WHAT TO DO

BEFORE,
DURING, &
AFTER AN
EARTHQUAKE
Report by: Group 5

WHAT IS AN EARTHQUAKE?
Anearthquake(also known as

aquake,tremorortemblor) is the perceptible

shaking of the surface of the Earth, which can be
violent enough to destroy major buildings and kill
thousands of people. The severity of the shaking can
range from barely felt to violent enough to toss people
around. Earthquakes have destroyed whole cities. They
result from the sudden release of energy in theEarths
crustthat createsseismic waves. Theseismic activity
of an area refers to the frequency, type and size of
earthquakes experienced over a period of time.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthquake

PREPARING FOR AN
EARTHQUAKE
Check for hazards inside your home and

begin to fix them.

Create a Disaster Preparedness Plan.Know
what you and your family are going to do
before the earthquake happens. Form your
plan together and go over it on a regular basis.
Prepare disaster suppliesin advance.
Work with your community to be prepared.If
there aren't civic groups present in your area
focused on earthquake preparedness, work on
putting one together. The first step in keeping
everyone safe is education.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE AN
EARTHQUAKE
Movement of the ground seldom is
the actual cause of death or injury.
Most casualties result from partial
building collapses, falling objects
and debris, like toppling chimneys,
falling bricks, ceiling plaster, and
light fixtures. Many of these
conditions can be prevented by
taking a few steps now to prepare.

 Place heavier objects on lower shelves to

prevent breakage and personal injury.

Bolt to walls anything that might topple,

like top-heavy shelves, appliances, and

furniture. Don't hang heavy picture frames
or mirrors over the bed. Don't hang plants
in heavy pots that could swing free of
hooks.
Strap your water heater to wall studs with

metal plumbing tape to prevent broken

pipes and fires.

 Locate master switches and shutoff valves

for all utilities and know how to turn them

off. Your local utility company can show
you.
Keep on hand a flashlight; a portable radio

with fresh batteries; a first-aid kit; a fire

extinguisher (Class C is designed to use
safely on any type of fire, including
electrical, grease, and gas); a three-day
supply of fresh water; nonperishable,
ready-to-eat foods; and an adjustable
wrench for turning off gas and water.

WHAT TO DO DURING AN
EARTHQUAKE
During an earthquake, you may
experience a gentle shaking that
becomes violent in a second or two and
knocks you off your feet, or you may be
jarred first by a violent jolt- as though
your house was hit by a truck. A second
or two later, you feel the shaking and,
as in the first example, it may be
impossible to move from one room to
another.

 Stay calm and stay put.

If indoors,DROPto the ground;

takeCOVERby getting under a sturdy table or

other piece of furniture; andHOLD ONuntil
the shaking stops. If there isnt a table or
desk near you, cover your face and head with
your arms and crouch in an inside corner of
the building, under a desk or heavy table,
cover your head and neck and hold on until
shaking stops. Stay away from windows or
brick masonry (like fireplaces), bookcases,
china cabinets, and mirrors.

If outdoors, stay away from buildings,

trees, and power lines.

If driving, move away from overpasses,

stop slowly in a safe area, and stay in

your vehicle. Stay off bridges. Listen to
the radio.
If in a high-rise building, stay in the

building, on the same floor. Get under a

desk and stay away from outside walls
and windows. Do not use the elevator.

WHAT TO DO AFTER AN
EARTHQUAKE
Expect aftershocks. These
secondary shockwaves are usually
less violent than the main quake
but can be strong enough to do
additional damage to weakened
structures and can occur in the
first hours, days, weeks, or even
months after the quake.

 Wear sturdy shoes to protect your feet from

broken glass.
Check for injuries and apply necessary first

aid.
Check gas, water, electrical lines, and

appliances for damage. If you smell gas or see a

broken line, shut off the main valve. Do not
switch on the gas or electricity again until the
power company checks your home. Do not light
matches, use any open flames, or turn on
electrical switches or appliances until you are
certain that there are no gas leaks.

Check to see that sewage lines are

intact before you use the toilet. Plug

bathtub and sink drains to prevent
sewage backup.
Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches,

gasoline, and other flammable liquids.

Check for building damage and potential

safety hazards- like cracks around

chimneys or foundations.

Be prepared for aftershocks, which

can further damage weakened

structures.
Listen to the radio for public-safety

instructions.
Do not use the telephone except in

an emergency.
Source:
http://dnr.mo.gov/geology/geosrv/geores/what

WHAT HAPPENS DURING AN

EARTHQUAKE?

Earthquakes are caused by sudden

movement in opposing tectonic plates in
the earth.As plates move against each
other, sometimes the rocky edges catch
against one another. The rest of the plate
remains in motion, putting stress on the
sticking point, and when it gives way, an
earthquake occurs.
Source: www.ask.com Science Earth Science
Earthquakes

END!
Group 5
Gravoso, Pauline B.
Paule, John Christian
Valencia, Kathleen D.