How Can You Keep Yourself Safe During an Earthquake?

Have you ever wondered what to do if the Earth starts shaking?

First, it’s recommended to drop on your hands and knees under the nearest table-like furniture. If someone is in an office or a school a desk will do. Once under a table or desk it’s important to grip the legs of the furniture with both your arms and legs while covering your head. This position protects you from any falling objects in the room and will provide you with more stability. You would want to do this until the earthquake ends. This is just one example of how some can stay protected, but there are even larger safety measures that can be taken to keep safe.

Buildings these days usually have concrete bases that help them stay in place during an earthquake. Stress from the Earth's crust is observed by a warning system that notifies people when an earthquake is about to happen. Often, when a building is “earthquake-proof” it may seem protected, however, it might not be very safe as most people think and could still collapse.

There are many earthquakes that happen around the world, and one example is California. Since California frequently experiences earthquakes, they have set drills and alarms ready for any unexpected shakes. In building such as schools and offices computers, cabinets and desks are nailed to the ground and walls to prevent them from falling during a quake. The windows also have clear strong tape to stop the glass from shattering on people. Schools commonly practice these drills and take very big procedures to make sure everyone stays safe.

As part of extra safety measures, alarms are set in classrooms and offices that are attached to the propane gas supply. The alarms go off if an earthquake is above 3.5 on the Richter scale. The Richter scale was named after Charles Frances Richter, who determined the different measurements for an earthquake’s strength.

Earthquakes could happen at any time of day, and it is important to know all the procedures and guidelines if you are in a place where earthquakes happen often. The more prepared you are, the greater chance you have to stay calm and stay safe.

[Source: Volcanoes and Earthquakes ]

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