Earthquake is a kind of natural disaster that scientists have not yet figured out how to predict. An earthquake can destroy lives, property, cities, and civilizations at the same time. Bangladesh is at extreme risk of the earthquake as the country is unfortunately located between the Indian, Eurasian, and Myanmar tectonic plates. As a result, even moderate earthquakes can cause severe damage. While a large earthquake can cause terrible destruction of lives and structures. For survival during such a disaster, we should keep in mind some earthquake safety measures.

7 Do's and Don'ts During Earthquake

If you understand that an earthquake is happening, you must first try to stay calm to save lives and not panic in any way. Although our brains might not work properly during a disaster, we still need to stay calm and think to better handle the situation. Check the following tips.

Drop, cover, and hold-on methods

The best approach during an earthquake is the ‘drop, cover, hold on’ or ‘duck-cover’ method, as advised by the American Red Cross. That is, when the earthquake starts, sit on the floor, then get under a sturdy table or desk and take cover; choose a desk or cover in such a way that you can move with the cover if necessary.

Read More: 5.2 magnitude earthquake felt in Dhaka, other areas

If a building is earthquake-resistant, it rarely collapses. What happens is that various objects or furniture falling on the body is more likely to cause injury. So, to avoid them, it is important to take shelter under a hard desk or table at this time.

If you are in a wheelchair, lock or close the wheel and cover the head and neck with your hands. If in school, college, or other educational institution, students should take shelter under the hard table with a school bag on their head.

Use a pillow to support your head when in bed. You can take shelter by sitting near the inner wall of the house. Exterior walls or glass windows are dangerous. Stay away from them.

Turn off utility lines

Remember, one of the reasons for earthquake damage is gas and electrical fires. So, the gas stove in the kitchen and the electrical switches in the house should be turned off as soon as possible. Do not light the match or candle until you are sure that there is no gas leakage.

Read More: Death toll from Indonesia earthquake reaches 310 as more bodies found

Wait until the shake stops

If you are on the upper floor, you should wait until the shaking stops. When the shaking stops, quickly go down the stairs and take a position in an open place or a safe place. Avoid jumping the stairs.

If you are in an industrial factory, hospital, market, or cinema hall, do not rush or rush in front of the door. Sit where you are with both hands covering your head. Once the shake stops, it can occur again. So, take the opportunity to get out of the building and try to move to an empty space.

If you are near the sea or river, you should take or climb a high position as soon as possible. If you are outdoors during an earthquake, take shelter in an open area away from tall trees, tall buildings, electric poles, etc.

Stop the car

If you are in a car, pull over instead of blocking the road and stay inside. Stay away from bridges, over bridges, flyovers, underpasses, trees, electric poles, billboards etc. Being outside the car is more likely to get injured. Be careful of cars rushing from behind, and keep an eye on the rear mirror.

Read More: 252 dead as Indonesia earthquake topples homes, buildings, roads

Be prepared to deal with aftershocks

The “main shock” or main earthquake can be preceded and followed by several more mild to moderate earthquakes known as ‘foreshocks’ and ‘aftershocks’. If not careful, these can become even bigger dangers. Typically, the ‘aftershock’ of a large earthquake can last from the first hour to a few days.

Do not walk barefoot

During an earthquake, do not walk barefoot, but wear sturdy shoes to avoid injury from glass, metal, etc. Having an injury during this time will make the situation worse for you.

Do not use lifts

Stairs must be used to get down from high-rise buildings during earthquakes. Never use the elevator. When in an elevator, rush down to the nearest floor.

Read More: Earthquake rocks Nepal, six dead while in sleep

Final Words

Earthquakes caused huge death tolls in different countries in recent years. Increasing public awareness is essential in preparing for potential earthquakes and mitigating the damage. And these do’s, and don’ts during earthquakes will surely help an individual to stay safe and survive.