Disaster Preparedness and Response

I.

Background Information Earthquake is a shaking of the ground caused by the breaking and shifting of subterranean rock under immense pressure. The vibrations that constitute an earthquake are at times sufficiently severe to damage or destroy man made structures and to effect visible changes on the earths surface. Often the vibrations are felt by people but no destruction. In the great majority of cases their existence is known only through records of their passage obtained on instruments called seismographs, designed to register this kind of ground movement. When earthquake waves are recorded by seismographs at distant points, the patterns indicate that the waves originated within q limited region called the focus of the earthquake. It is thought that many foci are in range of 30 miles in length and breadth, but few of the largest many measure up to 500 or 600 miles. Foci have been located at depths down to a little more than 1/10 of the earths radius.

II.

Problem Statement Earthquakes cause a lot of devastation, causing great loss of life and opportunity. The following are some of the effects of earthquakes: Deformed ground surface Damage to man - made structures Damage to towns and cities Loss of human and animal life Devastating fires Landslides Flash floods Tsunamis Seiche

Sandblows Faults

The main damaged is caused to human and animal life and damage to properties. This study aims to answer the following questions What is the best thing to do during and after earthquakes? What are the precautionary measures to be taken in consideration?

III.

Analysis of the Study An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the Earth caused by the breaking and shifting of rock beneath the Earths surface. For hundreds of millions of years, the forces of plate tectonics have shaped the Earth as the huge plates that form the Earths surface move slowly over, under, and past each other. Sometimes the movement is gradual. At other times, the plates are locked together, unable to release the accumulating energy. When the accumulated energy grows strong enough, the plates break free causing the ground to shake. Most earthquakes occur at the boundaries where the plates meet; however, some earthquakes occur in the middle of plates. Ground shaking from earthquakes can collapse buildings and bridges; disrupt gas, electric, and phone service; and sometimes trigger landslides, avalanches, flash floods, fires, and huge, destructive ocean waves (tsunamis). Buildings with foundations resting on unconsolidated landfill and other unstable soil, and trailers and homes not tied to their foundations are at risk because they can be shaken off their mountings during an earthquake. When an earthquake occurs in a populated area, it may cause deaths and injuries and extensive property damage. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes that follow the main shock and can cause further damage to weakened buildings. Aftershocks can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks, and a larger earthquake might occur.

Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related injuries result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects as a result of the ground shaking, or people trying to move more than a few feet during the shaking. Much of the damage in earthquakes is predictable and preventable. We must all work together in our communities to apply our knowledge to building codes, retrofitting programs, hazard hunts, and neighborhood and family emergency plans.

IV.

Discussion of Solutions

To be stay alive during and after earthquakes, precautionary measure should be done.

If you are indoors, seek shelter beneath a sturdy table or desk, or an interior doorway. Hold on, dont let the table slide or the door swing and hit you. Stay indoors until the shaking stops.

If you are outdoors, move away from power lines and buildings faces even if you have to step into the building. Stay away from chimneys. If you are driving, pull over, but stay in the clear dont stop on or under bridges, overpasses or tunnels. If you are in a coastal area, move to higher ground. Tsunamis are often created by earthquakes. If you are in a mountainous area or near unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for falling rocks and other debris that could be loosened by the earthquake. Landslides commonly happen after earthquakes.

Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one, drop, cover, and hold on. Aftershocks frequently occur minutes, days, weeks, and even months following an earthquake.

Stay out of damaged buildings. If you are away from home, return only when authorities say it is safe. Damaged buildings may be destroyed by aftershocks following the main quake.

Avoid smoking inside buildings. Smoking in confined areas can cause fires. Use the telephone only to report life-threatening emergencies. Telephone lines are frequently overwhelmed in disaster situations. They need to be clear for emergency calls to get through.

Watch animals closely. Leash dogs and place them in a fenced yard. The behavior of pets may change dramatically after an earthquake. Normally quiet and friendly cats and dogs may become aggressive or defensive.

V.

Recommendation

Preparation is the key to living with earthquakes. Preparations can be long-term or short-term, community or personal.

Here are some steps that will help you deal with an earthquake:

Construct and maintain an Earthquake Kit. Learn to shut off water and gas supplies to your home. Devise a family communication plan. Discuss a community response plan. Take a first-aid course. Learn what to do during an earthquake.

References: Groiler International, Inc. 2003, The Encyclopedia Americana.-An International Edition, Volume 9. USA, Scholastic Library Publishing http://eqseis.geosc.psu.edu http://www.redcross.org/disaster/safety/guide/g-index.pdf