Be Prepared

Munir Moosa Sewani· Apply safety film to windows and glass
Remember that Earthquakes can happen in mostdoors.
of the countries...anytime...without warning.· Use Plastic, or Steel Utensils for eating or
Reducing hazards and knowing what to do before,cooking purpose, instead of glassware. If you
during and after can make a big difference in yourwant to use it, keep your glassware inside a
life. So BE PREPARED.cabinet after every use.
Introduction:· Install handle on kitchen cabinet doors to
Earthquake occurs when shaking and vibration atprevent items from falling.
the surface of the earth resulting fromWhen the shaking begins:
underground movement along a fault plane of· Switch off your electricity and gas lines at
from volcanic activityonce.
There are basically three types of earthquake:· If you are INDOOR, Drop under heavy
1, Volcanic: Occurs, when any volcano abrupt inchair, bed, furniture, table etc. Stay away from
the mountainous region.the glass windows and protect your body using
2, Tectonic: Occurs, when giant tectonic platesyour arm. If you're in the KITCHEN, move away
under ground pushes or shift.from the refrigerator, stove, and cabinets. If
3. Artificial: Occurs, when any country test theiryou're in a WHEELCHAIR, stay in it. Move to
missiles or nuclear bombs within the country.cover, if possible, lock your wheels, and protect
Before Earthquake:your head with your arms. If you are in BED, hold
Following are the tips for every one to preon and stay there, protecting your head with a
planned before Earthquakes occur.pillow. Sit or stay close to the floor and hold on to
· For Practice and pre planning, choose a safefurniture legs for balance, if possible.
place in every room - under a strong table, chair,· Stay away from doorways, violent motion
bed or desk anywhere, where you are sure thatcould cause the doors to slam against your body,
nothing can fall on you. Drop yourself under acrush your fingers or inflict other serious injuries.
powerful desk or table, hold on firmly, and do· Do not run outside, as it may have seen
remember to protect your eyes and otherthat most of the death occurs during earthquake
sensitive parts of your body by pressing yourjolts due to running outside without considering
face against your arm. If there's no table, bedthe negative result. Remember that earthquake
chair or desk nearby, sit on the floor against ancould take all lives, could demolish all building in
interior wall away from windows, bookcases, orseconds. Please don't be so frustrated. Relax and
tall furniture that could fall on you. Remember thatstay in door until the shaking stops.
in the recent Earthquake in Pakistan, most of the· If you're OUTDOOR, move to a clear area
people have lost their hands, legs or eyesaway from trees, signs, buildings, electrical wires,
because of lack of safety planning.and poles. Please do not stop on or under bridges
· Prepare an emergency supplies kit for yourtoo. If you're on a SIDEWALK NEAR BUILDINGS,
family including few mineral water bottles andbend into a doorway to protect yourself from
non-perishable food most likely dry fruits orfalling bricks, glass, plaster, and other debris. If
canned food, as well as a manual can opener,you're DRIVING, pull over to the side of the road
paper plates, cups, first-aid kit with essentialand stop. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking
medications, sleeping bags, flashlight andis over. If you're in a CROWDED STORE OR
battery-operated radio with extra batteries. KeepSTADIUM OR THEATER, do not rush for exits.
this Kit always by your bedside.Move away from display shelves containing
· Get training in how to use a fireobjects that could fall. Protect your head with
extinguisher. Learn the value of dignity of work.your arms while sitting on the ground or under
Don't be shy as this practical training would be ofany heavy furniture.
worth for you in future. First Aid training couldWhat to do after the shaking stops
also be getting from Guides, Scouts or any NGO's· Check yourself for injuries. Protect yourself
in Pakistan, which provide such trainings like Agafrom further danger by putting on long pants, a
Khan Focus Humanitarian Assistance, Pakistan.long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes, and work gloves.
· If possible, buy a Fire Extinguisher for yourGive first aid for serious injuries.
Flat for future need.· Look for and extinguish small fires. Eliminate
· Make a Diary and keep the importantfire hazards.
phone numbers of your family members in it.· If you had not turned off the gas when the
Keep this diary in your Wallet / Pocket or Purse.jolts started, if you smell a gas or it's leaking now,
· Bolt tall furniture Cabinets, Geyser and allturned off the gas instantly.
the heavy objects to wall studs and install strong· Be alert for Aftershocks. Each time you
handle on cupboards.feel one; just drop yourself under any heavy
· Try to be alert all the time by listening tofurniture.
latest updates on your TV channels/ Radio.· Pay attention to damaged utilities. Avoid
· Develop an earthquake safety action planloose or dangling electric power lines and report all
for your family identifying places that can providegas and electrical problems to the proper
the highest amount of protection during anauthorities and turned off any damaged utilities.
earthquake as well as an escape route and· Use flashlights instead of candles or lanterns.
off-premises meeting place.· Wear protective shoes. Have your shoes
· Teach family members how to cut offand your Kit by your bed in case the earthquake
water, gas and electricity within the house.happens in the middle of the night again.
· Secure heavy objects (e.g. television,· Inspect your home for damage. Get
stereos, computers) with brackets or safetyeveryone out if your home is unsafe.
straps.· If your building is sound, stay inside and
· Use light and small mirrors in your room.listen for radio, or reliable news channel like ARY
· Secure ceiling lights fans using safety cables.ONE, CNN, BBC, FM 101 etc.