Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2011 10:48:45 -0400
Subject: [Alapon] What to do in an Earthquake
Recently Bangladesh experienced a sever earthquake, measuring 6.8 on the Richter Scale. It could have been extremely devastating. Luckily we were spared this time. Every time we may not be that lucky. University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh has prepared a manual for such emergencies, along with a very useful Video which I have attached. Please try to share with as many people as possible, especially with people in our part of the world.
Thanks and regards.
Abdul Mannan
Bangladesh.
Dear ULABians/Friends
As you all know, Bangladesh experienced an earthquake yesterday, measuring 6.8 Richter with the epicenter in Sikkim. It was felt strongly in Dhaka city, but minimal damage has been reported.
The first reaction of most of us was to run down the stairs and out of the building. Surprisingly, this is often not the best thing to do.
Please view the excellent video that was made by ULAB Sustainable Development Club called, "Earthquake Preparedness on Campus," available at these two links:
http://www.ulab.edu.bd/Video-Library/videodirectlink/Earthquake-Preparedness-on-Campus-by-ULAB-SDC/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4seOEEd9aUo
I am also attaching here helpful advice from the British High Commission in New Delhi about what to do in an earthquake. The advice is in three parts – what to do during, before and after an earthquake.
Two particular questions that often come up are;
- should I stay or should I go? - the advice is that it is generally more dangerous to try and run out of a building during an earthquake than staying in it; and
- should I stand in a doorway? – only if it is a load supporting wall; look around you at home or in the office and you will see that many doorways are simply holes cut in the drywall/plasterboard decorated with a frame, thereby offering no protection whatsoever.
After a seriously destructive earthquake you may be put in the position of having to try to rescue family, friends, neighbours, colleagues. Resist the temptation to rush in! The building/room may be structurally unsafe or there may be other hazards such as bare wiring, broken glass, hanging ceiling tiles. Be aware of your surroundings and check that you are not going to make yourself a casualty by going to help others. Take the time to check if it is safe for you to go to their assistance. Look at the outside of a building. If the door frame and window frames are not square and the angles of all corners are not 90% you have a structural issue and the building may be in danger of collapse. Obviously, the worse the angle the more dangerous the building. You may have to wait for professional help.
There are some interesting websites about earthquakes. I recommend the US Geological Survey which maintains a map of earthquakes around the world and also some historical data about major earthquakes. Just Google "USGS earthquakes".
1) What to Do During an Earthquake
Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might occur. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place and if you are indoors, stay there until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.
If indoors
- DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn't a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
- Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
- Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place. Use the bedding to cover the floor (which may have debris or glass on it) as a route to your nearest strong pair of shoes.
- Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, loadbearing doorway.
- Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave. You run the risk of being hit by falling ceilings etc inside the building and masonry/brickwork/glass outside of it.
- Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
- DO NOT use the lifts.
- Stay there.
- Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
- Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls. Many of the fatalities in US earthquakes occurred when people ran outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from collapsing walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.
- Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
- Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.
- Do not light a match.
- Do not move about or kick up dust.
- Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
- Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
2) What to Do Before an Earthquake
Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake. Repairing deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations, anchoring overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling, and following local seismic building standards, will help reduce the impact of earthquakes.
Ways to Plan Ahead
1. Check for Hazards in the Home
- Fasten shelves securely to walls.
- Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
- Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
- Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit. And if possible don't have bed headboards underneath a window.
- Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.
- Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.
- Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
- Against an inside wall.
- Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.
- In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.
4. Have Disaster Supplies on Hand
- Flashlight and extra batteries.
- Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
- First aid kit and manual.
- Emergency food and water.
- Nonelectric can opener.
- Essential medicines.
- Cash and credit cards (remember that when the electricity is off cash and debit cards cannot be used)
- Sturdy shoes. This is really important. Serious injuries can result when people wander around after an earthquake without proper footwear. There will be glass, nails, and other junk on the floor. Carpet slippers won't work. Find the shoes/boots with the thickest soles and wear them.
- In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.
- Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
3) What to Do After an Earthquake
- Expect aftershocks. These secondary shockwaves are usually less violent than the main quake but can be strong enough to do additional damage to weakened structures and can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake.
- Listen for the latest emergency information.
- Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
- Open cabinets cautiously. Beware of objects that can fall off shelves.
- Stay away from damaged areas. Stay away unless your assistance has been specifically requested by police, fire, or relief organizations. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
- Be aware of possible tsunamis if you live in coastal areas. These are also known as seismic sea waves (mistakenly called "tidal waves"). When local authorities issue a tsunami warning, assume that a series of dangerous waves is on the way. Stay away from the beach.
- Help injured or trapped persons. Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance such as infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.
- Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately. Leave the area if you smell gas or fumes from other chemicals.
- Inspect the entire length of chimneys for damage. Unnoticed damage could lead to a fire.
- Inspect utilities.
- Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. In India we have a combination of propane and piped gas. The risks are the same. A leak from either is capable of causing serious damage to you and your property.
- Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.
- Check for sewage and water lines damage. If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap.
--
Abdul Mannan
Professor
School of Business
University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh
House # 56, Road # 4/A
Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka-1209
Bangladesh.
BDT=GMT +6
Working Days Sunday-Thursday
E-mail:abdul.mannan@ulab.edu.bd
abman1971@gmail.com
http://www.ulab.edu.bd
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