EARTHQUAKE

Pre Disaster Individual:

• Shelves for bookcases etc. should be fixed to the walls. Remove heavy objects from shelves above head level as these can topple over and fall
• Locate beds away from the windows and heavy objects that could fall
• Secure applications that could move, causing rupture of gas or electrical lines. Know location of master switches and shut off valves
• Make sure that overhead lightening fixtures are well secured to the ceiling & more heavy unstable objects away from exit routes
• Replace glass bottles with plastic containers or move them to the lowest shelves
• Be aware that with a severe EQ all services such as electric, water will probably be down. Emergency services may be extremely limited for few days.
• Store emergency supplies like water, food, first aid kit, medicines, tools, portable radio, flash light, batteries, blankets, fire extinguisher etc.

Government:

• Whether preparation of maps on earthquake prone areas done.
• Analysis of seismic risk & zonings for general purposes to be carried out
• Development of seismic codes of design & construction of various structures enforced
• Training of engineers & architects in earthquake engineering principles & use of codes
• Development of simple methods for upgrading the seismic resistance of traditional non-engineered construction and their dissemination to the common builders and owners by mass communication media, demonstration etc.
• Awareness to the community residing in the earthquake prone areas.

During Disaster: Individual

• Keep calm & help others to be calm
• Try to run safely to a nearest open space which is not surrounded by buildings, trees etc. but do so with great cautiousness.
• Do not use an elevator during the earthquake & do not rush to the roof of the house.
• Choose your exit as carefully as possible
• Once you feel it not possible to get out of the house/building quickly & safely, especially when you are inside a high rise building stay inside calmly
• While inside the house /building, choose a safe place to protect yourself take a shelter under a desk , table , bed or stand below the doorway( in case of an Assam type)
• If you are moving in a vehicle, move immediately to a place which is away from buildings, structures, bridges, electric lines etc & stop the vehicle there. Remain inside the car till the EQ stops · Do not light candles, gas stove, and cigarette (to prevent any fire from possible leakage of gas.
• Close your gas connection
• Free all your pets, domestic animals etc
• Though the shaking of the ground is frightening do not panic
• Turn your radio on…..

Post - Disaster Individual:

• Check yourself for injuries
• Examine all sections of your building & ensure that your building is not in danger of collapsing
• Get everyone of your house if it is found unsafe
• Use a helmet or cover your head with a pillow or rubber sheet while moving around inside the building
• Be prepared for additional earthquake shock called ―after shock‖
• Be prepared for additional earthquake shock called ―after shock‖
• Stay away from hanging portions of buildings etc and power electric lines and poles
• Close the valve of the gas cylinder and do not use open flames
• Do not switch on electric appliances if gas leakage is suspected
• Wear shoes while moving around
• Attend to injured person and inform the medical authorities as fast as possible
• If you are trapped inside a collapsed building, wait patiently for help. Remain calm and try to develop confidence
• Use a pipe or bamboo to detect any life inside a collapsed building.
• Do not spread rumors
• Turn on your radio  

Government:

• Areas affected should be cordoned off
• Affected people should be shifted to safe shelter places that has been identified
• Make arrangement for burning dead bodies and animal carcass
• Mobile health teams to be activated
• Clean the roads blocked.