Contents:
- Medical Video: 10 Ways to Survive an Earthquake, According to Experts
- Preparation before an earthquake occurs
- Actions when an earthquake occurs
- 1. If you are inside the house
- 2. If you are outside the house
- 3. If you are in a shopping center or in another public place
- 4. If you are in a vehicle
- 5. If you are on a mountain or beach
- Actions after the earthquake occurred
- Earthquake proof room
Medical Video: 10 Ways to Survive an Earthquake, According to Experts
Earthquakes are one of the natural disasters that often occur in Indonesia and also in several other countries. In Indonesia earthquakes often occur because this country is located at the confluence of the three main plates of the world, namely the Australian, Eurasian and Pacific plates. In addition earthquakes can also be caused by volcanic activity and the fall of rocks.
If we remember in the event of a magnitude 5.9 earthquake in Yogyakarta on May 22, 2007, we will certainly remember what happened there. As many as 5,778 people died, 37,883 people were injured and more than 600,000 houses were damaged. As many as 2,111,872 people in nine districts were forced to flee due to their homes being destroyed by the earthquake.
From the events of the earthquake that hit Yogyakarta, we can realize how terrible the earthquake was. Therefore, let us consider some important information from the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) about what must be done to deal with earthquakes!
Preparation before an earthquake occurs
You can do preparedness before an earthquake disaster arrives, such as:
- Identify the area around where you live (whether it is earthquake prone or not).
- When entering a building or building, pay attention to where the exit, emergency stairs, or ways to get out if you have to save yourself.
- In the room where you live, pay attention to safe places to take refuge when an earthquake occurs.
- Also consider a dangerous place if an earthquake occurs, such as near glass, poles or pillars, cabinets, etc.
- Record and store important telephone numbers that should be contacted when an earthquake occurs such as PMI, hospital, fire department, police, and others.
- Turn off the water, stove, gas, and electric faucets when finished.
Actions when an earthquake occurs
When an earthquake occurs keep calm, then do the following actions:
1. If you are inside the house
Try to save yourself and save your family. Take shelter under the table so the body is not exposed to falling objects. Protect your head with anything, such as pillows, boards or hands with your face down.
2. If you are outside the house
Duck down and protect your head, then move away from the building and the pole toward the open area. Do not take any action, wait until the situation is really calm because after the first earthquake there are usually aftershocks.
3. If you are in a shopping center or in another public place
Try to stay calm, usually a crowd of people in a disaster has the potential to panic. Follow instructions from security guards (security units) or rescue workers. Do not use the elevator when an earthquake or fire occurs but use an emergency ladder, then move to an open place.
4. If you are in a vehicle
Hold tightly to a pole or anything near you so that it doesn't fall out of shock or if the vehicle stops suddenly. Stay calm and follow the instructions or instructions from the officer. Ask the driver to stop the vehicle. After that move to an open place.
5. If you are on a mountain or beach
Earthquakes can cause landslides on mountains or hills. If you are in the mountains, move to a safe place such as an open field far from the slope area. Underwater earthquakes can cause tsunami waves, if an earthquake occurs, move to higher ground.
Actions after the earthquake occurred
After an earthquake disaster, take the following steps:
- If you are still in the room or building, get out immediately.
- Check your own situation, if there are any parts of your body that have been injured or crushed by objects.
- Ask adults to turn off electricity and gas.
- Do not fire, because there can be a gas leak or fuel spill.
- If you feel capable, give first aid to those around you.
- Listen to information from trusted sources and act according to the appeal.
Earthquake proof room
After realizing that most parts of Indonesia are prone to earthquakes, let's alert the earthquake. Earthquakes sometimes occur when we are sleeping. So it is very important to arrange your bedroom to be safe from earthquakes. For example, do not put objects that easily fall on the wall of the bed.
Link your closet to the wall and make sure it's really strong. Make sure when there is a vibration you are not struck by objects. Invite all your family members and friends to do the same.
Not only rooms, make your office space safe from earthquakes. In addition to the construction of the building, try to frame or attach other objects to the wall firmly. Arrange tables and chairs to keep it neat. There must be no obstacle to move to the exit when an earthquake occurs.
