WHAT TO DO IN AN EARTHQUAKE: FEMA FACT SHEET

Due to the earthquake

that occurred today -

August 23, 2011

on the east coast.

Here's some important
safety tips
for all
the east coasters

who
DO NOT

typically experience earthquakes

brought to you

first by

YouTube west coast videoclip

and 

The FEMA Factsheet

by

New York Committee

for Occupational Safety and Health

(NYCOSH)

FEMA FACTSHEET:

. 

What to Do During an Earthquake:

- Be aware some earthquakes are actually foreshocks

and

a larger earthquake might occur.

- Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place

and

- IF you are indoors, stay there until the shaking has stopped

and

you are sure exiting is safe.

If indoors:

 - DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops.

- If there isn't a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.

- Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall,

- Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head

- Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly
- Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside.

- Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
- Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
- DO NOT use the elevators.

If outdoors:

 - Stay there.

- Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
- Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.

- The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls.

- Many of the 120 fatalities from the 1933 Long Beach earthquake occurred when people ran outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from collapsing walls.

- Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury.

- Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.

If in a moving vehicle:

- Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

If trapped under debris:


- Do not move about or kick up dust.

- Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.

- Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

Federal Emergency Management Agency
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
500 C Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20472
(202) 646-2500

(800) 621-FEMA / TTY (800) 462-7585
3 Step Guide for Assistance

PEACE!