Earthquake safety measures

Aamir Ali
One person died and many got injured after a 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck adjoining areas of Bhaderwah town. Scores of private and Government buildings got damaged in Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts, which were in close vicinity to the epicentre. Erstwhile Doda and many districts of the Valley, including Srinagar fall in Seismic Zone-V and other parts of the State fall in Seismic Zone-IV, which are vulnerable to earthquakes. Some people have floated rumours that there may be another earthquake, in some area on a particular date. It is important to clarify that despite research being done worldwide, earthquakes cannot be predicted. Earthquakes occur very frequently in many countries including Japan, but the loss of life or damage to property is minimal, as the people have learnt to live with earthquakes. They have constructed earthquake resistant buildings and religiously follow Do’s and Don’ts about earthquakes safety measures. An earthquake does not usually cause death or injury by itself. People are generally hurt by falling items, collapsing walls or heavy objects. Collapsing buildings can cause short-circuits and fires, which can lead to panic and confusion. With precautions it is possible to avoid such confusions and damages. We need to learn about earthquakes, speak about them with our friends, family members and especially children, in a cool, calm and composed manner.
By adopting proper structural measures and BIS codes we should construct earthquake-resistant buildings and retrofit the existing old structures. We have unfortunately put to disuse Dajji Diwari and Taaq, the traditional techniques of earthquake resistant constructions. Instead, we have adopted modern building constructions without adhering to the safety measures.
In view of our vulnerability to disasters especially earthquakes we need to adopt non-structural measures, such as re-arrange furniture items in our homes, especially corridors and passages, so as to allow easy movement in case of evacuation. Heavy objects should be placed on the floor or on lower shelves so that they don’t fall in the event of shaking. All members of the family should compulsorily be taught basic first aid and fire fighting. Civil Defence Organisation provides this training free of cost to interested persons. All members of the family should learn to switch-off main electric supply and the LPG regulator, in case the need arises. First-aid kits, fire extinguisher, rope, torch, adequate drinking water, ready-to-eat food items and portable transistor radio should be kept available and handy, so that these can be put to use, in the event of a disaster.
During an earthquake:
If indoors, we should drop down to the floor and take cover under a sturdy desk, table or furniture; hold on to it and be prepared to move with it, until the ground stops shaking. Take cover under the lintel of an inner door; or in the corner of a room. Stay clear of windows, fireplaces, heavy furniture or appliances that may fall. Keep away from windows, mirrors and chimneys.
Never rush to the doors or exist, as it may cause a stampede. Never use the lift in case of an earthquake or fire.
If in a crowded area, take cover, stay calm and encourage others to do likewise.
If you are outside, move away from buildings and electric wires. Walk towards an open place, in a calm and composed manner. Don’t run and keep away from buildings, especially old, tall or dilapidated buildings, electric wires, slopes and walls, which may be liable to collapse.
If you are driving, stop your vehicle, away from the traffic and park safely on the side, but stay inside your car. Keep away from bridges, flyovers and tunnels. Avoid stopping under trees or electric lines.
If you are in a mountainous area, or near unstable slopes/cliffs, be alert for avalanches, falling rocks or debris that could be loosened by the earthquake.
After an earthquake:
Expect aftershocks. Keep calm and do not panic.
Switch on the radio and obey any instructions you hear on the radio.
Turn off the electricity and LPG in your homes and offices, if possible. Don’t light matches or a lighter. Do not turn on electric switches as there may be gas leaks or short-circuits. Use a torch instead. In case of a fire, try to put it out with the help of a fire extinguisher and inform the fire brigade on phone number 101.
*If there are people injured, help them if you are trained in first-aid.
*In case your home is badly damaged you may have to leave it. Collect water containers, food and ordinary and special medicines, for persons with heart complaints, diabetes, asthma etc. Do not re-enter badly damaged buildings and don’t go near damaged structures.
*Do not spread and believe in rumors
We are living in an earthquake prone area, when and where an earthquake will strike and what will be its magnitude is known only to the Almighty. Despite these precautions, future earthquakes may still cause damage to buildings, displace items within buildings, and disrupt basic utilities that we take for granted. We can’t stop an earthquake but we can prepare ourselves so as to minimize the damages, if any, due to the earthquake. Instead of Rescue, Relief and Rehabilitation measures we need to invest in Preparedness, Planning and Prevention measures, so that we can drastically reduce the loss of life and property, and make J&K a safer place to live. . . . The choice is ours.
(The author is Dy. Chief Warden, Civil Defence, Srinagar)

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