Where do you think it is the safest place to be in on an earthquake? It depends on where you are during the time the earthquake starts. All you can do, though, is decrease the chances of injury by finding the nearest cover to protect yourself from falling objects. Read on to learn more about where it could be.
Why Earthquakes are Dangerous
An earthquake is the shaking of the earth’s surface, resulting from a sudden release of energy in the earth’s lithosphere. Science refers to it as the sudden movement of the earth’s tectonic plates, resulting in shaking of the ground. When they occur, it is usually quite brief, but there may be many over a short time frame. Earthquakes don’t only happen in California. Today, about 48 states are at risk for major earthquakes, threatening nearly half of the Americans. The Pacific Northwest, Utah, and California have braced for years for their next earthquake that they call the Big One. An earthquake knows no season. It can strike at any place and time without warning. The effects of an earthquake are dreadful and devastating. The perceived environmental impacts of it are tsunamis and landslides. A powerful earthquake can destroy buildings, roads, and bridges. Some victims tend to be homeless after the destructible quake. It also disrupts transport systems and communication connections.
Where is the Safest Place to be in an Earthquake?
The location and situation you’re in when an earthquake strikes are always unique to you. Because this natural disaster is so unpredictable, it’s more helpful for you to know some tips to help you in determining the safest place to be based on the site you’re at.
When an earthquake occurs, your instinct is to make sure that you keep yourself safe in your present location. Your goal is to protect your life and avoid injuries. Experts recommend that you keep in mind the SOP of the drop, cover, and hold on. Drop refers to stopping whatever you’re doing and immediately getting on the floor in your hands and knees. This will stabilize your body from not falling over. Cover refers to covering your neck and vital organs in your body. Do so if you’re able to crawl to a safe location. Hold on means yo have to grasp the nearest shelter available such as a chair or table leg.
- If You Are Indoors. You should not rush to go outside and stay where you are if you are indoors. You need to drop to the ground and take cover under a sturdy table or furniture. Hold on to something stable until the quake stops. If there’s nothing around you, cover your face and head with your arms and duck in the corner. You have to stay away from glass, outside doors, and anything that could fall. If you are in bed when the quake strikes, hold on and shield your head with your pillow. But if you happen to be in your hotel room, stay there and don’t push yourself to go outside immediately. You have to find a sturdy desk or an inside corner. It is still the safest place to be even if you’re room is on the 30th floor.
- If You Are Outdoors. If you are outdoors, do not seek shelter inside. Instead, move to an open space you can find. Remember to move away from buildings, streetlights, and wires. Once in the open, stay where you are until the shaking stops.
- If You Are in a Moving Vehicle. Don’t stop right away if vehicles are still moving around you. Pullover to the roadside and stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the car. It is not good to stop under buildings, big trees, overpass locations.
Conclusion
Where is the safest place to be in an earthquake? Though we just learned where the safest place is, preparation is still the key. Remember: The more you are prepared, the more you will be tagged as safe. Find out more about emergency plans.