Earthquakes cannot be predicted; After shocks are not infrequent;
Nobody can tell when it will happen ?
What to Do Before, During and After an Earth quake

By Dr Fiaz Maqbool Fazili A Disaster Management Expert And Senior
Surgeon
-author of book "major disaster plan (MDP) for Kashmir health care
providers" fiazmfazili@...

The following tips can help you prepare for an emergency and respond
safely to an earthquake.

Before: You can take a number of steps to improve safety before an
earthquake occurs

Prepare an emergency plan and conduct an emergency mock drill or
exercise if possible with your family.

Prepare and maintain an emergency preparedness kit be self-
sufficient for at least few days, and preferably up to 2 days,
following an earthquake.

Evaluate your home . Have your building and appliances inspected to
assure that they are able to withstand a significant earthquake.

Know the location of your gas service shutoff valve, and how to shut
off your gas supply.

Most gas appliances have a shutoff valve located near the appliance
that lets you turn off the gas to that appliance only. Know which of
you appliances use gas, and where the appliance shutoff valves are
located. In some cases, turning off the gas at the appliance's
shutoff valve will suffice.

Know the location of the main electric switch and how to turn off
your electric supply.

Making Your Room Safe

Keep heavy or breakable things away from over your bed or desk. Most
injuries result from falling objects, not collapsing buildings.

Place your bed and desk chair away from windows. If that isn't
possible, sleep with your head away from the window.

Keep breakables secure in low cabinets.

Secure your computer to the table with velcro-type fasteners

Identify safe places in your room, such as under furniture, in an
interior corner, in an interior hallway. Wooden frames of your doors

Avoid windows, mirrors, and hanging objects.

Keep exits clear

Know where exits are located.

Know where you will "Stop, Drop and Hold" during an earthquake .

Prepare Personal Emergency Kit

A personal emergency kit is important for major disasters and
sometimes for not-so major events. A kit makes your life much more
comfortable (a candy bar or crackers can be very sustaining) in a
time of high anxiety. Past and recent experience has taught us that
Government agencies are too slow to mobilize , being prepared
yourself is a responsible way to take care of yourself – and those
around you.

Assemble the following for your kit.

Legal papers: driver's license, birth certificate, passport, credit
card information, immunization records

Flashlight and extra batteries

Portable, battery-powered AM/FM radio with extra batteries

Rubber long boots ;gloves

Personal hygiene supplies (soap, tissues, towel, etc)

Essential medications, prescriptions, spare eyeglasses, or contact
lenses and solution

Phone number of an out-of area contact that all family members use
(local phones will likely not work in an emergency).

Water and non-perishable food (e.g., Biscuits ;canned fruit,,
crackers)

BABY FOODS -(usually forgotten)

What to do during an earthquake;

If you are indoors, duck or drop down to the floor. Take cover under
a sturdy desk, table or other furniture. or stand in an interior
doorway. Hold on to it and be prepared to move with it. Hold the
position until the ground stops shaking and it is safe to move. Stay
away from exterior walls and windows, masonry veneers (such as
fireplaces), tall heavy furniture, and hanging pictures or mirrors
or appliances that may fall over . Stay inside to avoid being
injured by falling glass or building parts. If you are in a crowded
area, take cover where you are. Stay calm and encourage others to do
likewise. Stay away from exterior walls and windows, masonry veneers
(such as fireplaces), tall furniture, and hanging pictures or
mirrors.

If you are outside, get into the open, away from buildings and power
lines.Be alert for falling debris.

If you are driving, pull to side of the road and stop if it is safe
but stay inside your car until the earthquake is over. Move your car
as far out of the normal traffic pattern as possible. If possible,
avoid stopping under or near electric power lines, trees, light
posts or signs Move your vehicle out of the normal traffic pattern
as much as possible. Do not stop on or under overpasses, bridges, or
tunnel. Do not stop under or near electrical power lines, light
posts, trees, or signs. Stay in your car until the earthquake is
over.

If you are in a mountainous area, or near unstable slopes or cliffs,
be alert for falling rock and other debris that could be loosened by
the earthquake.

If you are at the river /lake /beach, move quickly to higher ground
or several hundred yards inland.

If you are cooking in the kitchen, turn off the stove/gas before you
take cover.

If you follow any faith recite the verses prescribed for such an
event.

What to do after an earthquake

STAY CALM. THINK OF CONSEQUENCES.

Check yourself for injuries. Often people tend to others without
checking their own injuries. You will be better able to care for
others if you are not injured or if you have received first aid for
your injuries. Ensure everyone is safe.

Protect yourself from further danger by putting on long pants, a
long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes, and work gloves. This will protect
your from further injury by broken objects. leaking waters and toxic
or inflammable material or prevent you from electric shocks.

After you have taken care of yourself, help injured or trapped
persons. If you have it in your area, call control room , then give
first aid when appropriate. Don't try to move seriously injured
people unless they are in immediate danger of further injury.

Look for and extinguish small fires. Eliminate fire hazards. Putting
out small fires quickly, using available resources, will prevent
them from spreading. Fire is the most common hazard following
earthquakes, creating more damage than the earthquake.

Smell of gas or think it's leaking. Do not use electrical switches,
appliances, telephones or any flame if you suspect a gas leak,
because sparks can ignite gas. . Find a phone away from the building
and call fire services /control room immediately. If it is safe to
do so, turn off the gas service shutoff valve normally located near
the cylinder or disconnect it from the gas . If leaking gas starts
to burn, do not try to put the flame out. Call fire
services /control room immediately. Once the gas is shut off , do
not try to turn it back on yourself. Only fire services or civil
defense or another qualified professional should turn the gas back
on. Explosions have caused injury and death when homeowners have
improperly turned their gas back on by themselves.

Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline, or other flammable
liquids immediately. Avoid the hazard of a chemical emergency.

Open closet and cabinet doors cautiously. Contents may have shifted
during the shaking of an earthquake and could fall, creating further
damage or injury.

Inspect your home for damage. Get everyone out if your home is
unsafe. Aftershocks following earthquakes can cause further damage
to unstable buildings. If your home has experienced damage, get out
before aftershocks happen.

Help neighbors who may require special assistance. Elderly people
and people with disabilities may require additional assistance.
People who care for them or who have large families may need
additional assistance in emergency situations.

Listen to a portable, battery-operated radio (or television) for
updated emergency information and instructions. If the electricity
is out, this may be your main source of information. Local radio and
local officials provide the most appropriate advice for your
particular situation.

Expect aftershocks. Most of these are smaller than the main
earthquake. Some may be large enough to do additional damage to
weakened structures Each time you feel one, drop, cover, and hold
on! Aftershocks frequently occur minutes, days, weeks, and even
months following an earthquake. Expect aftershocks. Most of these
are smaller than the main earthquake. Some may be large enough to do
additional damage to weakened structures.

Watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines, and stay out
of damaged areas. Hazards caused by earthquakes are often difficult
to see, and you could be easily injured. Check for downed or damaged
electric utility lines. Never touch wires lying on the ground, wires
hanging on poles, or objects that may be touching them. Downed wires
still may be carrying current and could shock, injure or even kill
if touched. Check for damaged household electrical wiring and shut
off the power at the main electric switch if you suspect any damage.
If the power goes out, turn off all electric appliances, and unplug
major electric appliances to prevent possible damage when the power
is turned back on.

Stay out of damaged buildings. If you are away from home, return
only when authorities say it is safe. Damaged buildings may be
destroyed by aftershocks following the main quake.

Use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights to inspect your home.
Kerosene lanterns, torches, candles, and matches may tip over or
ignite flammables inside.

Inspect the entire length of chimneys carefully for damage. Approach
chimneys with caution. They may be weakened and could topple during
an aftershock. Unnoticed damage could lead to fire or injury from
falling debris during an aftershock. Cracks in chimneys can be the
cause of a fire years later.

Avoid smoking inside buildings. Smoking in confined areas can cause
fires.

When entering buildings, use extreme caution. Building damage may
have occurred where you least expect it. Carefully watch every step
you take. Don't use any elevator unless it has been checked. Wear
shoes to avoid injury from broken glass. Don't eat or drink from
open containers because they may contain broken glass.

Examine walls, floor, doors, staircases, and windows to make sure
that the building is not in danger of collapsing. Fallen objects in
closets and cupboards: Displaced objects may fall when you open the
door.

Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing
noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the
gas, using the outside main valve if you can, and call the gas
company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any
reason, it must be turned back on by a professional. Use flashlights
or battery-powered lanterns. Do not use lighters, matches, candles,
or lanterns until you are sure there are no gas leaks

Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or
frayed wires, or if you smell burning insulation, turn off the
electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to
step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an
electrician first for advice.

Check for sewage and water line damage. If you suspect sewage lines
are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water
pipes are damaged, contact the plumber and avoid using water from
the tap. You can obtain safe water from undamaged water heaters or
by melting ice cubes.

Watch for loose plaster, drywall, and ceilings that could fall.

Clean up. Clean up potentially harmful materials (toxic inflammable
and/or medicines which may have spilled.

Use the telephone only to report life-threatening emergencies.
Telephone lines are frequently overwhelmed in disaster situations.
They need to be clear for emergency calls to get through. Use your
telephone or cell phones only in the event of life-threatening
emergencies.

Keep streets clear for emergency vehicles. Cooperate with public
safety officials.

Take pictures of the damage, both to the house and its contents, for
insurance claims.

DO NOT SPREAD RUMORS

If you hear that some particular area locality is having damage;
please stay away ;allow rescue workers to evacuate or if you want to
help coordinate with the site coordinator;

According to faith -Seek forgiveness from "ALLAH" as per Islam earth
quakes come when sins go unchecked; and is curse on that community

Watch animals closely. Leash dogs and place them in a fenced yard.
The behavior of pets may change dramatically after an earthquake.
Normally quiet and friendly cats and dogs may become aggressive or
defensive.

Earthquake drills, plans, and supplies ; Store emergency supplies

After a major earthquake, medical aid, transportation, water,
electricity, and communication may be unavailable or severely
restricted for several days to weeks. Be prepared to take care of
yourself, your family, and your neighbors for at least three days,
longer if you live in a remote area.

At home, at work, and in your car, store flashlights, batteries, an
ABC rated fire extinguisher, a battery-operated radio, a first aid
kit and handbook, at least one gallon of water per person per day,
food, warm clothes, sturdy shoes, gloves, and a fresh supply of any
medications you and your family members may need. Don't forget baby
foods ;

Consider what you will need if an earthquake takes place in the
winter. Have warm clothes and sleeping bags and pads for all members
of your family.

Make sure emergency supplies are located in a safe and readily
available place.

Make sure everyone in your family knows where these supplies are and
how to use them.

Include pets in your planning. Plan for their food and water
supplies for at least three days. Make arrangements with a neighbor
to care for your pet (s) in the event you are unable to get home.



Children and earthquakes

Earthquakes are traumatic events for all of us, but they are
especially frightening for children who may have to leave their
homes and all that is familiar to them. A child does not usually
understand such events and feels anxious, confused, and frightened.
Fear is a normal reaction to any danger which threatens life or well-
being. After an earthquake, a child's fears are those of recurrence,
injury, death, or of being alone, separated from the rest of the
family. Aftershocks can increase this fear. Parents sometimes ignore
the emotional needs of a child once assured of their physical
safety. A child's persistent fears may generate disruptive behavior,
surprising and frustrating a parent who is trying to continue with
the daily family routine. How a parent can help:

Keep the family together. This provides immediate reassurance to a
child; fears of being abandoned and unprotected are alleviated.

Reassure children by words as well as actions. Emphasize the
positive: "We are all together and nothing has happened to us,"
or "You don't have to worry, we will look after you."

Encourage the child to talk. It can also be helpful to include other
family members, neighbors, and their children in a talk about
reactions to the earthquake.

Include the child in family activities. There will be important
concerns and things to do after an earthquake: checking on the
damage, cleaning up broken glass and fallen furniture. Whenever
possible, a child can and should be included in these activities. At
bedtime, a child may have difficulty falling asleep. The child may
wake up during the night, and have nightmares for weeks or months
after the earthquake. These situations may be dealt with by allowing
the child to move into a room with another child or to sleep on a
mattress in the parents' room, or simply by a parent spending a
little extra time in the child's room giving reassurance.

At bedtime, a child may have difficulty falling asleep. The child
may wake up during the night, and have nightmares for weeks or
months after the earthquake. These situations may be dealt with by
allowing the child to move into a room with another child or to
sleep on a mattress in the parents' room, or simply by a parent
spending a little extra time in the child's room giving reassurance.


SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN: Earth quake

Before an Emergency It is vital that parents keep home, work, cell
phone, e-mail, emergency contacts, and who can pick their student up
from school up to date with the authorities. This information is
critical. Parents should know student's bus number, class schedule,
locker number, friend's names and phone numbers. Parents and students

both must understand this plan and talk regularly to set up a plan
for situations such as these below. there should be mock drill for
major disasters. Buildings should be inspected periodically for
safety standards.

During shaking ;DUCK, COVER, HOLD/EARTHQUAKE; If an earthquake or
similar emergency situation occurs or staff says Duck and Cover:1.
Duck-get down2. Cover-get under desk or by a hallway wall3. Hold-
hold onto desk and stay there4.Move away from windows where there
are large panes of glass and away from objects that may fall or tip
over. Everyone is to lay on the floor, duck and cover and hide away
from windows and doors. Don't panic and run towards the door
maintain discipline. Don't cry or scream; Follow teachers
instructions;

When shaking stops:

Stay calm. Stay where you are unless in immediate danger - do not
evacuate. If an earthquake has happened, be prepared for
aftershocks. Remain in duck, cover and hold until you hear an
announcement. Listen carefully for additional directions and be
prepared to evacuate., make sure exit path is safe, then exit.

• Listen carefully for additional directions via the intercom or a
messenger, which may include a change of status or evacuation.•
Resume normal activities and bell schedule only when notified by an
administrator or Head of the school.• Students are to stay in the
classroom they are in or return to their class immediately.

• DO NOT leave room for any reason.

• • Classes should continue as normal, however they should remain
quiet. if teachers feel it is safe; One should remain on telephone
as parents may panic;

• If classes are out of the building, they should remain outside.•
Everyone is to immediately report to nearest room or stay where they
are (ie: bathroom, closet).
PLEASE TELL YOUR NEIGHBOURS:FRIENDS: RELATIVES ABOUT IT BY
PRINTING_YOU WILL GET REWARD FROM ALLAH

Dr Fiaz Maqbool Fazili : Senior surgeon; Disaster mangement expert-
KFH dept of surgery ;Medinah Munawarh;President WALS(KSA)Member KRRC-
Kashmir record and research council
http://krrc.org/

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