This Is What Family Needs To Do To Be Better Prepared For Earthquakes

Natural disasters, like earthquakes, cannot be predicted. So, it would be nice if Mother and Father invited the family to prepare themselves, so they know what to do to save themselves if an earthquake occurs. That way, the family can make various efforts to avoid danger during an earthquake. Unlike the anticipated floods, earthquakes are difficult to know when they will occur. This disaster occurs suddenly without warning and is difficult to predict. However, there are ways you can save lives. This is important to know, especially if Mother, Father and family are in earthquake-prone areas.

What Can Be Done to Deal with Earthquakes?

Inviting families to learn and prepare themselves before an earthquake occurs is expected to make everyone better prepared for a disaster. In order for families to avoid danger during an earthquake, you should prepare a few things:

• Arranging furniture in the house

Mother and Father can arrange the house so it is safer if an earthquake occurs. For example, by removing heavy displays, such as paintings and mirrors, from places where people sit or sleep. The goal is that these objects do not fall and endanger the occupants of the house when an earthquake occurs.

• Disaster prepared equipment

Prepare a disaster prepared bag containing emergency equipment, such as a first aid kit, which is needed for at least 3 days until help arrives. Make sure all family members know the location of this bag so that it can be carried easily. Mother and Father can also prepare similar bags at work and private vehicles. In addition, place comfortable shoes and a flashlight under each bed to deal with emergencies.

• Get to know the shelter

In each room in the house, Mother and Father can identify which places are safe to use for protection in the event of an earthquake, for example under strong furniture such as sturdy tables and chairs. In the event of an earthquake, in addition to taking shelter in a safe place, lean against the wall in the corner of the building, and avoid cabinets or other furniture that has the potential to fall, so as not to be crushed.

• Doing simulations to deal with disasters

There is no harm in doing simple evacuation simulations at home. Starting from how to take cover inside the house, evacuate outside the room, including learning to do first aid in an accident. This is an important part in preparing for disaster.

Making a list of important numbers such as hospitals, police, fire departments, or government agencies is also important for dealing with emergencies. Mother and Father do not forget to teach children when and how to contact these numbers.

Protect Yourself when an Earthquake Occurs

In addition to preparing for emergencies, it is important to provide family members with knowledge about how to protect themselves when an earthquake occurs. Ways to protect yourself include:

• Find a safe place

If an earthquake occurs, try to duck, cover, and hold out until the shock stops. Take a squat or stomach position. Protect your head and neck with your hands. If necessary, crawl to achieve a safe position or hold on to sturdy furniture.

• Give news to people you can rely on

If you are trapped inside a house or other building, try to give news of your whereabouts. If you are carrying a cellphone, send a short message to someone you can rely on, hit the pipe or wall, or if you bring a whistle, blow it to let you know where you are to the rescue team.

• Stay away from buildings and look for open spaces

If an earthquake occurs while outside the home, look for an open place and stay away from buildings, trees, bridges, overpasses, or cables. If you are in a vehicle, pull over and stop. Stay in a safe place during an earthquake. Beware of aftershocks that are sometimes stronger shocks.

• Determine the meeting point

If necessary, determine a place where the family can meet after saving themselves. This is useful if Mother, Father and family members are not in the same place or separated when the earthquake.

These methods may look easy, but they are certainly difficult to do when a sudden disaster comes. However, with the knowledge and preparation to face this disaster, Mother, Father, and family are expected to survive the danger of disaster.