We are going to the Moon, exploring possibilities of life on Mars, and detecting various new germs and viruses which can pose threats to human life by creating an epidemic. We are even trilled to watch movies on science fiction like Minority Report and the ones like Mission Impossible which deals with high-end technological approaches. Every second and minute, there is some sort of discovery, major or minor! But what happens when nature strikes?
We cannot control Nature's rage! We are just mere puppets in front of the "playful nature". Nature can play with us in any way it likes! Hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes are the forms by which the Nature portrays its anger! Every year, these natural disasters are accompanied with loss of life and property. But we need to protect ourselves from Nature's wrath. Here is how we can stay safe during earthquakes:
If You are Staying Indoor:
- If you are inside a house, when the earthquake strikes, drop down and take cover under a table or any other sturdy furniture. If no such furniture is available, then don't panic! You can cover your head with your hands or arms and take shelter against the inside corner of the building.
- Stay away from wobbly furniture like book shelves and other fixtures like light fittings and glass windows.
- If you are not on the ground floor, stay away from balconies and windows. Never try to take an elevator during such an event, even if they are working. Rather try to take the stairs. You should know that the electricity may go out or the fire alarms may turn on during such an event.
- If you are in bed when the earthquake strikes, hold on and protect your head with a pillow. However, if you are under a heavy light fixture or anything that could fall, move to the nearest safe place.
- Try to stay in the position until the shaking stops and you get completely sure that it is safe to exit. Many people try to rescue themselves by running out of the building. But research has shown that most of the accidents occur while people try to change their locations.
If You are Staying Outdoor:
- Take a quick look at the surroundings and move away from the street lights, utility wires and buildings. Being in an open ground is the safest option.
- Try to stoop down, as most of the casualties during earthquakes occur due to flying glasses, falling objects or collapsing walls.
- Try to stay away from the exit doors and exterior walls, as the chances of mishaps are more at these locations.
- If you are inside a shopping mall or a shop, then move away from the merchandise since there is a chance that they may fall on you. Don't forget to cover your head and face with hands and arms. Crouch under a table or an inside corner. Move away from escalators and glass borders of balconies.
- If you are in any moving vehicle on such an occasion, you would feel something is wrong with the car. Don't stop in the middle of the road! Switch on your indicator and take your vehicle to a side. Avoid parking directly under a building, utility wires, trees, or light poles. Look for an open area. Proceed only after the earthquake stops. Avoid using flyovers and bridges immediately after earthquakes as the structures may collapse due to an after quake effect.
- In case you get stuck under debris, try to cover your mouth and nose with a cloth as inhalation of excessive dust can choke you. If there is a metal object like a pipe, try to tap it continuously so that the rescuers can locate you. Don't light a match in any case. If there is enough room for you to breathe, you can shout for help, but do it as your last resort.
Nature will show its wrath from time to time. Even the latest scientific advancements are not in a position to stop it! But a bit of common sense and knowledge will allow us to at least protect ourselves from the natural calamities. We cannot control it, but we can protect ourselves! Defense is the best policy in this case.
