Earthquake Safety: What to Do Before, During, and After

Earthquakes strike without warning. We cannot predict exactly when, but we do know what to do. A few minutes of preparation can protect you and your family.

Why earthquakes happen

The Earth's outer shell is broken into huge pieces called tectonic plates. They move slowly, a few centimetres a year, about as fast as your fingernails grow. Sometimes the edges get stuck. Stress builds up until the rock suddenly slips, sending out shaking waves. The point underground where it starts is the focus, and the point on the surface right above is the epicentre.

India sits where the Indian plate pushes north into the Eurasian plate. This collision built the Himalayas and makes many parts of the country, not just the north, vulnerable to earthquakes.

Before an earthquake

1. Secure heavy furniture

   Fix tall shelves, wardrobes, and televisions to the wall. Store heavy items on low shelves.

2. Know your safe spots

   Find places in each room with a sturdy table or desk to get under, away from windows, mirrors, and hanging objects.

3. Prepare an emergency kit

   Water, torch, batteries, first aid kit, medicines, power bank, copies of IDs, and some dry food.

4. Make a family plan

   Agree on a meeting place and an out-of-town contact person.

5. Check your building

   Ask whether it follows earthquake-resistant building rules.

During an earthquake: Drop, Cover, Hold On

1. Drop

   Get down on your hands and knees right away, so you do not fall.

2. Cover

   Protect your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk. If there is none, crouch next to an interior wall and cover your head with your arms.

3. Hold on

   Hold the furniture leg until the shaking stops. If it moves, move with it.

More tips:

• Stay where you are. Most injuries happen when people run outside through falling debris.
• If you are in bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow.
• If you are outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and wires.
• If you are driving, stop in a clear spot and stay inside the vehicle.
• Do not use lifts.

After the shaking stops

• Expect aftershocks and be ready to drop, cover, and hold on again.
• Check yourself and others for injuries, and give first aid.
• Wear shoes, as there may be broken glass.
• If you smell gas, open windows and leave. Do not use matches or switches.
• Use text messages instead of calls to keep phone lines free.
• Listen to official updates on the radio or phone.
• Be careful of damaged buildings and leave them until they are checked.

What most people miss

• The "triangle of life" idea is a myth. Emergency organisations recommend Drop, Cover, and Hold On, not lying beside furniture.
• A sturdy table is the first choice. India's disaster authority also lists an inside corner or a strong inner doorway if no table is near. What matters most is not running outside, where falling debris is the biggest danger.
• Earthquake early-warning apps can give a few seconds of notice, which is enough to drop and cover. Some phones have it built in.

Sources

• National Disaster Management Authority, India: Earthquakes, Do's and Don'ts
• Earthquake Country Alliance: Drop, Cover, and Hold On