What to Do in Case of Earthquake

Recently there were many earthquakes that we could experience in Singapore. They happened somewhere else yet the shaking traveled down here. The word used by the experts is Epicentre. This is the spot where the earthquake originates. Due to large energy released, it may travel far away. If the epicentre happens to be in the seabed, the we may think, "Ahaa, we will be okay; we will be saved by the sea-water because it will repulse the energy released by the Earth".

Unfortunately, this is not true. Instead, the energy may push the sea-water upwards. Eventually, the sea-water will travel and reach land with some powerful energy. This is called Tsunami. The most-recent Tsunami that caused not few casualties happened in year 2004. It hit few countries, such as Indonesia (Aceh), Malaysia (Penang), Thailand, Srilanka.

In Japan, earthquake is very common. The buildings there are built in such a way that they have a very high resilience against earthquake. In this article, I would like to share with you in what to do in case of earthquake. The information here is taken from an email and it is based on earthquakes happened in Japan.














Don’t rush out of doors

Get yourself under a desk. Cover your head with cushions or magazines so that you can protect your head from falling objects.
No matter how big an earthquake is, violent movements generally last for only one minute or so. Don't panic!












At home

Turn off the sources of fires quickly and open windows and doors.
When a fire occurs, put it out with a fire extinguisher or other things such as blankets.
Cooperate with your neighbors in extinguishing the fires.
Switch off all the electricity circuit breakers.
Turn the gas off at the main.
Work out a plan regularly on how to promptly evacuate and what are required for the escape.
Keep in mind the following if you live in a highrise apartment house;
Follow the instructions of the apartment complex custodian.
Don't use elevators.
The most frightening thing during an earthquake is the threat of fires. In the Great Kanto Earthquake, approximately 100,000 people were killed by fires.















On the street

Keep away from vending machines or block walls. They are likely to fall over easily.
To protect yourself from falling objects, rush into a building or make your way to a nearby open area.
Stay away from downed electrical power lines.
In the Off-Shore Miyagi Earthquake, 18 people were killed by some falling concrete block walls, stone walls or gateposts. Also, in the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, a large number of buildings collapsed. As a result, glass debris were coming down on people.












In department store or movie house

In a department store, protect your head with a bag or a shopping bag in hand. Stay away from the exhibit shelves. They are likely to fall over easily.
In a movie house, get under the seats to protect your head from falling objects.
Don't scramble for exits or elevators.
Don't try to find your own way out. Stay calm down and follow the instructions announced inside the department store / movie house or by persons-in-charge.












In underground passageway

The fearsome thing when you are underground is not the damage caused by the earthquake but the confusion by panic. Even when the power is down, some emergency lights will come on in a split second. There is no need for you to rush to stairs or emergensy exits.
Don't use elevators.
Follow the instructions of the person-in-charge.















On subway or other public transportation

Stay inside the train unless it is absolutely necessary to leave. Otherwise, you may be electrocuted or hit by another train.
Hold on to a strap, handrail or anything that is fixed firmly inside the train.
Follow the instructions of a member of the train crew or station staff.














On the beach or near river

When you feel a tremor near the beach or when a tidal wave alarm is issued, leave the place right away for some heights.
Tidal waves come continuously one after the other. Be on the alert until the"all clear"sign is given.
Listen to the radio or watch television, or get contact with the police or local public offices for accurate information. Don't be fooled by rumors.
Pay attention to whether a tidal wave alarm is issued or not in case of a big earthquake.
Back in 1993, tidal waves hit the Okushiri lsland off the south-west coast of Hokkaido within five minutes after an earthquake occurred. Two hundred two people were reported killed and 28 missing.















Evacuate in group

Follow the instructions of police officers or persons-in-charge. Don't try to evacuate on your own. Move with the neighborhood or resident association.
Evacuate on foot and keep your emergency takeout items to the minimum.
People in the community should cooperate in the evacuation of: persons who are hospitalized; bedridden senior citizens; and the physically / mentally handicapped.













Keep your valuables with you

Keep your valuables in the places so that,in an emergency,you can take them out immediately
Make sure to keep your valuables with you when you evacuate
For example:after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and the Niigata Chuetsu Earthquake,a number of houses and shops were broken or looted while the people were out for evacuation.














Follow accurate information

On your way to or after seeking safety at a designated Evacuation Site, listen to the radio or watch television for emergency public announcements. Don't be misled by false information.
People will become extremely nervous and panicky after severe tremors. Therefore, you should refrain from talking and acting irresponsibly.
Whenever a big earthquake occurs, dissemination of false information misleads us. As an example, during the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, some rumors circulated and almost triggered panic. However, most people kept calm and sought accurate information so as to maintain order.