1 Identify potential hazards
2Identify safe places
3Be ready
238
NATURAL DISASTERS
Earthquake
For WILDFIRE see p. 232 For TSUNAMI see p. 242 Earthquakes may strike along fault lines without warning, causing deaths and major damage. Often quakes last for only seconds, but in that time, they can destroy buildings and roads, and crush people. Fires resulting from broken gas pipes can rage for days afterward, and aftershocks are a further danger. If you live in an earthquake area, prepare your home as best you can.
PREPARING FOR AN EARTHQUAKE
1 Identify potential hazards
• Check structural elements in your home( see p. 222) to ensure that they are sound and see that heavy furniture is secure( see box below).
• Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves and rehang heavy mirrors or pictures that are currently positioned over seating or beds.
• Store fragile items in low cabinets that are fitted with latches or locks.
SECURING FURNITURE
Attach steel straps at top and bottom of the boiler to secure it to the wall
Secure boiler Use galvanized steel straps, with holes punched through them, to attach a boiler to the wall
Screw the bracket into the wall and the bookcase
Attach furniture Attach exterior angle brackets at the top or sides of tall furniture like bookcases and wardrobes
2Identify safe places
• In every room, identify safe spots where you could take shelter. Ideal places are under sturdy desks, tables or strong internal doorway wells away from windows, or places where glass could shatter.
• Identify at least one safe outdoor location that you could escape to if necessary. Try to find a spot that is out in the open, well away from buildings, trees, power lines, and elevated roads and bridges, all of which are dangerous because they could fall or collapse.
• Make sure that every member of your family knows what to do in the event of an earthquake( p. 239).
3Be ready
• Be alert for small tremors, known as foreshocks. These indicate that a larger earthquake is on its way. If you do feel a foreshock, warn family members and head for a safe location at once.
• Be prepared to experience a ripple of aftershocks following the main earthquake. These aftershocks can also be severe and may cause additional damage.