WHAT TO DO IN AN EARTHQUAKE ?

SAN FRANCISCO

THE BIG EARTHQUAKE 1906

You might wonder why someone living in area where earthquakes are non-existent would write a post on his blog about what to do in an earthquake ? But, since I am going next week to San Francisco and they still expect "the big one" overthere, I decided to learn what to do to survive and to share this information with you. Always a positive mind !

OK. It all seems common sense, but you never know what you will be doing when panic strikes. First tip therefore: stay calm. If your life should end, it is still better to go with a big bang, than with a small whisper.

Suppose I am in my hotel bed when it happens. In that case it is best to stay in bed, curl up and cover your head with a cushion to prevent falling debris hurting you.

Suppose I am somewhere inside when the earth starts moving. Then it is best to hide underneath heavy furniture like a desk or a table or to stand in the door frame (even I knew about the door frame). Obviously it is best to stay away from the windows or other glass objects. But what if you have a glass door ? It is also wise to stay away from outside walls and to cover your head and face to hide it from falling debris. Do not use the elevator.

Suppose I am in a room or building with a lot of people. Do not rush to the door to try to get outside; in a reflex all the other persons might do the same. It is better to look for cover; see above.

Suppose I am outside; move yourself to an open space without high-rise buildings and utility wires. Stay there till the shaking stops or watch out for after shocks.

Suppose I am driving when it happens. Then move over to the shoulder or the curb and watch that you are not stopping near high-rise buildings and utility wires. It is also not wise to stop on or under a bridge. One should stay in the car and pull the parking brake. Switch on the car radio for information. If you decide to start driving, watch out for holes in the road and loose utility wires.

If the lights fall out you should use a battery-operated flashlight and not matches or candles; if there is a gas leak it goes "kaboum"!!

Well, the chance that you read another post on my blog after 6 March 2008 has increased. But remember: I can still crash with the airplane, run over by a car, suffer a heart attack, be on a runaway cable car, choke on a hamburger or locked in and forgotten on Alcatraz. Life is never dull. Ciao.