Surviving Earthquakes… what to do?
More than 17 million people felt the La Habra Earthquake last Friday night. It shook the southland coming in at 5.1 on the the Richter scale. And for those of you who don't live in LA, no it was not the "Big One". But if it was, would you have been ready? It serves as a reminder that we as Californians should always be prepared for disasters.; because let's face it, sitting on the 405 any given day of the week could resort to survival of the fittest.
So the mainstream media will have you believe that the so-called "Triangle of Life" theory will save you when your home, building, etc is caving in on you. If you choose to believe this ignorant information, you may in fact get yourself killed. This theory has been debunked by the USGS and other organizations who have studied Earthquakes and have concluded that the best way to protect yourself is to Duck, Cover, and Hold. Here is what you should do if you find your self in the following:
If you are indoors:
Duck, Cover, and Hold;
Do NOT stand in doorways or run outside;
If you cannot get under a table or desk, stand next to an interior wall or inside corner of the building, drop and cover your neck and head with your arms. 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;
If you are cooking, turn the stove off before you drop and cover;
If you are in bed, stay in bed and cover your head with your pillow.
If you are outdoors:
Stay there!
Move away from buildings, power lines, and utility poles;
Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.
If you are on the coast, move to higher ground immediately.
If you are driving:
Do not stop in or under overpasses, bridges, or tunnels;
Do not stop under or near electrical power lines, light posts, trees, or signs;
Pull to the side of the road and set the emergency brake;
Stay in your car until the earthquake is over.
If you are trapped under debris:
Do NOT light a match;
Do not move around or kick up dust;
Cover your mouth with a piece of clothing or cloth;
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;