jalna district disaster management information database & disaster ...

8.6.2 Earthquakes
Section VIII : NGOs and Voluntary Agencies
[In addition to what has been listed under family preparedness as a generic response, earthquakes demand
specific preparedness and responses. Given below are the preparedness measures and responses which are
specific to earthquakes].
The actual movement of the ground in an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death and
injury. Most casualties result from falling objects and debris. Earthquakes also may trigger
landslides and generate huge ocean waves, each of which can cause great damage. There
are many actions which can be taken to reduce the dangers.
8.6.2.1 Preparing for an Earthquake
• Prepare a home Earthquake plan
• Choose a safe place in every room - under a sturdy table or desk or against an inside wall
where nothing can fall on you.
• Practice drop, cover, and hold on at least twice a year. Drop under a sturdy desk or table,
hold on, and protect the eyes by pressing the face against the arm. If there is no table or
desk nearby, sit on the floor against an interior wall away from windows or tall furniture
that could fall on you.
• Teach children to drop, cover, and hold on
8.6.2.2 During an Earthquake
• Stay calm.
• Inside, stand in a doorway or crouch under a desk or table, away from windows. Watch
for falling objects. If in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting the head with a pillow.
Drop, cover, and hold on
• Outdoors, stand away from buildings, trees, telephone, and electrical lines.
• On the road, drive away from subways, fly- overs and bridges. Stop in safe area. Stay in
vehicle.
8.6.2.3 After an Earthquake
• Check for injuries. Provide first aid.
• Check for water, sewage breaks and for downed electrical lines and short-circuits. Turn
off appropriate utilities. Look for and extinguish small fires. Eliminate fire hazards.
• Check for building damage and potential safety problems.
• Clean up dangerous spills.
Jalna District Disaster Response Plan Vol II - 156