fbpx

What to do in the event of an earthquake?

25/02/2022

A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck northern Sumatra, Indonesia on the morning of February 25, and aftershocks were felt in many states across the country, shaking for about 7 seconds.

Among them, high-rise buildings in Klang Valley and Johor Bahru were shaking, and the earthquake was especially felt in Klang Valley, including Klang, Banting, Sungai Buloh, Kajang, Putrajaya, and other places.

In fact, earthquakes or aftershocks have occurred successively in our country in recent years, and many experts have warned Malaysia that more earthquakes may occur in the future.

Our country has never faced a large earthquake, and many buildings do not have earthquake-proof measures. If Malaysians do not have the knowledge of earthquake prevention and escape, once a disaster strikes, they will be helpless, their homes will be destroyed, and a large number of casualties will be faced. 

First of all, it is necessary to understand that the disaster situation is unpredictable, and it is necessary to adapt to the situation at that time.

What should I do if I am indoors when an earthquake occurs?

If possible, you should hide in a place with a small interval and a more stable structure, such as a toilet. Because there is less large furniture that is easy to collapse in the toilet. And even if the ceiling or one of the walls collapses, and the fallen object may be blocked by the other wall, there is a source of water to sustain life in case of being trapped. In the event of an earthquake, it is recommended to squat down, stay away from fragile objects such as glass, wrap your head with cotton wool or thick clothing, protect your head with your hands, and hide under sturdy furniture or tables.

When an earthquake occurs, if you are in a crowded room such as a hotel or shopping mall

During an earthquake, many people will rush to the same exit to escape hastily, which will cause injury, so it is ideal to find a safe place for shelter. Anytime there is an earthquake, the most important thing is to protect your head, and many experts recommend ‘Drop, Cover and Hold on’, squat down, hide under a sturdy table, and hold on to the legs to resist shaking. Under a strong earthquake, furniture such as cabinets and bookshelves may tilt or even collapse. If you are in a room with many items, you should go to a corridor with less furniture or hide under a solid table. If you happen to be in the toilet during the earthquake, wait for a while, but remember to open the door first and put your shoes between the doors to prevent the door from deforming and being unable to open after the earthquake.

During an earthquake, should you go outside for the first time?

An earthquake with a relatively small magnitude may not necessarily require immediate escape from the house. An earthquake is only a matter of seconds or tens of seconds. It is not easy to escape outside unless the exit is not far away. When you go to an open space outdoors, be careful to stay away from buildings and overhead cables. A city escape is a little different than a suburban escape. In rural areas in the suburbs, the structure of the house may not be earthquake-proof, and there are no high-rise buildings outside. It is safer to go outside than stay indoors; but in the city, it is difficult for you to run to an open place within tens of seconds of an earthquake, so it is better to stay indoors.

What should I do if there is an earthquake while driving?

When the vibration is strong, the car will be difficult to control the direction, you should turn on the indicator light and stop on the side of the road. If you are in coastal areas, there is a possibility of a tsunami after an earthquake. Whether you are driving or not, flee to inland and higher places as soon as it is safe to do so. In addition, when a large ebb tide occurs at sea, it may be a precursor to a tsunami, and the public should be careful.

After today’s earthquake, we should also learn what to do in the event of an earthquake to prepare for the future!

You May Also Like…