Don’t Shake with the Earthquake
What to do in the case of an Earthquake? Myths and facts explained.
The onset of an earthquake always surprises us. Therefore, seismic movements have negative psychological effects on humans, who are accustomed to considering the Earth as safe support. In those moments, when everything around is violently shaken, objects fall, walls crack and buildings collapse, people are terrified, after which they hardly recover.
Many of us fear earthquakes and their consequences. Over time, earthquakes have claimed many lives. During an earthquake, the tectonic movement of the earth does not kill you, but the resulting explosions, fires, and falling buildings do. Deaths increase in proportion to human panic. Therefore, in the event of an earthquake, it is ideal not to panic.
Myths about earthquakes
For a long time, mythology, folklore, and religions had tried to explain earthquakes. According to folk legends, earthquakes were attributed to mythological creatures that supported the earth, when they moved earthquakes occurred.
Ancient Greeks thought Atlas causes earthquakes. Some North American Indian tribes believed that Earth is supported by a turtle which is on a cobra, and earthquakes are occurring when one of these creatures move.
Myths that can still kill today
- Dogs and other animals can feel when an earthquake strikes. It is impossible to determine if a dog is behaving unusually because it smells an earthquake or a cat across the road. Changes in animal behavior were observed before earthquakes, but these behaviors are not consistent, and sometimes there is no noticeable change in behavior before an earthquake.
- Earthquakes occur during earthquake weather. Because earthquakes have their epicenter tens of kilometers away from the earth, earthquakes can occur at any time.
- Large earthquakes occur only in the morning. Just as they don’t care about the weather, earthquakes don’t care about the time they occur. People who believe in this myth tend to remember only the earthquakes that happened in the morning. Besides, when an earthquake wakes you up, you tend to remember it better and, also, you tend to consider it was in the morning.
- The Triangle of Life is the safest method of shelter in the event of an earthquake. According to a popular myth on the internet, the safest hiding place in case of an earthquake is next to various objects, not under them. Because when the ceiling of the room collapses, it forms a triangular gap. The triangle of life works only on ground floor buildings because if a tall building collapses, the floors will collapse on top of each other. Thus, the probability of saving you is very low.
- The safest place to take shelter during an earthquake is in the doorway. This is true if you live in an old house. In new homes, it is not advisable to do this because the doors are no longer strong. Most of the walls are just for partitioning and not structural.
What NOT to do during the earthquake?
- Don’t hide under the bed. We all know from when we were kids that under the bed seems to be the safest place. But the small space under the bed will become even smaller if the ceiling collapses. If you are in bed, the ideal is not to panic. Just cover your head with pillows and duvets to protect yourself. If the bed is under a light fixture or there is a closet in danger of falling, then it is better to take shelter in another place in the house.
- Don’t stay near a window. During an earthquake, some people have the curiosity to see what is happening outside. It is a big mistake to stay near a window, a mirror, or anything made of glass. Just imagine the damage that the pieces of shattered glass can do to the human body. The glass moves and breaks into strange patterns during earthquakes and these pieces can cause death.
- Don’t run outside. Outside is not as safe as you can imagine, especially if you live in a city and there are buildings and electrified wires. Many studies suggest that most of the injuries occur when people are trying to rush outside. Best wait for the earthquake to stop. If you are in a public place, don’t run towards the exit. Many people will do the same. In this case, the crowd produces more casualties than the earthquake.
- Don’t use the elevator. If you really need to exit the building, don’t use the elevator. Electricity can stop and you risk getting stuck inside. Ideally, choose the stairs, but be careful and don’t run.
- Don’t stay under a bridge. In case you are driving, don’t stay under a bridge. Better stop the car elsewhere and stay inside. Be careful to park the car away from trees, bridges, and electricity cables.
- Don’t use matches, lighters, and electrical equipment. Just don’t use any of those until you are certain that there are no gas leaks.
- Don’t call at the emergency number. Call only if you are in danger. Don’t keep the lines busy when other people are in need.
What to do during the earthquake?
In the event of an earthquake, keep calm and calm the surrounding people. Protect yourself against a resistance wall or adopt a squatting position, covered and supported by a solid object. Stay away from windows, exterior walls, or objects that may cause damage. Turn off the fire sources!
If you are outside, stay away from buildings, electricity poles, trees, and other objects that may harm you.
If you are indoors in a public place, remain calm and follow the same guidelines as at home. The evacuation is made after the earthquake stops and the escape routes are verified.
Last but not least
There is no need to shake with the earthquake. Just don’t forget to have prepared the emergency backpack. It must contain items to help you for 3–5 days if you need to leave the house or if you are blocked inside.
Minimum content:
- water (at least 4 l)
- food not likely to go bad quickly (biscuits, energy bars, etc)
- first aid kit
- blanket
- radio with batteries
- flashlight
- backup batteries
- whistle
- personal hygiene items (soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, etc)
- a notebook with important phone numbers.
