With a press run of more than three million copies, "The Next Big Earthquake In The Bay Area May Come Sooner Than You Think-- Are You Prepared?" Get under a desk or table and hang on to it ( Drop, Cover, and Hold on! ) Check yourself and others for injuries. If the gas is turned off, it must be turned on again by a qualified tradesperson. Your earthquake safety plan will provide for you and your loved ones during the shaking and what happens after an earthquake. DO NOT stand in a doorway: An enduring earthquake image of California is a collapsed adobe home with the door frame as the only standing part. What not to do in an earthquake There's a lot of misinformation out there, and it's understandable to be confused. You could tie up the lines needed for emergency response. Failure of unreinforced brick masonry caused collapse of the upper floor in downtown Los Gatos. The 2014 Working Group on California Earthquake Probabilities calculated that there is a 33-percent likelihood of a large (magnitude 6.7 or... With innovations, fresh data, and lessons learned from recent earthquakes, scientists have developed a new earthquake forecast model for California, a region under constant threat from potentially damaging events. Check your coverage - it could affect your financial ability to recover losses after an earthquake. is the most widely distributed publication ever prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey. Nine years after itâs publication, it is still available from the USGS, and still helpful as a preparedness guide for Bay Area residents. Clearly label the on-off positions for the water, electricity and gas. Put anti-skid pads under TVs, computers and other small appliances, or secure them with Velcro or other such product. Do not cross bridges, overpass or flyovers. They may not be available. You may have several options. 1) Severe earthquakes have occurred in the eastern U.S.: In November of 1755, an earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 6.0 and a maximum intensity of VIII occurred about 50 miles northeast of Boston, Massachusetts. If power is off, plan meals to use up foods that will spoil quickly or frozen foods (food in the freezer should be good for at least a couple of days) ⦠Expect AFTERSHOCKS. What can I do to be prepared for an earthquake? What to do before an earthquake Safety during an earthquake and aftershocks is all about what you do to prepare your family and property before the earthquake. If you are in bed when an earthquake starts, do not get out of bed. There are many things you can do to help yourself in the event of an earthquake. Boiling is the way to kill disease-causing viruses, parasites, and bacteria that may be in water. Earthquakes can be deadly - especially to those who don't know how to behave when the shaking starts. What can be done? 2004 Deadliest in Nearly 500 Years for Earthquakes, "The Next Big Earthquake" â Still Helpful and Still Available; From USGS, Damage in central Oklahoma from a magnitude 5.6 earthquake in 2011, 2014 South Napa CA M6 Earthquake - August 24, 1906 San Francisco Earthquake - Damage with Family in Foreground, DO NOT turn on the gas again if you turned it off; let the gas company do it, DO NOT use matches, lighters, camp stoves or barbecues, electrical equipment, appliances UNTIL you are sure there are no gas leaks. If your home is equipped with natural gas: tie or tape the appropriate wrench on or near the pipe, to turn off the gas, if necessary. A complete discussion and understanding of proper actions during and after an earthquake will help people remember what to do when an emergency occurs. The HayWired scenario is a hypothetical earthquake sequence that is being used to better understand hazards for the San Francisco Bay region during and after an earthquake of magnitude 7 on the Hayward Fault. Injuries can be avoided if you drop to the ground before the earthquake drops you. If the gas is turned off, it must be turned on again by a qualified tradesperson. Total fault slip measured near this location was 40-46 cm. Thatâs over 225 earthquakes a year! Step 3: Organize disaster supplies in convenient locations. There are no open areas in downtown San Francisco far enough from glass or other falling debris to be considered safe refuge sites. This includes making up a family meeting place in the event the family is separated from each other, and listing phone numbers of emergency contacts to call in case something were to happen. What should I NOT do during an earthquake? Before an earthquake. In the United States, 1 in 4 people live with the risk of earthquakes. Don't use matches, candles, or any flame. Secure top-heavy furniture and shelving units to prevent tipping. The USGS Earthquake Hazards Program - investing in a safer future; 2003; FS; 017-03; Filson, John R.; McCarthy, Jill; Ellsworth, William L.; Zoback, Mary Lou; Stauffer, Peter H.; Hendley, James W., II, Progress toward a safer future since the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake; 1999; FS; 151-99; Page, Robert A.; Stauffer, Peter H.; Hendley, James W., II. Discuss earthquake insurance with your insurance broker. Before an earthquake, families should learn what to do during an earthquake, which is âDrop, Cover, and Hold On.â ⢠DROP to the ground quickly. What to Do Before an Earthquake. Earthquake Updates in the Philippines These hazards include sudden-onset hazards, such as earthquakes, and slowly emerging, chronic hazards, such as those associated with climate change. Know the evacuation routes not only from your home but from your work, childrenâs schools, neighborhoods and ⦠If you are downtown, it is safer to remain inside a building after an earthquake unless there is a fire or gas leak. Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Congressional Briefing -- Citizen Science and Earthquakes: Reducing the Risk Through the Power of People. After an earthquake, the disaster may continue. Use a whistle if one is available. Earthquake Preparation: What to Do Before, During and After a Quake ... do not run outside during the earthquake. This handbook provides information to residents of the Central United States about the threat of earthquakes in that area, particularly along the New Madrid seismic zone, and explains how to prepare for, survive, and recover from such events. ... Make sure that the bottled water you drink is properly sealed before you use it. At least 709 deaths resulted from earthquake activity worldwide in 2007, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and confirmed by the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Know/have an evacuation plan once an earthquake hits, including where to go, what to do, and what to bring in a go-bag Secure any objects within your home or office that might fall during an earthquake Most injured persons in earthquakes move more than five feet during the shaking. Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Johnson said Alaskans should generally follow a simple mantra when an earthquake hits: " ⦠Ensure you do the following if you are trapped under debris during or after an earthquake: Do not light a match. Don't shut off the gas unless there is a leak or a fire. 6. Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing. If you are in a high-rise building during an earthquake, do not use an elevator to try to escape. PAGER - Rapid Assessment and Notification of an Earthquake's Impact; 2005; FS; 2005-3026; Earle, Paul S.; Wald, David J.; Lastowka, Lynda A. Teach everybody in the family (if they are old enough) how to turn off the water and electricity. Know what to do in each stage. An earthquake shook buildings in the Indian capital of New Delhi on Monday, witnesses said. Stay away from buildings (stuff might fall off the building or the building could fall on you). As soon as the shaking stops, take the fastest and safest way out. How do I identify it? Boston was heavily damaged. What to do Before an Earthquake A well-designed earthquake plan is essential for effective preparedness. What to do before an earthquake? Step 2: Plan to be safe by creating a disaster plan and deciding how you will communicate in an emergency. Move only a few steps to a nearby safe place. What is the "Triangle of Life" and is it legitimate? The magnitude of the quake or its epicentre was not immediately known. STAY CLEAR of windows, fireplaces, and heavy furniture or appliances. Instead, lie face down to protect vital organs, and cover your head and neck with a pillow. There are four basic steps you can take to be more prepared for an earthquake: Step 1: Secure your space by identifying hazards and securing moveable items. Stay on your floor, and take cover under a large piece of furniture. Monitor the situation from the radio. But there are many important things we can do before, during, and after an earthquake to protect ourselves, our homes, and our families. While the 4.3 magnitude earthquake centred about 20 kilometres north of Victoria did not cause much damage, it was a stark reminder that if the big one hits everyone needs to be prepared. If the phone doesn't work send someone for help. 1.2, December 2018): U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2017â5013âAâH, 126 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20175013v1. Prepare yourself ⦠Although youâre not aware of them all, WA experienced 2,252 earthquakes between 2005 and 2015. What To Do Before, During, and After an Earthquake Recent earthquakes remind us that we live on a restless planet. Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Use child-proof or safety latches on cupboards to stop contents from spilling out. If you do nothing else: If away from home, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so. Despite advances in science and technology, we are not able to pre-detect the earthquakes. Don't hang heavy pictures and other items over beds. DO NOT turn on the gas again if you turned it off; let the gas company do it DO NOT use matches, lighters, camp stoves or barbecues, electrical equipment, appliances UNTIL you are sure there are no gas leaks. Do you know what to do the moment the ground starts shaking? Before an earthquake Movement of the ground seldom is the actual cause of death or injury. Earthquake? Don't shut off the gas unless there is a leak or a fire. The contents of your home may be damaged and can be dangerous: Shaking can make light fixtures fall, refrigerators and other large items move across the floor, and bookcases and television sets topple over. To create an effective plan, you should consider the questions below: According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), 2004 was the deadliest year for earthquakes since the Renaissance Age, making it the second most fatal in recorded history, with more than 275,950 deaths reported from the magnitude 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that hit the Indian Ocean on Dec. 26.Â. Fire is a real danger during the aftermath of an earthquake, when firefighters will likely be overwhelmed with other calls. Drop, Cover, and Hold On! Nine Things NOT to Do. Based on observations of an earthquake in Turkey, the idea doesn't apply to buildings constructed within the United States. DON'T run downstairs or rush outside while... Detweiler, S.T., and Wein, A.M., eds., 2017, The HayWired earthquake scenarioâEarthquake hazards (ver. Although the world sees about 15 earthquakes a year above a magnitude of 7, itâs certainly unusual to see them happen so close to each other. Keep flammable items and household chemicals away from heat and where they are less likely to spill. Left-stepping en echelon fractures characteristic of right-lateral fault displacement at the ground surface. Tips. What can I expect in my house when an earthquake occurs? Putting down roots in earthquake country-Your handbook for earthquakes in the Central United States; 2011; GIP; 119; Contributors: Dart, Richard; McCarthy, Jill; McCallister, Natasha; Williams, Robert A. Los Angeles will have the nation's toughest earthquake safety rules, ESC Seminar: HayWired Scenario Progress Discussion. The ShakeOut Scenario; 2008; OFR; 2008-1150; Jones, Lucile M.; Bernknopf, Richard; Cox, Dale; Goltz, James; Hudnut, Kenneth; Mileti, Dennis; Perry, Suzanne; Ponti, Daniel; Porter, Keith; Reichle, Michael; Seligson, Hope; Shoaf, Kimberley; Treiman, Jerry; Wein, Anne, Putting down roots in earthquake country : your handbook for the San Francisco Bay region; 2005; GIP; 15; Geological Survey (U.S.). Bicycles crushed by falling unreinforced brick facade, Pacific Garden Mall. GET OUT of the kitchen, which is a dangerous place (things can fall on you). The U.S. Geological Survey and its partners are designing innovative tools to better detect earthquakes and share critical information. The involvement of citizens is key, as decisions made before and immediately after an earthquake can save lives and protect property. CHECK FOOD AND WATER SUPPLIES--Do not eat or drink anything from open containers near shattered glass. Whether you are in your home, a school classroom, a high-rise or other type of building, it is important to know how to protect yourself during an earthquake. Why should people in the eastern United States be concerned about earthquakes? EVACUATE. What if you knew that a magnitude 7.8 earthquake would happen in less than three weeks? The recent (and almost back-to-back) series of deadly earthquakes in Japan and Ecuador have brought the importance of earthquake preparedness back into mainstream thought once again. Identify safe places in each room of your home. Research conducted by USGS geophysicist Elizabeth Cochran and her university-based colleagues suggests that this earthquake was induced by injection into deep disposal wells in the Wilzetta North field. In a new video interview, USGS earthquake scientist Dr. Lucy Jones explains that millions of Southern Californians will be preparing as if they do know, thanks to the Great Southern California ShakeOut. The study comprised eight counties: Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura. DO NOT expect firefighters, police or paramedics to help you. or move into a hallway or against an inside wall. Doorways do not protect you from the most likely source of injury â falling or flying objects. So there only one thing left in our hand is that we should be prepared to escape the earthquake by itself. Composite photo of 1906 damaged buildings and modern family in foreground, Example of a home emergency first aid kit. Whether you make your own kit or buy a professional kit, an earthquake survival kit will bring security during that time. Donât Freak Out--ShakeOut! The 7.8-magnitude Ecuadorean earthquake and the Japanese quake ⦠As people return to their work and homes, itâs always good to brush up on some basic dos and donâts for during and after an earthquake. Scientists are not able to predict where and when the next earthquake will be, which means you wonât receive a warning before an earthquake hits or have any time to plan what to do to be safe. These few seconds could provide you with the chance to move to a safer location. House damage in central Oklahoma from the magnitude 5.6 earthquake on Nov. 6, 2011. Most casualties result from partial building collapses, falling objects and debris, like toppling chimneys, falling bricks, ceiling plaster, and light fixtures. This is the initial publication of the results of a cooperative project to examine the implications of a major earthquake in southern California. During the aftermath of an earthquake, you could be stuck in one place without food or power for days. This handbook provides information about the threat posed by earthquakes in the San Francisco Bay region and explains how you can prepare for, survive, and recover from these inevitable events. Make sure everyone in the house knows what to do during an earthquake. Shout only as a last resort. The "Triangle of Life" is a misguided idea about the best location a person should try to occupy during an earthquake. From this came our belief that a doorway is ⦠Discuss earthquake insurance with your insurance broker. What to do during an earthquake Drop, cover, and hold on! Put out small fires using extinguisher. Tie the water heater to studs along with other heavy appliances (stove, washer, dryer), especially those that could break gas or water lines if they shift or topple. Do not try to run out of the structure during strong shaking. If you're in a car, stop the car and stay inside the car until the earthquake stops. What to do AFTER an earthquake? Do not move around or kick up dust. To accomplish this goal, products and services provided by the National Geospatial Program (NGP)... Natural hazards threaten the safety and economic wellbeing of communities. Before. 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