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| In three months we all will practice how to be safe during earthquakes at home or work as part of the Great California ShakeOut earthquake drill. But have you thought about how to be safe and prepared while traveling this summer?
When away from home, either for work or for vacation, you may be in unfamiliar areas and uncertain about local emergency procedures, so it is especially important to learn how to protect yourself. This email includes advice for what to do during earthquakes (in several situations) and also how to survive tsunamis.
Protect yourself during earthquakes, wherever you are!
 | Click to watch the
Los Angeles County Fire Department
demonstrate Drop, Cover, and Hold On! |
Preparedness experts in most areas of the world agree that the best way to reduce injury and death during earthquakes is to:
- DROP to the ground (before the earthquake drops you!)
- Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table (or against a wall with your arms covering your head/neck), and
- HOLD ON to your shelter and be prepared to move with it until the shaking stops.
This is the basic procedure for most people in most situations. Whether at home or when traveling, consider your unique situation or location as you may need to do something different to avoid being injured. Your goal is to get as low as possible, protect your head and neck, and move away from windows that may break or other items that can fall on you. Here are suggestions for certain situations: In bed: Stay in bed and protect your head with a pillow. Broken glass on the floor has caused injury to those who have rolled to the floor or tried to get to another location.
In a wheelchair: Lock your wheels and remain seated until the shaking stops. If possible protect your head and neck with your arms, a pillow, a book, or whatever is available.
In a store: Being next to a shopping cart or getting inside display racks can provide some protection. To get away from heavy items on high shelves, drop to the ground first and crawl only the shortest distance necessary.
Outdoors: Move to a clear area if you can safely do so; avoid power lines, trees, signs, buildings, vehicles, and other hazards.
Driving: Pull over to the side of the road, stop, and set the parking brake. Avoid bridges, power lines, and other hazards. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking is over.
Information for other situations is available on our Drop, Cover, and Hold On overview page and in these documents: - Recommended Earthquake Safety Actions (including situations when you cannot get beneath a table) (PDF | RTF)
- Key Earthquake Safety Tips for People with Disabilities and Other Access or Functional Needs (PDF | RTF)
How to survive a tsunami
In recent years tsunamis have claimed the lives of thousands of tourists, most of whom did not know what to do to be safe: - In 2010 a large earthquake off the coast of Chile created a tsunami that traveled across the Pacific where people had several hours of official warnings to evacuate to higher ground. However in Chile the strong and long-lasting shaking of the earthquake was the only warning for people along the coast, including tourists from inland Chile who did not know to evacuate.
- Similarly, thousands of tourists from many countries died in the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami while on vacation in the region. More people from Sweden died (571) because of the tsunami than in any natural disaster in Sweden's history.
So even if your hometown is not in a tsunami zone, it is still important to know how to survive a tsunami: - STAY ALERT for tsunami warnings when at the beach or near any coastal area:
- NATURAL WARNINGS – these include the ground shaking, a loud ocean roar, or the ocean going out unusually far. If you see or hear any of these natural warnings, move inland to higher ground as soon as it is safe to move.
- OFFICIAL WARNINGS– you may be notified that a tsunami warning has been issued via TV or radio. In some cases there might be outdoor sirens and announcements from airplanes. Follow the instructions of emergency officials.
- GO ON FOOT. Roads and bridges may be damaged. If you cannot leave the area, go to the upper floor of a building or climb a tree — but only as a last resort.
- The first surges of a tsunami are almost never the largest. It is not unusual for tsunami surges to last 12 hours or longer. DO NOT GO BACK TO THE COAST until officials allow you to return.
- PRACTICE YOUR EVACUATION ROUTE ahead of time with everyone in your family. Every minute counts.
Learn more tsunami tips from FEMA and read ShakeOut's FAQS/tweets from this year's National Tsunami Week.
Finally, while traveling it is also important to have a disaster plan with your travel companions that includes where to meet after an emergency, local emergency contact information, and much more. You also should have your own first aid and basic supplies, including extra water. Think ahead, get prepared, and then have a great time!
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About us: This year, ShakeOut is 10/17 at 10:17 | | AM! Register now at http://ShakeOut.org/California for this annual opportunity to practice how to be safer during big earthquakes: "Drop, Cover and Hold On." | | connect with me! |
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