You never know when disaster might hit. You might be getting on with your day, finishing up some work at the office, when a tornado warning pops up. Or one for a storm, or an earthquake. Natural disasters are unpredictable and you need to know what to do when you’re caught in the middle of one. Of course, there’s no foolproof plan. But there are some tips you should be aware of so you can get out alive and be able to contact your injury lawyer afterward if you need to claim damages in any way.
There are a couple of layers to these tips. You need to know what to do both before and during an earthquake hits. This is especially important if you live in an area prone to tremors.
Before the Quake
- Always have a plan. Whether you’re at work or at home, you should identify any spots you think you can take shelter in safely. Make sure you’re away from large windows and objects hanging from the ceiling.
- Prep first. If you’re home, you should begin to prep certain areas to make sure you don’t sustain lasting damage. Put away heavy items that could topple and fall on you, such as television sets or furniture. Place fragile items like knickknacks on the floor or on lower shelves.
- Rehearse it. You always need to know what to do in case of an earthquake. It might be ridiculous, but you should practice certain drills such as drop, cover, and roll. You should also practice hiding under spaces like desks or tables.
- Get your supplies on. Always prepare a kit in advance that includes canned foods, or other types of nourishment that won’t go bad. Store phone chargers, bottled water, and other essential items that you’ll need for at least 3 days. It might seem silly, but it can save your life one day.
During the Quake
- Drop and take cover. When you feel the earth start to shake, don’t move around. You might get knocked to the ground if the tremors are strong enough. Just drop down to the ground and try to take cover under strong or heavy furniture in spots you have prepared in advance.
- Stay away from windows. Objects can sometimes fly through and shatter windows, causing injury to whoever is standing near them. Keep away from all windows so you don’t get hurt.
- Don’t run outside. Once the quake starts, you should stay just where you are. Try to find a safe spot to duck under but don’t try to run outside. Strong tremors can make you fall down or objects can even come crashing down on you. Try to keep yourself protected with some sort of shield through it.
- Take the stairs. If you’re stranded somewhere where you need to go up or down, don’t at any cost take the elevator. The power can often go out during natural disasters and you don’t want to be stuck inside an elevator when that happens. You should stick to taking the stairs and then move when it’s safe.
After the quake, you should regroup with people who can help. Find and get in touch with your emergency contact to make sure everyone you know is okay. Most of all, stay protected and have a plan in advance!
