What to Do During and After an Earthquake When You’re at Work We all know that The Big One—a high-magnitude earthquake to hit the West Valley Fault—can come anytime without notice. You can be at home, on a commute, or at the office when it strikes. While we can do nothing to stop natural disasters like earthquakes, preparedness and proper disaster management can help us in case the big earthquake occurs. Here are some helpful tips to remember when you feel the ground shaking while you’re at the workplace. DURING AN EARTHQUAKE
1. Stay calm.
Staying calm during a crisis can save lives. The number one rule during a disaster is to never panic. Panicking can cause mass hysteria which can worsen the situation. It’s important to know the proper way of carrying yourself and knowing what to do step by step upon the occurrence of an earthquake.
2. Drop. Cover. Hold.
Drop, cover, and hold is the golden rule in case of an earthquake. When you feel the shaking begin, immediately drop down. Seek cover under a sturdy table or desk and hold on to it until the shaking stops. Be on the lookout for glass windows which might break. Stay away from them and remember the Triangle of Life, an earthquake survival theory which recommends looking for a protective space near solid items. No matter how afraid you are, never close your eyes. It is important that you are aware of what’s happening around you.
3. Stay away from windows and heavy objects.
Stay away from breakable windows to avoid injury. Keep yourself sheltered in an office area away from breakable objects such as glass windows and chandeliers. Study each corner and steer away from areas with heavy objects as it might fall over you and cause injury. If there is no other available location, remember again the Triangle of Life and position yourself in the safest possible corner.
4. Stay indoors until the shaking stops.
Wait for the shaking to stop before doing any action. Stay put wherever you are until the shaking stops. Think of possible escape routes to the safest area where you can walk calmly after the tremor. Make sure you are wearing reliable footwear in case you have to walk on broken glasses caused by the earthquake. AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE
1. Check yourself and others for injury.
Check on yourself and others for injury. After the shaking stops, inspect yourself and others while remembering your escape plan. Act immediately while practicing safety and taking care of injured persons who need quick attention. Provide necessary help if you are trained or authorized. If trapped in a building, get your first aid kit or use your phone to call for help. Wait for instructions from persons in charge before leaving the area.
2. Search for the fastest and safest exit.
Calmly go the emergency exit to evacuate. Reach for the fastest and safest exit of the building or office area. Beware of collapsing walls and falling debris on your way out and always protect your head with your hands while going outside. Make sure you are wearing durable shoes to keep your feet from getting injured. As much as possible, avoid passing through damaged areas. Use the stairs instead of the elevator and evacuate calmly. Don’t forget to grab your 72-hour go bag.
3. Expect aftershocks.
Assume the aftershocks will follow. After the shaking stops, it is safe to assume that aftershocks might follow. Tune in to the local radio station and wait for the authorities’ advisory on what to do, where to evacuate, and when it is already safe to go home. In case of a tsunami alert, immediately move on to higher areas and government-designated evacuation centers.
4. Call your loved ones using a cellphone.
Call your loved ones and let them know of your situation. Once you already made sure you’re safe, call your loved ones and tell them of your situation. Immediately ask for help from the authorities if they are trapped in an unlikely situation. You can dial 911, the emergency hotline number which was recently launched in the Philippines.
5. Listen to the news.
Turn on the radio for announcements. Use a battery-operated radio to listen to news regarding the quake. It is a must to prepare a portable radio different from your cellphone which you can bring anywhere in case you need to evacuate to a safer area. Wait for instructions and information from people in authority and follow them accordingly. No technology has yet been invented to predict earthquakes. But we can save lives through preparation and arming ourselves with the right knowledge on proper disaster management.