergency.<br />
• Work in your community to inform others with the knowledge you have and make<br />
hazard hunt programs and neighborhood emergency plans.<br />
During the Earthquake<br />
• Stay safe and minimize your movements and stay indoors till the shaking stops. The<br />
safe places can be under strong furniture, against inside wall, away from shelves and<br />
heavy furniture.<br />
• When outdoor, stay in open area, away from trees, buildings, telephone polls, electric<br />
lines, bridges, street lights or elevated freeways.<br />
• If in car, stop at safe place. Do not stop near or under trees, buildings, bridges and<br />
service wires. Stay in the vehicle.<br />
If caught under debris, do not move, light match or kick up dust. Use a cloth to cover your mouth.<br />
Make sound so that the rescuers can locate you. Avoid shouting because you may inhale<br />
dangerous dust.<br />
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