Earthquake Safety Tips; Measures To Take If Stuck in A High-Rise Building

07 Nov, 2023 Author: Deepanshi

Earthquake in Delhi-NCR: An earthquake of magnitude 3.1 was experienced by the people of Delhi National Capital Region yesterday afternoon. Earlier last week, strong tremors were felt on Friday night in Delhi and nearby, when an earthquake of 6.4 magnitude hit Nepal, killing many.

During earthquakes, most of us are stuck in tall buildings i.e. either our workplace or home, so it is essential to be aware of the actions to take during an earthquake in a high-rise building.

Safety Tips before the Earthquake:

Get yourself in a safe position and shelter first, before trying to help others.
Conduct and be a part of natural disaster drills regularly to prepare yourself for the time of crisis.
Get to know all the safety protocols and measures, implemented in the building.
All the emergency exits should be free from obstruction so that during real-time crises, they won’t pose a hurdle.
If you are asked to evacuate in time, follow the instructions and gather at the decided place.

Safety Tips during the earthquake:

Do not try to leave the building, as the shaking floors make you more prone to getting hurt, and the debris falling during an earthquake has more probabilities of injúring you.
Stay clear from the windows or walls.
Follow the rule of Drop, Hold, and Cover.
You might have to drop to the ground, to gain balance as the shaking floor or swaying building might off-balance you, so drop on your hands and knees as it also allows you to crawl.
Always get shelter under a desk or table or anything sturdy to save your skull and neck. Use your hands to add a layer of double safety.
Avoid elevators. During disasters power cut is normal and you might get stuck.
To fetch help from outside, hit on metal with string objects to derive attention.

Staying alert and calm in times of distress like an earthquake are the foremost measures one should undertake to decrease their chances of injury. Regular drills and practices also train the mind and body for such occurrences. Stay aware and alert to ensure you can safeguard yourself first and others.