Earthquake Safety

Earthquake hazard is the unavoidable risk that an earthquake will disrupt daily activities or cause loss of property or life. The image below from the US Geological Survey, illustrate the areas within the United States with the highest to lowest earthquake hazard. An earthquake happens when two blocks of the earth suddenly slip past one another. The surface where they slip is called the fault or fault plane. Most damage associated with earthquakes is caused by waves generated during the earthquake.

California is the area of the United States that has the most earthquakes. However, the strongest earthquakes recorded in the continental US were not in the West; they were centered in eastern Missouri near the border with Kentucky and Tennessee. In the winter of 1811-1812, a series of three earthquakes of magnitudes 8.4 to 8.7 and maximum intensities of XI occurred near New Madrid, Missouri. Although the risk for an earthquake may be low or high, dependent on your area, it is still important to be prepared.

What can you expect to happen in your house if an earthquake occurs?

Shaking can make light fixtures fall, refrigerators and other large items move across the floor, and bookcases and television sets topple over. Look around your house for things that could fall or move.

Ask yourself if your kitchen cabinet doors could fly open and allow dishes to shatter on the floor.

Is your TV and other electronics fastened down and are shelves fastened to wall? Do you have hanging plants or light fixtures that might fall? Is there a heavy picture or mirror on the wall over your bed?

How can you prepare yourself for an earthquake?

· Identify the things in your house or work place that are unsecured. Items such as televisions, computers, bookcases, cabinet doors and furniture and be secured to help prevent injuries

· As with any emergency, make sure you have a plan in place. Make sure your emergency plan includes evacuation and reunion plans, emergency contacts and emergency supplies

· Make a disaster kit. Disaster kits should include nonperishable food, water, flashlights, portable radios, batteries, a first aid kit and cash

· Determine the structural integrity of your home. You may need to consider consulting a contractor to help identify problems such as inadequate foundations, unbraced walls, unreinforced masonry and vulnerable pipes.

· Learn what to do in an earthquake. “Drop, Cover and Hold On” can help save lives and reduce injury or death. During an earthquake, drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy desk or table and hold onto it firmly.



For more emergency safety tips and online safety training courses, you may be interested in the SafetySkills Basic First Aid course, Emergency Action Plans for Office Employees course, Emergency Response course and the Severe Weather and Outdoor Work course.

                                         

For more information about SafetySkills and online safety training courses and plans available, please visit http://safetyskills.com.