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29 March 2024

Safety with E24|7: How to survive earthquake

(Supplied)

Published
By Mahra S.

The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority has launched a guidebook to help UAE residents enhance their capabilities in managing crises.

‘Emirates24|7’
will publish a weekly guideline from this book to make readers more aware of how to deal with emergencies.

This week we highlight guidelines on what to do in case of ‘earthquakes and tremors’.   

In its guidebook, the authority presents readers with a series of concepts and methods that can be adopted in different cases of emergencies, in order to avoid dangers that might threaten their own lives, their families and environment. The guidelines will prepare people to face emergencies that can occur on road, school or at work when earthquakes strike.

This guidebook also shows readers how to protect their properties, as well as the individual and collective property of others, through instructions and advice that correspond to the different types and natures of hazards likely to occur in times of peace, war, turmoil and disasters.

Readers can learn how to deal with emergencies in times of peace, i.e. natural disasters and sudden power outages, and how to stock up on food supplies.

It also offers instructions on measures that should be taken in times of war to avoid crises, in terms of consumption levels, blood donation, warnings, shelters and personal defence.

In particular, the guidebook focuses on the importance of a “previously prepared emergency kit”, and helps readers to avoid potential chemical and biological terrorist threats as well as bomb attacks.

Earthquakes and tremors


Earthquakes are a natural phenomenon that cannot be predicted or avoided. However, there are precautionary measures that help minimise their consequences and damages during and after their occurrence.

Earthquakes are quick earth tremors followed by aftershocks called ‘seismic waves’ that are due to the breaking and shifting of rocks in the centre of the Earth as a result of geological

effects leading to the movement of the tectonic plates.

Earthquakes can occur as a result of volcanoes or the sliding of the Earth’s layers.

Earthquakes can lead to the cracking of the Earth, the depletion of springs or the appearance of new ones. They can also cause elevation or sinking in the earth’s surface as well as high waves

below sea level (tsunami), in addition to their devastating effects on buildings, transportation networks and utilities.

The magnitude of an earthquake is measured on a scale of 1 to 10 known as the Richter scale.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 1 to 4 is considered “small with little damage to people and property. A 4 to 6 magnitude earthquake is considered “average” with potential

damage to houses and buildings. “Big” earthquakes, on the other hand, are of a magnitude of 7 and over on the Richter scale and are capable of destroying entire cities or areas, razing them to the ground or burying them underground.

Earthquakes experienced in the UAE to date haven’t been local. They were all aftershocks from earthquakes that occurred elsewhere in the region, and no cases of extremely high sea waves have ever been registered.

However, in case any seismic activity that may represent a hazard to the country were detected, it would be dealt with immediately in coordination with the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology.

Indeed, the alarm will be sounded and the relevant authorities and police will activate the emergency plans that have been put in place for such incidences.

When an earthquake occurs…

In case you are in a building:

 



• Stand under a doorframe or crouch under a solid table.

• Stay away from windows, glass and shelves as well as anything that might fall from above and harm you.

• Be careful of gas leakage and do not light candles, matches or any other sources of heat during and after the earthquake

In case you are outside:


• Stand away from trees.

• Stay in an open space until the earthquake stops.

• Stay away from upper or lower passageways.

• Stay away from buildings and outer walls.

• Stay away from high lampposts as well as electricity and telephone lines.

In case you are in a car:

• Stop as soon as you safely can.

• Stay away from tunnels and bridges, and do not get out of the car.

In all cases:


• Try to remain calm, do not panic and try to help those around you.

• Avoid calling the emergency number (999) to reduce pressure on the lines.

• Listen to the radio or the TV to follow up on the latest news and developments

After the earthquake...


• Search for the injured, help them out and give them first aid, or get help by calling civil defence or the police if need be.

• Search for the missing and check on your family and friends.

• Do not walk around barefoot.

• Watch out for gas, water and sewage leaks and report them.

• Check for broken wires and unplug electrical appliances from power sources.

• Clean up any toxic leaks.

• Listen to the local news and follow instructions.

• Try not to use the telephone.

• Check the building to ensure that there are no new structural defects, such as cracks in the walls, floors, balcony railings and columns, and report any such defects to the relevant authorities (municipality; building inspection section; if you are living in a private or public building, or the maintenance unit in the area)

In case evacuation is necessary:

Do not use the elevators; leave in an orderly manner using the staircase.

And before leaving your house:

·         turn off all lights and electrical appliances.

·         Close all gas sources and water faucets.

·         Gather all your family.

·         Get your previously packed kit.

·         Close the door, and insure your house.

The evacuation of a building becomes necessary in the presence of clear structural defects. In case no new cracks are found, you can remain in the building.

 




In case you find yourself trapped under rubble:

·         Try to lean on a nearby wall where rescuers can easily reach you.

·         Cover your nose and mouth with a piece of cloth or with your hand.

·         Do not use a lighter or light a match.

·         Use a whistle (if you have one available) or shout as loud as you can so that rescuers know where you are.

Survival kit for earthquakes:

• Sufficient amount of drinking water as well as canned and dried food to last a whole week (to be used and replaced in order not to perish).

• A can opener and a matchbox.

• A first-aid kit containing the necessary first-aid tools and medicines for the whole family.

• A first-aid manual.

• A small radio, a torch and spare batteries.

• A fire extinguisher and a smoke detector.

• An adjustable wrench to repair gas or water leaks.

• A portable escape ladder.

• Police, emergency and civil defence telephone numbers.

Tips to increase your chances of survival if you are trapped under rubble:
 


• Protect your head and face from shattered glass or objects that might fall from above by covering your head with a coat, a blanket, newspapers, a box, etc.

• Stay away from hazardous areas or unstable objects and, if possible, wear a pair of thick shoes to protect your feet from shattered glass.

• Lean on any wall free of glass windows or installed shelves or crawl under a counter, desk, solid table or firm bed where you will have space to breathe and will be protected from falling objects.

• If you are in a safe place, stay put. Do not use the staircase or the elevators because there is a high risk of rubble falling from the staircase or exits getting blocked or of power outage occurring in the elevators.

• Use a flashing light to attract attention and do not turn on the lights or light matches, fires, gas ovens, etc. unless you are sure there are no risks of gas leaks.

• If you are trapped under rubble, move your fingers and toes from time to time to ensure the circulation of blood and to prevent thrombosis.

• Keep your spirits up by thinking of your loved ones. This will help you fight for life and will keep you strong.

• Stay calm, remain alert and answer the rescuers’ calls. Do not yell unnecessarily as this will only deplete your energy.

• Attract the rescuers’ attention by using a flashing light, or by yelling if you are sure that someone is around.

• Eat food and drink water from the fridge, if accessible.

• Cut down on your food consumption so that you have food for a longer time.

• Be careful around shattered glass and rubble.

Also read:  Breaking News: Massive 7.9 earthquake rocks Nepal; Tremors in India, Pakistan