06/07/2013
Disaster Preparedness
How can I protect myself in an earthquake?
Ground vibrations during an earthquake are seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related injuries and deaths result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects caused by the ground shaking. It is extremely important for a person to move as little as possible to reach the place of safety he or she has identified, because most injuries occur when people try to move more than a few feet during the shaking.
Much of the damage caused by earthquakes is predictable and preventable. We must all work together in our communities to apply our knowledge to enact and enforce up-to-date building codes, retrofit older unsafe buildings, and avoid building in hazardous areas, such as those prone to landslides. We must also look for and eliminate hazards at home, where our children spend their days, and where we work. And we must learn and practice what to do if an earthquake occurs.
Related Links
USGS website
Earthquakes
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During an Earthquake
When the ground shakes, every moment matters. What will you do?
After an Earthquake
You may be sound asleep, stranded in rush hour traffic, on the job, or at play. When the ground shakes, you must know what to do next. http://ow.ly/lN9yo
Information on earthquakes and how to protect yourself in an earthquake