The recurrent tremors have become a cause for real concern .

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify an earthquake hazard:

Earthquake
A sudden slipping or movement of a portion of the earth’s crust, accompanied and followed by a series of vibrations.

Aftershock
An earthquake of similar or lesser intensity that follows the main earthquake.

Seismic Waves
Vibrations that travel outward from the earthquake fault at speeds of several miles per second. Although fault slippage directly under a structure can cause considerable damage, the vibrations of seismic waves cause most of the destruction during earthquakes.

Take Protective Measures.

Before an Earthquake,
The following are things you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your property in the event of an earthquake (please note this is applicable both at home and in the office)

• Repair defective electrical wiring, leaky gas lines, and inflexible utility connections to avoid shot circuits and gas leaks during the shaking.

• Bolt down and secure to the wall studs your water heater, refrigerator, furnace, and gas appliances. If recommended by your gas company, have an automatic gas shut-off valve installed that is triggered by strong vibrations.

• Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves or just on the floor. Fasten shelves, mirrors, and large picture frames to walls.

• Store bottled foods, glass, china, and other breakables on low shelves or in cabinets that are tightly shut

• Tighten overhead lighting and chandeliers fixtures.

• Be sure the residence is firmly anchored to its foundation.

• Install flexible pipe fittings to avoid gas or water leaks. Flexible fittings are more resistant to breakage during shaking.

• Have a whistle on you just in case you are trapped and want to alert rescuers

• Locate safe spots in each room under a sturdy table or against an inside wall. Reinforce this information by moving to these places during each drill.

• Hold earthquake drills with your family members: Drop, cover, and hold on! Ensure the place you have identified fits the whole family comfortably


During an Earthquake
If indoors

• Minimize your movements during an earthquake to a few steps to a nearby safe place. Stay indoors until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe

• Take cover under a sturdy desk, table, or bench or against an inside wall, and hold on. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building

• Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.

• Stay in bed - if you are there when the earthquake strikes - hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.

• Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, load bearing doorway.

• Stay inside until shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Most injuries during earthquakes occur when people are hit by falling objects when entering into or exiting from buildings

• Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.

• DO NOT use the elevators.

If outdoors - stay there

• Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires. Fall or duck down, hold your head with both arms and just wait till you fill the shaking has stopped.
If in a moving vehicle

• In a moving vehicle stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires. Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped, watching for road and bridge damage.
If trapped under debris:

• Do not light a match. Do not move about or kick up dust


• Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort - shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust

After the earth quake

• Be prepared for aftershocks. These secondary shockwaves are usually less violent than the main quake but can be strong enough to do additional damage to weakened structures.

• Open cabinets cautiously. Beware of objects that can fall off shelves.

• Stay away from damaged areas unless your assistance has been specifically requested by police, fire, or relief organizations.

• Be aware of possible tsunamis if you live in coastal areas. These are also known as seismic sea waves (mistakenly called “tidal waves”). When local authorities issue a tsunami warning, assume that a series of dangerous waves is on the way. Stay away from the beach.

Source –Federal Emergency Management Agency
Dept of Homeland Security