How to Be Safe During an Earthquake
When the earth trembles, do you and your children know what to do? International Shake Out Day was Oct. 17 but The Shake Out Organization suggests any day is right to prepare for an earthquake.
Some parts of the world are subject to a higher frequency of earthquakes than others. The United States just had a small earthquake in California and we had a small tremor here in Kentucky. But that’s nothing compared to other regions of the world. So be prepared!
What to do!
When you feel the earth trembling, there are 3 simple steps to remember to reduce your chance of injury according to shakeout.org:
- DROP – onto your hands and knees where you are. This position protects you from being knocked down and also allows you to stay low and crawl to shelter if nearby.
- COVER – your head and neck with one arm and hand.
If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter.
If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall away from windows.
Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs. - HOLD ON – until the shaking stops.
Under shelter: hold on to it with one hand; be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts.
No shelter: hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands.
What if you’re Outside or in Bed or have Disabilities?
You must think about immediately protecting yourself where you are. According to the Earthquake Country Alliance there are Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety that explain what to do before, during and after an earthquake. Step 5 addresses these and other specific situations. Read here for details on all 7 steps http://www.earthquakecountry.org/sevensteps/
My Turkish Inspiration
The inspiration for this blog came from elementary and middle school parents of children attending a school in Istanbul, Turkey. They are prone to earthquakes in that area so the parents asked to have their emergency contact numbers, their child’s first name and their blood type on the bracelet in case of an earthquake. And much of the wording was Turkish like Blood type is Kan Grubu. The children are just now receiving their bracelets and I’m told they are thrilled. I truly hope they never, ever have to use them to identify their blood type.
Until Next Time!
About the Author: Michele Redmon is the owner of I.C.O.E. Bracelets. She loves the peace of mind these bracelets provide to parents, grandparents and children. With customer service a priority, she loves talking to her customers so drop her a line at mailto:mredmon@icoebracelets.com.