Earthquake Safety Tips: Do's and Don'ts you need to follow

Developing an emergency plan as a household, in order to know how to communicate during and after a disaster, is key. In addition to communicative plans, having a strong understanding of the evacuation routes to leave your home quickly is crucial.

Earthquake is something which is in no one’s control but what can be done is to take some precautionary measures. Following are some tips to stay in safety.

Indoors Safety tips:

•    Stay calm! If you're indoors, stay inside.

•    Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.

•    Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes, move to the nearest safe place (i.e. under a desk or in an inside corner).

•    Brace yourself on the side with the hinges to avoid the door swinging at you.

•    Stay inside until shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.

•    Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.

•    DO NOT use the elevators, even if they are working. There may be aftershocks.

If you are outdoors

•    If you're outdoors, stay in the open away from power lines or anything that might fall.

•    Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.

If in a moving vehicle

•   Pull over to the side of the road and stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle.

•  Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires. (Guide Note: an earthquake while you're driving feels like there's something wrong with your car. Don't stop in the middle of the freeway if traffic is still moving around you. Slow down and put on your turn signal to get to the side of the road. If everyone else is doing the same thing, it was most likely an earthquake.)

•    Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

If trapped under debris

•    Do not light a match.

•    Do not move about or kick up dust.

•    Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.

•    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.

Do not panic! Stay calm and look for the best option to survive the quake