WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF AN EARTHQUAKE: 15 IMPORTANT TIPS - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

Today we bring you a series of tips on what to do in the event of an earthquake. There are many areas and countries on our planet that are prone to earthquakes, such as Japan, Mexico or Chile. However, there is no point on planet Earth that is free from a possible earthquake.

Therefore, if you want to know how to act in those moments, take note of each of the following tips so that you know what to do before, during and after an earthquake. Remember to read to the end of the article so you don't miss out on some of the most important recommendations.

Firefighter acting after an earthquake occurred. Image by David Mark from Pixabay

First we will see what you can do if an earthquake occurs, then what to do when the system is terminated, and finally what you can do to prevent an earthquake.

During the earthquake

1- do not panic

The first thing to do during an earthquake is to stay calm. Allowing panic to get the best of you will only cause fear to spread to the people around you. Learning to control your nerves is the fundamental key during this type of event; that will help you think more clearly.

If you already have an emergency action plan, follow it to the letter. When earthquakes are not strong, they usually end soon. If not, stay where you are. Do not expose your family members for ignorance and give them the confidence they need. They could get into a nervous breakdown and act incorrectly. For example, they would push others.

2- Evaluate the situation in which you find yourself

If you are inside your home, do not go out. The best thing to do in these cases is to cover your head with both hands and protect yourself under furniture with a sturdy base. Be it a table or a desk. You can even lie on the side of your bed.

If you are in a wheelchair, lock it and protect the back of your neck and head. Whatever the case, the most important thing is that you stay away from walls, glass, windows or heavy objects that could fall.

Now, if the earthquake happens at night while you sleep, don't waste time hiding under the bed. In this case, protecting your head with a pillow or blanket is ideal. Lie in the fetal position and stay that way until the movement stops.

3- Avoid areas where there is electricity

If the earthquake occurs when you are on the street or in a shopping center, do not run. Just stay away from power poles, windows, buildings, and any other objects that could fall.

Don't use elevators or rush to the nearest exit. During an earthquake, the electricity is unstable; so using stairs will always be the best option.

Try to find a suitable shelter and stay there as long as necessary. Remember that the first seismic aftershocks are the strongest. After that, there are usually temporary pauses before a new tremor.

Likewise, earthquakes can trigger large ocean waves. If for any reason you find yourself in a high-risk area of ​​a coastal area, stay away from the sea. In cases like this, it is recommended that you head to higher ground and stay there until experts declare the area out of danger.

4- If you drive, get out of the car

If you are driving a car, slow down and stop in a safe zone. You can also pull over in the right lane. If you panic behind the wheel, you could cause a big accident. Avoid crossing bridges, approaching high-rise buildings, or any other structure that could collapse. Just stay inside the vehicle until the shaking stops.

In case you are on a bus, stay in your seat even if the transport stops. If there isn't something you can protect yourself with, sit in a fetal position and cover your head from falling debris with both arms.

5- Do not put on fire

It is important that during an earthquake you avoid lighting objects such as candles or matches. Remember that gas pipes could be cracked or broken due to the shaking. Obviously, this could lead to terrible accidents.

After the earthquake

6- Check for injuries

After an earthquake, the first thing you should do is check to see if someone is hurt. That way you can provide the necessary aid. If someone is seriously injured, ask for help to evacuate with caution.

After a major earthquake, some buildings are not safe. In that case, it is best to evacuate the area quickly. Do it calmly and orderly, always following the instructions of the authorities.

Also, wear sturdy shoes and protective clothing to avoid injury from falling debris. Especially broken glass. The idea is to be prepared for aftershocks. Since, although these tend to be milder, there have been cases where these vibrations exceed the levels of tragedies reached by the first earthquake.

7- Check the light, gas or water contacts

After an earthquake, you need to check the condition of the water, gas and electricity pipes. To do this, be guided by sight and smell. Remember that you should not put any device into operation.

Rather, unplug appliances and broken lights to prevent fires once power is restored. But, if you have questions or find any anomaly in your home, close the general stopcocks and contact the technicians or local authorities.

Also, clean up any spilled liquids or debris that pose a hazard. If you have to open cabinets, do so carefully. It is normal for some objects to remain in an unstable position after an earthquake. A complete furniture overhaul is always important. That way, you won't have a problem returning home when the emergency is over.

8- Do not go near damaged areas

In case you cannot return to your home because the area has been considered as high risk, stay with your family in open areas. Stay away from damaged buildings, and wait for future directions. If you have pets, take them to a shelter to be cared for while you can't.

9- Avoid using the phone / smartphone

Don't use the phone if you don't have to. That way you will avoid the collapse in the telephone lines. If you want to receive information, connect the radio or turn on the television. Remember that you should only do the latter if the electrical service has been restored and the connection of electrical appliances does not represent a risk.

By that time, the authorities should already be providing instructions on the next steps to take. How to organize rescue measures to help people who have been trapped. If you have neighbors or family members who are in this situation and you don't have the tools to help them safely, seek emergency assistance.

10- Keep calm and try to move just enough

If unfortunately you cannot get to safety and you are trapped in the rubble of a house, building or any other structure, do not lose your calm. The first thing to do is try to hold still. If you move too much, you could kick up dust. And this, entering your eyes and lungs, would be harmful.

Cover your mouth with a piece of cloth. If you don't have tissues on hand, try ripping your clothes a bit. The idea is that you inhale the least amount of particles that are in the air. Don't yell either, this can be dangerous.

Also, avoid using lighters or matches. Although the darkness seems scary to you, you do not know if there is a gas leak. If so, inducing the fire would be a fatal decision.

The best thing to do in a situation like this is to use a whistle so rescuers can find you. If you don't have one, try to orient yourself and check for a nearby pipe or slab that you can make noise with by hitting them with an iron or rock.

Earthquake Damage Prevention

Also do this with the area around you, that will help you determine if there are landslides in the area. If there is something that does not comply with the provisions of the Civil Defense, hire someone to help you repair it.

In addition, maintaining water and electricity facilities in good condition is essential in the event of an earthquake. This will help you quickly restore your home after a disaster.

These could fall and injure someone during an earthquake. The most advisable thing would be to leave them as close to the ground.

For cabinets, shelves, and appliances, fortify them so they don't fall off during violent shaking. You can use non-slip pads under televisions and computers. As well as velcro or any other similar product.

It is also important that you fix very well those objects that could cause damage when falling, such as mirrors, lamps, pictures, toxic products, flammables or similar things.

For that, place the furniture in an area that allows the free mobility of all the inhabitants.

Also, be sure to keep out any household chemicals or flammable items that you might trip over during eviction. If you can keep them in a place where there is no risk of spillage, the better.

If you live in a multi-story building or apartment complex, meet with the manager and other residents to decide how best to evacuate in the event of an earthquake. Marking an evacuation route is always a good idea.

15- Surround yourself with good emergency equipment

Finally, it is important that you keep all the necessary equipment in the proper places in case of an emergency. Items such as fire extinguishers and first aid tools are most useful when they are in plain sight.