• Question: From studying earthquakes, what would you do in an emergency while an earthquake was taking place?

    Asked by goodman to Davie, Gemma, James P, James V, Nuala on 26 Jun 2012.
    • Photo: James Pope

      James Pope answered on 26 Jun 2012:

      Hi goodman,

      I have always heard it was to stand in a doorway, as they are the strongest part of your house you can get under. But I imagine James V has the offical information! Thankfully not much of an issue here in the UK, our earthquakes are very small!

    • Photo: Davie Galloway

      Davie Galloway answered on 26 Jun 2012:

      while an earthquake is taking place …

      If you’re indoors, stay there. Get under a desk or table, or stand against an interior wall. Stay clear of exterior walls, glass, heavy furniture, fireplaces and appliances. The kitchen is a particularly dangerous spot. If you’re in an office building, stay away from windows and outside walls and do not use the lift.

      If you’re outside, get into the open. Stay clear of buildings, power lines or anything else that could fall on you.

      If you’re driving, move the car out of traffic and stop. Avoid parking under bridges or anything that is likely to collapse. Try to get clear of trees, lampposts, signs and power lines. When you resume driving, watch out for road hazards.

      If you’re in a mountainous area, beware of the potential for landslides. Likewise, if you’re near the ocean, be aware that tsunamis are associated with large earthquakes. Get to high ground.

      If you’re in a crowded public place, avoid panicking and do not rush for the exit. Stay low and cover your head and neck with your hands and arms.

      hope that answers your question @goodman

    • Photo: James Verdon

      James Verdon answered on 26 Jun 2012:

      Hi goodman,
      The important thing to remember is that the majority of deaths come from things collapsing on top of people. So basically, try to stay away from anything that could collapse. Also, bear in mind that if you’re near a coast, and a tsunami is created, it could take a few minutes until it hits, so just because there isn’t one immediately, you should still think about getting to high ground.

      Finally, in the aftermath, fires are often started from broken gas pipes, so you need to watch out for things like that as well. Also people in poorer countries people often die afterwards because there’s no sanitation, so they catch diseases, and no shelter, so if it’s cold they can get hypothermia.

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