Earthquake evacuation?

March 10,2010

I have had a great many inquires lately related to evacuations and earthquakes. This is not surprising since there have been three major earthquakes (Haiti, Chili, and Turkey)already this year. Earthquake activity is closely monitored by scientists around the world and their research supplies the public with some very valuable information. These scientist are able to tell us how big and where an earthquake is likely to happen. They can even predict what the likely effects on the impacted area will be. The big problem is that science has not yet discovered a way to tell us when the earthquake will occur. It could be tomorrow or it could be fifty years from now.

I consider earthquakes are one of the very worst natural disasters because they strike without warning. I am sorry to report that without this critical warning you will not be able to evacuate from an earthquake. Everyone must first survive the earthquake and then they can consider whether or not to evacuate.

Here are the basics to surviving during an earthquake. FEMA reports that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave. So try to remain in your immediate area if at all possible. If you are inside seek immediate shelter under a heavy desk or table and hold on. You should stay away from exterior walls and any heavy furniture or glass objects which could shatter or fall on you. Anyone finding themselves outside during an earthquake should go to an open area away from buildings, trees, and utility lines.

There is a lot of useful information about earthquakes at www.earthquake.usgs.gov

Additional evacuation information is available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com