Earthquakes? Boston was heavily damaged. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake. What is the "Triangle of Life" and is it legitimate? Step 3: Organize disaster supplies in convenient locations. 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). As soon as the shaking stops, take the fastest and safest way out. 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. Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing. Scientists are not able to predict where and when the next earthquake will be, which means you won’t receive a warning before an earthquake hits or have any time to plan what to do to be safe. But there are many important things we can do before, during, and after an earthquake to protect ourselves, our homes, and our families. Damaged unreinforced masonry building on Main St. in Napa Downtown. After an earthquake, the disaster may continue. Why should people in the eastern United States be concerned about earthquakes? DON'T run downstairs or rush outside while... Detweiler, S.T., and Wein, A.M., eds., 2017, The HayWired earthquake scenario—Earthquake hazards (ver. Boiling is the way to kill disease-causing viruses, parasites, and bacteria that may be in water. Left-stepping en echelon fractures characteristic of right-lateral fault displacement at the ground surface. Put out small fires using extinguisher. Move only a few steps to a nearby safe place. Step 2: Plan to be safe by creating a disaster plan and deciding how you will communicate in an emergency. If you are downtown, it is safer to remain inside a building after an earthquake unless there is a fire or gas leak. Check your coverage - it could affect your financial ability to recover losses after an earthquake. Keep flammable items and household chemicals away from heat and where they are less likely to spill. If the gas is turned off, it must be turned on again by a qualified tradesperson. During the aftermath of an earthquake, you could be stuck in one place without food or power for days. Do not try to run out of the structure during strong shaking. 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. Drop, Cover, and Hold On! Broken gas lines and fire don't mix. What to do ahead of the earthquake First of all, register at your embassy. If the gas is turned off, it must be turned on again by a qualified tradesperson. Put anti-skid pads under TVs, computers and other small appliances, or secure them with Velcro or other such product. Based on observations of an earthquake in Turkey, the idea doesn't apply to buildings constructed within the United States. They may create a spark that could ignite leaking gas and cause an explosion and fire, DO NOT use your telephone, EXCEPT for a medical or fire emergency. Here are 9 … Use a whistle if one is available. Photo taken on main rupture strand near Buhman Rd. The "Triangle of Life" is a misguided idea about the best location a person should try to occupy during an earthquake. Stay away from buildings (stuff might fall off the building or the building could fall on you). Johnson said Alaskans should generally follow a simple mantra when an earthquake hits: " … Earthquake Updates in the Philippines Although you’re not aware of them all, WA experienced 2,252 earthquakes between 2005 and 2015. 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. 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. Instead, lie face down to protect vital organs, and cover your head and neck with a pillow. Don’t Freak Out--ShakeOut! 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.). The 7.8-magnitude Ecuadorean earthquake and the Japanese quake … A loud rumbling may be heard several seconds before the earthquake. From this came our belief that a doorway is … What can I do to be prepared for an earthquake? You may have several options. Do you know what to do the moment the ground starts shaking? Field, E.H., and 2014 Working Group on California Earthquake Probabilities, 2015, UCERF3: A new earthquake forecast for California’s complex fault system: U.S. Geological Survey 2015–3009, 6 p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/fs20153009. Unfortunately, most people aren't in an open meadow when earthquakes hit. 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. 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. Now that you know what to do, make sure you also know what not to do: Do not run outside Do: Shelter in place using Drop, Cover and Hold On; Do not … DO NOT expect firefighters, police or paramedics to help you. Go through your home, imagining what could happen to each part of it, if shaken by a violent earthquake. 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. What emergency supplies do I need for an earthquake? Teach everybody in the family (if they are old enough) how to turn off the water and electricity. As people return to their work and homes, it’s always good to brush up on some basic dos and don’ts for during and after an earthquake. If you do nothing else: If away from home, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so. What to Do Before an Earthquake. Know what to do in each stage. 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. 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. USGS Natural Hazards Programs: Lessons Learned for Reducing Risk; 1995; FS; 061-95; Hays, Walter W. Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), Mapping, Remote Sensing, and Geospatial Data. Closed curtains and blinds will help stop broken window glass from falling on beds. There are no open areas in downtown San Francisco far enough from glass or other falling debris to be considered safe refuge sites. 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?" The primary goal of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Natural Hazards Response is to ensure that the disaster response community has access to timely, accurate, and relevant geospatial products, imagery, and services during and after an emergency event. Discuss earthquake insurance with your insurance broker. Many of these conditions can be prevented by taking a … Los Angeles will have the nation's toughest earthquake safety rules, ESC Seminar: HayWired Scenario Progress Discussion. "Stay in bed," said Sam Johnson, preparedness specialist with the American Red Cross of Alaska. Don't shut off the gas unless there is a leak or a fire. Shout only as a last resort. Bicycles crushed by falling unreinforced brick facade, Pacific Garden Mall. Generally, an earthquake is divided into three stages: before, during, and after. Keep heavy items on lower shelves. Robin Lewis. Stay on your floor, and take cover under a large piece of furniture. Your earthquake safety plan will provide for you and your loved ones during the shaking and what happens after an earthquake. Pavement buckling and tented sidewalk resulting from ~14 cm of compression on Sandybrook Ln., north end of main rupture. The study comprised eight counties: Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura. What can I expect in my house when an earthquake occurs? If the phone doesn't work send someone for help. These hazards include sudden-onset hazards, such as earthquakes, and slowly emerging, chronic hazards, such as those associated with climate change. Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Check off the items that you have completed in this list. ShakeOut GIF showing step seven "reconnect and restore" of the seven steps to earthquake safety. Most casualties result from partial building collapses, falling objects and debris, like toppling chimneys, falling bricks, ceiling plaster, and light fixtures. WEAR STURDY SHOES to avoid injury from broken glass and debris. or move into a hallway or against an inside wall. Stay away from windows, fireplaces, and heavy furniture or appliances, and do not use elevators. 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) … Do not move around or kick up dust. 1.2, December 2018): U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2017–5013–A–H, 126 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20175013v1. What to do Before an Earthquake A well-designed earthquake plan is essential for effective preparedness. Staying Safe After an Earthquake. 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. If you're in a car, stop the car and stay inside the car until the earthquake stops. Failure of unreinforced brick masonry caused collapse of the upper floor in downtown Los Gatos. 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. Composite photo of 1906 damaged buildings and modern family in foreground, Example of a home emergency first aid kit. Don't hang heavy pictures and other items over beds. 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. Ensure you do the following if you are trapped under debris during or after an earthquake: Do not light a match. Credit: Brian Sherrod, USGS. Tips. You could tie up the lines needed for emergency response. Fire is a real danger during the aftermath of an earthquake, when firefighters will likely be overwhelmed with other calls. 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. Use child-proof or safety latches on cupboards to stop contents from spilling out. Man standing in front of collapsed home in Pengzhou. 2004 Deadliest in Nearly 500 Years for Earthquakes, "The Next Big Earthquake" — 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. 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