How to deal with disasters such as World War, Earthquakes, etc. ? (Part4)

• The adverse times that Sanatan has been warning of for some years now are at our doorstep ! The Covid-19 pandemic, which has affected the whole world over the past year, is but a small glimpse of the coming adverse times.
• The impact of the actual disasters is going to be many times more horrific and inhumane. It will be in different forms – man-made and natural. We will look at some of these problems in this series.
• This series will give an overview of what you can do to protect yourself and your family during these adverse times. The purpose of this series is to alert and help prepare you.
• This article covers aspects related to earthquakes such as precursors, protective measures required and practical aspects while facing an earthquake.
• The adverse times that Sanatan has been warning about are at our doorstep ! Their impact is going to be more horrific !

Natural Calamities – Earthquakes

1. Signs of earthquakes : The following signs can be observed before an earthquake.

A. A low rumbling sound emanates from the earth.

B. Pots in a cabinet start shaking violently.

C. Cracks appear on the plaster of the walls, and some of that falls off.

D. Cracks appear on the walls; structurally weak and old houses collapse.

E. Geographical shifts occur on the surface; the surface of the earth moves up & down and sideways.

F. Cracks appear on roads; bridges, railings collapse and boulders come cracking down / fall.

G. Rail tracks bend, their alignment is disturbed.

H. Cracks appear even on solid dam walls.

I. Oceanic earthquakes give rise to Tsunami waves. These 100-300 feet waves can wreak havoc in the coastal areas.

2. Protective measures to be taken to be ready for an earthquake

A. The importance of alertness, promptness and being patient : No one can accurately predict an earthquake, its intensity or location. Hence, it is critical to remain alert, prompt and patient to avoid or reduce the loss of lives and property. Therefore, it is every citizen’s duty to create scientific awareness among the people. During an earthquake, many lives are lost due to the destruction of property, ensuing fear and associated stampedes.

B. Wind chimes help gauge the magnitude of the earthquake : Wind chimes should be hung to the ceiling as they help gauge the intensity of the earthquake. If their pleasant tinkling gets converted into noisy clanging, it’s a warning of a higher magnitude of an earthquake.

C. Identify the safe areas to hide during an earthquake : During an earthquake, you can take cover under a thick table top desk or stay close to the interior corners of your house. It is equally critical to identify dangerous places to hide and avoid them at any cost during an earthquake

D. Important points regarding heavy luggage/objects in your house : Do not keep heavy luggage or items in the higher shelves as they can easily fall over and pose a real danger under these circumstances. Also, as the items in them and other furniture can fall off easily, secure them to the walls with nails.

E. Keep the breakable items in locked cabinets : Keep heavy, fragile and precious items on the lower shelves. Glassware and crockery should be kept in a locked cabinets/cupboards. It is preferable not to have cabinets/cupboards with glass doors or mirrors and even large photo frames in your house. If you have these, keep them on the floor to minimise any loss.

F. Tightly secure the chandeliers and other hanging items; else, they may fall off. Better to remove them.

G. Fix cracks as soon as they appear on the roof.

H. During an earthquake, there is a real possibility of a blast due to broken cooking gas hoses. Hence, as a precautionary measure, install flexible and durable hoses instead.

3. Steps to be taken during an earthquake

A. If your building is shaking violently, an attempt to get out can prove to be fatal. Instead, take cover under a strong desk or table and if this is not possible, try to cover your head and neck with your hands.

B. If your house or office is a part of a building, do not rush to get out of the building; instead, stay calm and try to get out in an orderly fashion. Under these circumstances, avoid using lifts.

C. During a higher magnitude earthquake, stay indoors – be it your house or office. Take cover under areas identified earlier as relatively safer under such circumstances. Use pillows to protect your head. Stay away from doors and windows.

D. Switch off the main electric supply. Also, put off the gas cylinder and stove as applicable.

E. If you are out in the open, stay where you are. At the same time, be careful to stay away from buildings, trees, electric poles and electric wires.

F. If you are in a vehicle, park it in an open and safe location and do not get out.

G. If you are close to a seashore or a river, try to reach higher ground and stay there for a while.

H. If you are on a hill or riding downhill, be careful to protect yourself from boulders.

4. The aftermath of an earthquake

After an earthquake, you will find the ruins of buildings wherever you see. Injured people run helter-skelter either to help the badly injured or seek medical aid for themselves. The entire area gets engulfed by dust clouds. Many people get buried under rubble while thousands are seen dead. A few get trapped inside a partially collapsed building, and their morale is very low. Injured people desperately call for help, but in some places, even cellular network is unavailable due to widespread destruction. The electric supply gets interrupted. The fire brigade, ambulances and volunteers of charitable organisations cannot reach in time on account of badly damaged roads.

5. Steps to be taken after an earthquake

A. First Aid : Check if you have been injured and then either get first aid from others or do it yourself.

B. Get out of the building if it is unsafe there : Inspect your house or building for signs of damage. After an earthquake, a few lower magnitude tremors can follow, which may cause your building to collapse. Hence, if you believe your building is unsafe, help people get out of the house/building.

C. Keep an emergency kit handy : Keep the battery/torch from the kit handy as it helps locate items from the kit during power shortages.

D. Check if there is any gas leakage or inflammable liquids : Check if there has been any leakage of cooking gas. Additionally, make sure that inflammable liquids (such as kerosene and oil) do not spill on the floor or other objects. Once you make sure that there is no gas leakage and no flammable substance in the vicinity, you may proceed either to switch the electric supply on or to light a fire in your stove.

E. Avoid being barefooted, and wear a helmet : There can be broken pieces of glass and metal sheets on the floor. Hence, wear sandals or shoes as walking barefoot may cause injury to your feet. If possible, wear a helmet.

F. Before using the toilet : Use the toilet only after ensuring that the drainage system and pipes are intact.

G. Ensure the safety of pets and keep them tied : Pets such as cats and dogs may display behavioural changes – unprovoked anxiety, stress, pacing, increased activity, continuous barking or meowing. Keep them tied at a safe location to ensure their safety; else, they may run helter-skelter and get lost eventually.

H. If electricity supply is interrupted, use battery-operated radio for latest instructions : It may take a considerable amount of time for the electricity supply to resume after an earthquake. During this time, a battery-operated portable radio may prove to be quite useful as latest news and instructions are broadcast.

I. Precautionary measures required for vehicles : Do not drive unless necessary. This will speed up relief and rescue work and facilitate the rapid movement of vehicles. Empty roads are necessary for smooth operation of relief work.

J. Help the Government agencies and other charitable organisations in rescue work : Many people get killed as buildings collapse. Many dead bodies do not get recognised as they get crushed under the rubble. The family members of the dead are heartbroken and need to be dealt with carefully. In such a situation, help the members of Government agencies such as the Police, Ambulance, Fire-fighters, and other volunteers in identifying the deceased.

K. Stay away from seashores. We cannot rule out a possibility of a Tsunami after an earthquake.

L. If the situation compels you to vacate your home, leave a note about your whereabouts.

M. Avoid taking bridges and flyovers as they may have been damaged.

N. Don’t enter any dilapidated buildings.

6. If you get trapped under the rubble

If you get trapped under the rubble, do not light a matchstick, as leaked gas or any inflammatory substance can ignite easily; and it may set the adjacent material on fire. As far as possible, cover your face with a piece of cloth. Knock on the pipe or wall or whistle for seeking help. It will help preserve some of your energy. If this does not help, shout as a last resort.