What should we do before, during and after an earthquake?

Answer 1

Before an earthquake you can't do much because you don't know when the earthquake will be or where YOU will be at the time.

During the earthquake you should get underneath a hard surface if possible (like a desk) or get under a doorway. Stay away from windows. Do NOT go outside. Don't use elevators or stairs.

After the earthquake, If there is a fire, stay low to the ground, touch doors before you open them (so you can see if they are hot and there is a fire behind them). Also, use a T-shirt or cloth to breath through (put it up to your nose and mouth and breath through the cloth...it should be permeable enough) to help you get out of a smoky environment. Make sure you don't try to use elevators as you do NOT want to get stuck in them and you won't know how reliable they are.

Also, always check your surroundings to make sure that you aren't going to walk into a downed powerline or walk into an area with a gas leak (static electricity could set it off and you would be instantly barbequed).

If there are people that need first aid, make sure that the area is safe before helping them. The paramedics don't need TWO people to save instead of one. Try to call for help as well. If someone is down, try to talk to them if they are conscious. Tilt their heads back to make sure the airway isn't obstructed. Check their ears for fluid (if there is fluid...that could be a sign of a spinal injury). If they are unconscious...check to see if they are breathing (you could put your finger under their nose to see if air is coming out) and if they aren't...start rescue breathing.
Also, check for a pulse. If there isn't one, attempt CPR.
Unless there is further iminent danger, NEVER move someone. You could permanently paralyze them.

If there is bleeding, apply pressure directly on the wound and elevate it above the heart if possible. Also, if there is a puncture wound...don't remove the object! You can bandage around the object to help slow the bleeding and apply pressure to one of the maojr arteries (the femoral artery near the groin or the braccial artery in the arm).

I'm sure there is some other stuff that other people could mention as well. I only know this stuff cause I took a couple of classes bcak in high school. That was like 5-6 years ago, though.
If you can, try to take a first aid course. It could seriously come in handy some day in a situation like an earthquake.


Hope that helps....

-E

Answer 2

You can know that an earthquake is coming by the strange behaviour of animals. But you can't really tell for sure whether it's going to be an earthquake or not.

But still, just assuming you know it's going to be an earthquake, and you're inside your house, you should turn off the water and gas, close all windows, and stay away from the glass. It may be a good idea to scotch-tape the windows criss-cross, like people did at wartime when their city was being bombed.

When an earthquake hits, and you're indoors, you should never try to run outside. Never use elevators or stairways, stay near capital walls, crouch and cover your head with your arms.

If you're outdoors, just make sure you don't have anything around you that can fall as a result of an earthquake.

After an earthquake, I guess, you should try to help people that can't get out of buildings, stay alert and just help others clean up the mess.

Answer 3

Before, well, there's not a lot of before, because we can't predict them.

During, if you can, get under a door frame or something. I've only been through a few small ones, and so far, I've been lucky to understand what was going on, much less do something about it. If I permanently lived where they were common, I might be more aware of what to do and where do go.

After, there's not much, unless there's damage, in which case try to help others who might not be so lucky as you.

Answer 4

Before: move to the Texas Panhandle and keep your TV on
During: watch the coverage on TV
After: Discuss it with neighbors, pray, support Red Cross and other
disaster relief efforts and read your next day newspaper.

Answer 5

during an earthquake you should get underneath a hard surface if possible (like desk) or get under door way.stay away from windows.do not go outside.do not use elevators and stairs............

Answer 6

Door jambs, dude, always with the door jambs.