• It is always important to take precautionary

measures before, during and after an earthquake.

Knowing what to do can be the difference
between surviving the earthquake and being in
trouble
• Earthquakes are one of the natural occurrences
that are hard to predict. Earthquakes occur when
two crustal plates on earth slide past each other
causing a fault or fracture in the rocks the result
which is sudden trembling of the earth surface.
This tremor lasts only for a few seconds and
could either be strongly felt or not felt at all.
• Earthquakes happen suddenly and no one could
exactly predict when it can happen that is why
when earthquakes occur, several lives are lost
and properties are damaged. The only way by
which people could be safe is to take
precautionary measures. Even before the
earthquake you should always be prepared in
order to minimize problems.

• Here are some of the precautionary measures

before, during and after the earthquake :
• Be cautious and ready to face dangers that come
your way. Try to be calm when danger comes so
that you can deal with problems that the
earthquake brings.
• Attend earthquake drills. Schools conduct
earthquake drills for students so that they will
know what to do in case of earthquake. People
are also taught how to take precautionary
measures before, during and after an
earthquake. To help you get to know about
earthquakes more, try to read books or
magazines that discuss about earthquakes.
• Be prepared for first aid kits. It is also important
to be prepared with flashlights, some batteries,
knife, plies, hammer or other important tools. Put
these things in a box and put it in a convenient
place where you can grab it if earthquake occurs.
These things will be very useful in cases of
emergency. You can also store food that will last
for many years in case of an earthquake.

• Remove all heavy objects on top of cabinets and

put them at the bottom of the cabinets.

• Fasten all appliances to the walls and floor so

that they will be secured.

• Fasten to the wall book cases, china cabinets or

anything else that can fall over.
• Do not panic. If there are kids, gather them
together and stay with them. Kids panic easily so
it is important for you to be with them to tell
them what and what not to do.

• Seek cover under strong tables, chairs and beds.

You can also stand in a doorway since they are
the strongest part of the home.

• If you are outdoors, stay away from tall buildings

and walls.

• Avoid staying near electric posts.

• Lay down on the ground.

• Use flashlights instead of open flames because it

might create a spark that could cause fire if there
is gas leak.

• Never light a cigarette for the same reason that

there can be a gas leak in the area.

• Run outside the house if you have time

• Check every member of the family. If
someone is hurt, apply first aid.
• Do not go inside your house immediately
because there are often aftershocks.
• Check for damages inside the house.
• Shut off the main switch of the electricity.
• Stay away from damaged buildings.
• Report damages immediately.
• Seek help if there are problems.
Earthquake could cause lots of
damages especially if you are
unprepared so it is very
important to be prepared in
cases of earthquake.