We're all bound to witness a large earthquake in our lifetime. Whether you live in Southern California, or in the alps - tectonic are always moving, and the results are disastrous. Here are 7 earthquake survival tips you should know.
If you live in a newer house, the doorway is not going to be as strong.
DO NOT stand in a doorway: An enduring earthquake image of California is a collapsed adobe home with the door frame as the only standing part. From this came our belief that a doorway is the safest place to be during an earthquake. True- if you live in an old, unreinforced adobe house or some older woodframe houses. In modern houses, doorways are no stronger than any other part of the house, and the doorway does not protect you from the most likely source of injury- falling or flying objects. You also may not be able to brace yourself in the door during strong shaking. You are safer under a table.
1. Secure Windows and items that could fall or break.
2. Go to the part of your house with the highest structural integrity like a door frame or under something sturdy and heavy like a table or desk.
3. Do not stop on or under bridges. If the ground starts shaking while on a bridge, your #1 priority is getting off that bridge.
4. Stay away from tall structures and buildings. Find an open area like a field until the quake stops.
5. Completely pull off of the shoulder of roads. Roads can crack and swallow cars. Try to get completely off the asphalt.
6. Create a bug out bag or a 72 hour kit that includes food, water, and a first aid kit.
7. Designate a bug out location your family will meet at when the phones are down.
Getting under a doorway during an earthquake is no longer taught. Structures no longer use load bearing braces over doorways. Plus a doorway with an attached door will cause the door to swing shut with great force into the person in the doorway. Please don’t use the doorway technique to your readers. it will only endanger them.